• Road world championships

Kwiatkowski strikes late to claim world road title

Poland's Michal Kwiatkowski celebrates as he crosses the finish line in Ponferrada © Getty Images

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Poland's Michal Kwiatkowski stole the men's road race title in a gruelling battle at the world road championships in Spain.

Kwiatkowsk, 24, added to his two European titles after picking the perfect time to strike for the lead, on the final climb, to claim world title glory.

The Polish rider then drove for the finish on an extended descent, able to hold the lead he had boldly wrestled in the final stages.

Britain's Ben Swift kept himself in contention for much of the race in Ponferrada, but the 26-year-old was unable to stay the course and wound up in a photo-finish for 12th place.

After crossing the line, Swift paid tribute to the victorious Kwiatkowski, as well as Great Britain team-mate Pete Kennaugh who attacked in the final third of the race.

"Kwiatkowski is such a class act," he admitted. "He's had his team on the front all day and he definitely deserved that win. Chapeau to him.

"I gave it my best shot. It was just that last steep climb that really, really hurt. I got myself into a good little position. It was just a hard day.

"Pete was fantastic today. That was brilliant. He went with that move. It was a bit of a strange race to be honest. I expected it to be more attacking."

Australia's Simon Gerrans stole second place in a tight finish, with Spain's Alejandro Valverde third.

Kwiatkowski slowed to the finish line after his punishing finish, eventually pipping Gerrans by one second in the official timings.

Switzerland's Fabian Cancellara just pipped Swift into 11th. Nicolas Roche came home in 26th place for Ireland.

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