Michal Kwiatkowski is trying to begin his purple patch of form later in 2015 than has been the case in 2014, when the Pole was winning as early as February, to ensure he can reach the Tour de France in peak shape to get results.

He is currently at the Tour de San Luis where he is taking things easy and jot trying to go with the lead groups on the climbs, as he wants to be in his best shape for the Ardennes, Tour and his World title defence.

“I’m trying to do what I have to,” Kwiatkowski told Cyclingnews in San Luis on Friday. “You can see me on the finishes of the climbs going easy, because we’re trying for a stage win with Cav and trying to keep the group together."

“For me, this is just the first race of the season and I’m trying to learn that I need to take some of the first races of the season easier because in the past, I’ve had the difficulty where I’ve been in big shape from the start and then I’ve paid for it. I’m trying to take it more calmly which is difficult for me because I always want to race.”

Kwiatkowski’s early season aggression is the only things about the rider that has changed since he won the Rainbow Jersey and the young Pole is still the same person he was and is always available for interviews, although he has had to become more organized.

“When I’m racing I’m not really thinking about it (the Rainbow Jersey),” he said. “I know it’s a big responsibility and I have to organise my time, my agenda, my time for the interviews, everything. I’m quite busy but in the end I’m staying the same person. I’m trying to realise my goals. Until now everything’s going well so let’s hope I can be able to achieve my goals this season.”