Having recently turned 33 years old, Bartosz Huzarski (NetApp-Endura) is experienced enough to maintain an objective outlook. The Polish rider does not sugarcoat the results he pulled in during the 2013 season, instead ruing a slow start to his year, and hoping for a more consistent full season in 2014.
By his standard, Huzarski had a lethargic start to the year. Riding for NetApp-Endura, he has a dual focus on the beginning of the season and the end, as the large number of smaller, regional races attract the professional continental squad.
The Pole made his racing days count in the second portion of the season, not picking up any victories, but shining brightly in multiple races. His home Tour of Poland got things kick-started. He held the sprinter’s and climber’s jerseys after the first stage, and finished as the most aggressive rider.
Riding the Vuelta a España, he finished third on stage 16 behind Warren Barguil (Argos-Shimano) and Rigoberto Uran (Sky Procycling). It was Huzarski’s second grand tour stage podium finish, after placing second behind Joaquim Rodriguez in a Giro d’Italia stage to Assisi in 2012. The Pole finished his season at Il Lombardia, taking 24th.
“My year in cycling was average,” Huzarski stated flatly to RadsportNews.com. “That’s mainly due to the first half of my season, which I am not proud of.”
After placing 19th in the Amgen Tour of California in May, Huzarski had his best chance of the season’s first half to put his skills on display, at the Critérium du Dauphiné. He struggled through it before dropping out during stage seven.
“At the Critérium du Dauphiné, I don’t know what was wrong with me,” Huzarski admitted. “That was not me. After that, I recovered and did a good Tour de Pologne. And then I was able to hold my good shape until the end of the season.”
In the World Road Race Championship, Huzarski was part of the original breakaway, and was the last man caught as the race got heated in the closing kilometres. Even though he eventually finished 52nd in the race, he was received with much praise at home in Poland, which he didn’t quite understand.
“Honestly, I do not understand the big media hype after the world championships,” he insisted. “It was a normal breakaway attempt. I was in good shape, I felt good, and the rain helped us. It was just my typical role. But most of them [in other races] may not be remembered as well.”
With the demise of other WorldTour and continental teams that have previously ridden the Tour de France, NetApp-Endura stands a solid chance at a wild card invitation. Huzarski would likely be in line to get his first start in Le Grand Boucle, where he would be looking to continue his streak of top stage placings.
“That is missing from the palmarès. It would really be great to start the Tour de France, but I know exactly where my strengths are and what I can do. I would be really happy if I could get a hold of a top three placing in a stage for the third consecutive time in a grand tour.”