First Belgian title for experienced Tim Wellens: "I will certainly wear the jersey with great pride"

Tim Wellens surprised by winning the Belgian time trial championship, beating pre-race favourites Alec Segaert and Rune Herregodts. It is the UAE Team Emirates rider's first National Championship title at the age of 33.

"Ten years ago I was second, but after that I didn't participate for a few years," the new champion opens his story in a flash interview. "I was motivated for this championship, I had also trained quite a bit on the time trial bike. But yesterday I was on an altitude training camp. I came here straight after my flight to explore the course. Today I did the route a few more times. I came with ambition, but winning is always difficult. So I'm super happy with the win."

"My time trial went better than expected, I rode faster than my pacing plan because I had good legs today," Wellens looks back on the chrono test. "Maybe I fell a bit silent during the second part, but I have the impression that that happened to everyone. I am of course very happy with the jersey. At the Tour de France it will just be to show it off, but at the Tour de Pologne and the Renewi Tour I will certainly wear the jersey with great pride."

Belgian Road Championships await on Sunday. This time with Remco Evenepoel and Wout Van Aert on the line. All eyes will be on the two cycling superstars, but perhaps it'll be an opportunity for underdog like Wellens to add another title to his collection. His team definitely wouldn't mind.