Tim Wellens is the new Belgian national champion after a
gritty solo victory in the 2025 Belgian National Championships Road Race. The
UAE Team Emirates – XRG rider surprised even himself with the result, capping
what he described as the most beautiful victory of his career.
The UAE rider crossed the line ahead of
Remco Evenepoel and
Jasper Philipsen, taking full advantage of hesitation in the chase group to
secure the national jersey he will now wear at the Tour de France.
“I wasn’t the strongest in the race,” Wellens admitted after
the finish. “I think everyone saw that it was Remco, but that’s why everyone
looked at him.” Despite not having the best form in the lead-up, he rode a
canny and opportunistic race to land the biggest one-day win of his career.
“I was very relaxed at the start. I didn't have good legs
the last few days, so I started Sunday without expectations,” he explained. “I
was only sure that I was going to win in the last kilometre. I don't think I've
ever suffered so much.”
While his team is used to riding for Tadej Pogačar on the
biggest stage, Wellens’ personal moment of glory brought a different kind of
satisfaction. “Everyone wants to wear the Belgian jersey once and now I get
that chance,” he said. “Last year we won the Tour with Tadej Pogačar, and there
is little that can compare to that, but maybe this title,” he laughed. “It is
great that I will be able to show the jersey in the biggest race in the world.”