"I certainly wouldn't have a problem riding for Remco or Wout" - Wellens hits back at criticism of turning down Belgium World Championships call-up
Cycling
Tim Wellens has hit back at criticism following his decision to give the 2026 World Championships a miss, turning down an opportunity to ride for Remco Evenepoel and Wout van Aert as Belgium chase the rainbow jersey in Tadej Pogacar's absence.
The UAE Team Emirates - XRG all-rounder will be at this week's Canadian one-day races in Quebec and Montreal, but will not hang around as much of the peloton set up a base for the Montreal World Championships.
Wellens admitted that as he suffered with poor form and fatigue after the Tour, he informed Serge Pauwels - Belgium's national team boss - that he would not ride the Championships. However, his return to form at last week's Tour of Britain raised the debate.
Winning the general classification, various commentators offered criticism or speculated the seasoning for the UAE helper's absence, particularly since he will be at the preparation races for the Worlds with his trade team.
Some suggested a lack of motivation to assist rivals of his team leader Pogacar in Remco Evenepoel and Wout van Aert, and Wellens responded strongly, stating he has no problems riding for them and that he had to focus on team goals.
Tim Wellens won the 2026 Tour of Britain.
Wellens acknowledges criticism
“I know my decision is being criticised, but I certainly wouldn't have a problem riding for Remco [Evenepoel] or Wout [van Aert]," Wellens said.
"But my brand team remains my employer; they pay me. I have always been transparent and honest with Serge Pauwels."
The criticism comes after his explanation in an interview with 'La Dernière Heure': “After the Tour, I honestly thought that I wouldn't be ready for a race of that level and that the deadline would be too short to regain my best form. So the success in the Tour of Great Britain was a real surprise for me too, but I stuck to my decision.”
“When I had to withdraw from the Renewi Tour in August, I made a sort of pact with the team management. If I were to skip that race, the GP of Wallonia and the CRO Race would take precedence over the World Championships.”
Tadej Pogacar update
Wellens also now reflected on his changed role given Pogacar's season-ending injuries: “And what would my role have been otherwise? Given the absence of Tadej [Pogacar], I think I could have helped open the final. But if he had been there, then I would have had to do that... much earlier in the race.”
On the matter of Pogacar, Wellens enjoys a close friendship with the Slovenian. Keeping in touch during his Tour of Britain win, he shed some light on Pogacar's recovery as the Tour winner's morale is on the rise.
"We were in contact by phone just last week. Together with the other guys from the team, we FaceTimed him several times during the Tour of Great Britain.
"He still looked a bit like a boxer with his completely black eye. But he is no longer in pain and his morale is good. We actually laughed quite a bit during those conversations, which is always a good sign."
Gavin QuinnCycling Journalist
Gavin Quinn is a cycling journalist and ultra-distance cyclist with a BA in Journalism from Dublin City University. Formerly the Press & Communications Officer for Cycling Ireland, Gavin has worked inside the national team at the World Championships and has reported for the Irish Mirror, Mirror UK, and The42.
His expertise is backed by elite-level access, having interviewed stars like Sam Bennett and Ben Healy, as well as immense personal endurance. In 2025, he completed a 12,000km solo cycle from Ireland to Vietnam, following a 4,600km tour across Europe. From the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix to the gradients of the Tourmalet, Gavin’s writing focuses on the "romance and brutality" of the sport. Having visited 50+ countries, he brings a global, cultural perspective to his coverage of the pro peloton for CyclingUpToDate.
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