Not even Remco Evenepoel's pleads were enough - Tour of Britain winner Wellens confirms World Championships absence as UAE duties become priority
CyclingMonday, 07 September 2026 at 12:30
Tim Wellens is not taking part in the upcoming World Championships, despite Belgian seeking top classics riders to fight for the rainbow jersey in which they now have the main favourite for. Remco Evenepoel messaged the Belgian, but he will be racing for UAE Team Emirates - XRG during the World's period.
Just over a week ago, Belgian national coach Serge Pauwels had spoken about the choices for the upcoming race, in which Wellens had ruled himself out: “Tim could not start in the Renewi Tour and has let me know that the World Championships in just over a month make little sense either".
“I couldn't move an inch in training for two weeks. I couldn't pedal 150 watts," Wellens shared with Het Nieuwsblad at the Tour of Britain. He did not take to the start of the Renewi Tour where he had won in the past, and returned to racing at the Tour of Britain.
The former Belgian national champion was one of the main favourites for the race and delivered, as UAE Team Emirates - XRG dominated the fight for the overall classification, finishing off with a collective masterclass into Earlston where five of its riders formed part of the small front group.
Tour of Britain winner Tim Wellens will not race the World Championships
Evenepoel tried convincing Wellens to race World Championships
Wellens conquered the overall classification and proved he is close to top form. But that does not change his previous decision. He reveals that even Remco Evenepoel spoke to him to try and convince Wellens to race.
“I have to be honest: I hesitated for a moment. Not because of Serge [Pauwels], but because of messages I received from Remco".
"Those messages showed that Remco would have liked to have me on the team. That flattered my ego. But I am still sticking to my decision.”
UAE responsibilities come in the way of World Championships
The decision is not to race the World Championships. Not because he does not have the form or health, nor is it because he does not think it suits him - Wellens has previously won the GP de Montréal, on the same roads that the event will be taking place in. Rather, it is because of his team duties at UAE Team Emirates - XRG.
“I realize that it is an honor and a privilege to race for the national team. However, I have already given my word to the team," he stated.
"I will complete the final races of the season for the team, which coincide with the World Championships. The team is struggling with many injuries this season and has a shortage of available riders. That is why I am stepping in," he explained.
Belgium has Remco Evenepoel - currently training at altitude in Livigno - and an in-form Wout Van Aert as leaders for the Worlds, providing a strong block. But the rest of the team is still being assembled at the time being.
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- The team that signs your paycheck is always the #1 priority.
Front24207-09-2026 - Remco will miss him for sure.
DareDevil07-09-2026 - If security and health were a problem, then yesterday should have been canceled altogether. It was 36° in Villaviciosa yesterday but 41° in Córdoba city where the race finished. As I stated where most of the race took place was on long narrow country roads with deep ditches and slopes on either side. No where to park a car or stand safely and watch. As for living somewhere else?To have cycling on my doorstep? Thank you. I also have a chalet in Alpe d'Huez, which I use in the winter mainly for skiing. But was extremely fortunate to watch Tadej Pogaćar's record breaking ascent on July 24th.RolandDekker07-09-2026
- Correction: 63000 swiss = $77,891 or 67.035 euros.PogiSloFans07-09-2026
- Janja Garnbret a year ago about Pogačar: "Tadej is considered the best cyclist in the world because of his rare combination of unmatched physical endurance, explosive power, and an all-around racing style that lets him win almost any type of event. He also has exceptional tactical intelligence and racecraft. A few months ago he said to me: In my view, cycling intelligence is simple... keep control, play smart, avoid overthinking, and ensure you have the best legs on the day."PogiSloFans07-09-2026
- Seixas, instead of doing the tdf and riding round, should've done this and he'd have won it
leedorney07-09-2026 - Haven’t seen many crowds lately and sorry but temperatures are certainly above average with 45.7 yesterday. Every degree starts to count above 36, 37 and each is a lot worse than the previous one. Security and health should definitely trump fans, especially for a free event. Should consider moving to a different part of the world if you live for cycling coming to your doorstep.Jumpyjohn06-09-2026
- Didn’t want but did and the opposite in the Vuelta, someone might have to start reviewing strategies.Jumpyjohn06-09-2026
- Hopefully with these kind of experiences, more people will start to think a bit deeper about all the exploited that have to work all day almost day in worse heat with no-one to feed or hydrate them. The deaths in the name of being on time for hosting mega sport events didn’t register on people’s consciousness very long, if at all. Is it a coincidence there’s quite a few connections between some of the sponsors in cycling and those events. Makes you wonder how much they’d be willing to pay to start a summer cycling league for has been cyclists, or is that only interesting with football?Jumpyjohn06-09-2026
- There is no right or wrong. Different strokes. He at least knows it because he allows eaxh to answer for themselves, is that what cycling wants? Obviously quite a few do because that’s how it is. Now, I’m not saying he doesn’t have a point but if you’re going to go down a path like that then how far are you willing to go? Will you also reconsider the financial inequalities and other problems precarious teams have to deal with, or the pressures they are under to survive, something none of the top tier teams really have to think about when planning a season?Jumpyjohn06-09-2026
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