"Okay, let's go": Tim Wellens back on the bike as bad luck continues for UAE Team Emirates-XRG

The medical room at UAE Team Emirates - XRG is getting very crowded this spring. While the team is still winning races, several of their riders have suffered crashes and accidents over the past few weeks. However, amidst the bad news from Italy and training camps, there is finally a positive update from Belgian champion Tim Wellens, who is already working hard on his recovery.

Wellens broke his collarbone during a nasty crash at the Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne race before he even reached the crucial hill zone. This injury required surgery and ruined his plans for the big cobbled classics like the Tour of Flanders. Right after his crash, he shared his frustration online.

"The rehabilitation process has already started. I am hugely disappointed to miss the upcoming races, but I will cheer on my teammates in front of the TV," the Belgian champion wrote.

However, a standard broken collarbone usually takes about six weeks to heal, and Wellens is hoping for a fast recovery so he can still race the Ardennes Classics in late April. To prove he is not giving up, he recently shared a photo from his balcony in Monaco. Even with bandages and scrapes still visible, he was smiling and riding his indoor trainer. He added a short, motivated message to the picture: "Okay, let's go."

While Wellens is recovering at home, his teammates are facing their own bad luck in Italy. During the second stage of Tirreno-Adriatico, young Swiss rider Jan Christen crashed on a slippery gravel corner in the finale. This was a tough blow, especially since Christen just had an amazing race at Strade Bianche where he finished sixth.

The UAE team quickly confirmed on social media that Christen is physically okay. However, the crash caused him to lose 57 seconds to stage winner Mathieu van der Poel. Because of this time loss, Christen will likely have to change his goals and ride in support of his teammate Isaac del Toro, who took the overall race lead that same day.

Unfortunately, the danger is not only present during official races. Davide Stella, a talented rider for the UAE development squad, revealed on his Instagram account that he was struck by a vehicle during a training ride. He expressed his deep frustration with the situation.

"The driver was distracted and didn't see me. I am sick of this happening again, even though I am okay," Stella explained.