22/02/2024

Tim Wellens leads UAE Team Emirates at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Kuurne - Bruxelles - Kuurne - "We feel confident we’ve done our homework"

The Opening Weekend is only days away and UAE Team Emirates have revealed their lineup for the two opening cobbled classics of the spring. Tim Wellens leads the charge for Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Kuurne - Bruxelles - Kuurne in chase of his first win of the season.

“The team has started the year very strongly which lifts the whole group. For me personally opening weekend in Belgium is the first big test of the season. The shape is good and I’m super motivated for these first races," Wellens said in a press release issued by the team. "Earlier in the month we did some recons and tested tyre pressures on the cobbles so we feel confident we’ve done our homework in that regard. We have some strong options at the races – it will be my first race with my new teammate Nils Politt who will be a strong ally and also Rui Oliveira did a nice top-10 in Omloop last year so can be strong. The goal will be to have as many guys as possible entering the final of the races.”

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The Belgian showed tremendous form last year in these two races, going on the attack in both of them. Most notably, launching a move up the Muur de Geraardsbergen in the first one, which ultimately didn't prove successful. In Kuurne, he was also part of the winning group, but had to settle for a fifth place. The 32-year old had some strong results in his first days of racing at the Mallorca classics, and will have a leading role this spring due to the absence of Tadej Pogacar.

Alongside him will be new signing Nils Politt who the team puts confidence into performing this spring and can search for results. Rui Oliveira and Alvaro Hodeg will likely have protected rider status in Kuurne where a sprint could decide the race. Filippo Baroncini, Antonio Morgado and Michael Vink complete the lineup as supporting riders for the riders previously mentioned.