Tim Wellens looking "to get back into my rhythm" at the Tour de Pologne as he continues recovery

Tim Wellens continues to step up his recovery as he returns to racing for just the second time since his horror crash at the Tour of Flanders, the Belgian heads to the Tour de Pologne without much pressure or expectation.

“We are sending a solid team to Poland," says the UAE Team Emirates star, who will ride alongside the likes of Joao Almeida and Brandon McNulty, in conversation pre-race with Het Nieuwsblad. "In principle, the team does not necessarily need me for a possible leader's jersey. That gives me the chance to get back into my rhythm."

The cause of the crash that took down Wellens at the Tour of Flanders, Filip Maciejuk was recently handed a ban by the UCI for his recklessness. Although Wellens doesn't hold any ill will towards the Bahrain - Victorious rider, the effects of the crash are still being felt.

"I just stayed at home in Monaco and was able to complete my program as I wanted. It was especially important to work on my base and build up slowly," he explains. "It is more likely in everyday life that it bothers me, for example when I lie on my side."