Tim Wellens return confirmed for the Tour of Slovenia: “I still hope to participate in the Tour"

Tim Wellens will return to competitive racing for the first time since the Tour of Flanders at the upcoming Tour of Slovenia with hopes of still making an appearance at the Tour de France.

"I'm doing a lot better now," says Wellens, who is currently at an altitude training in Sierra Nevada alongside Taej Pogacar, in conversation with Sporza. “Everything is going according to plan, but I still have to be a little careful. I better not fall on my left side again and I can only put about 80 to 90 percent weight on my collarbone.”

The horrific crash seen in Flanders saw Wellens go down very hard and it's been a long road to recovery for the UAE Team Emirates rider. “According to the doctor, it can take up to a year for the bone to heal completely. But I suppose I will soon be able to go all out again," he continues. “I still hope to participate in the Tour, but of course I missed a lot of training sessions. I have never been stationary for so long and have lost a lot of condition.”

“It will be very close to be ready on time. According to the team, I can still go with the idea of ​​getting through in the second and third week, but I think that is a risk in the Tour," concludes Wellens. "In a few days, we will do some more lactate tests and we will make the decision."