Tim Wellens signs with UAE Team Emirates - "It was time for a new challenge"

UAE Team Emirates have renewed with several of their big figures in the past few days, with a lot of announcements, and today they have confirmed the arrival of a strong figure in Tim Wellens.

Wellens had been with Lotto Soudal since turning professional in 2012, and will make the first transfer of his career, joining the likes of Tadej Pogacar and João Almeida. He should have stints as a domestique throughout the season for his leaders, however he's likely to keep having an open role to chase his own wins.

"After ten great years with my former team I decided it was time for a new challenge," Wellens said in a press release. "I feel like I’m joining a truly global team at UAE Emirates with a really professional structure and a lot of ambition. I’m very excited to get started and be part of the squad for 2023 and beyond.”

His role within the team should be open, as was the case at Lotto Soudal, with the Belgian specializing over the years in the one-day races and in breakaway hunting. Although he's consolidated himself as a puncheur, occasional sparks of brilliancy in the long ascents and cobbled races make him a very versatile rider who can go on to take several wins in his two-year stint.