UAE's Matxin responds to Wellens World Championships storm - "Perhaps he simply does not want to spend the first 100 kilometres riding on the front"
Cycling
Tim Wellens caused quite the storm when he revealed that he rejected a call-up to ride the World Championships with Belgium, pointing to team goals with UAE Team Emirates - XRG as the reason. Over two weeks after the road race, the saga continues as the veteran has faced heavy criticism and now his UAE sports director Joxean Matxin has offered his insight.
A loyal Tadej Pogacar domestique, Tim Wellens was coming into form after a rest period following a successful Tour de France campaign when it emerged that he would not be part of the Belgian line-up aimed towards Remco Evenepoel's rainbow jersey bid.
Wellens turning down the call-up was met by criticism led by Philippe Gilbert, who blasted the decision - leading to Wellens hitting back at the words and suggesting that he would approach him privately.
Evenepoel's bid proved unsuccessful in the end, but reaction revolved around Wellens' claim that he was focusing on team goals during the period. He rode the CRO Race that concluded on the day of the Montreal showpiece, finishing third overall.
In the aftermath, his Italian classics featured Giro dell'Emilia, Coppa Bernocchi, Tre Valli Varesine and Giro del Veneto. The only one he finished of those was in Bernocchi when he finished in 49th place. He finishes his season with the Veneto Classic on Sunday.
Tim Wellens won the 2026 Tour of Britain.
Matxin on UAE and national team selections
Matxin has signalled that when it comes to riders and national teams, UAE don't get involved and don't deny riders permission to represent their nations.
"For me, the most difficult period of the year when it comes to planning is when the European and World Championships take place, because we have at least 25 riders who could be selected for their national teams," Matxin told Bici.pro.
"But selection is entirely up to the national federations. We do not interfere, and we would not be allowed to anyway."
And in Wellens' case, Matxin insisted that UAE didn't interfere as the manager reiterated the team's commitment to supporting federations during major championships - pointing to their loaning of the team bus to nations such as Slovenia at the European Championships.
"Whenever Pauwels, the Belgian national coach, calls me to ask about a rider's availability, I give him complete freedom. It is exactly the same with the Italians and the French.
"We often provide our team bus to the Slovenian national team, the Colombian national team or anyone else who asks. We supply our riders with everything they need, from bikes to energy gels and other equipment."
Matxin didn't speak for Wellens when it comes to his decision not to ride the World Championships, but did offer examples of reasons why riders would potentially not be interested in competing at a major championships, such as their role within the team and the often challenging course designs.
"Perhaps he simply does not want to spend the first hundred kilometres riding on the front"
"I think you need to ask him that because I do not know what was discussed between him and the Belgian national coach. Often, it also depends on how the rider feels, perhaps in relation to the course.
"Sometimes a rider assesses the course and decides whether it suits him. Or he might consider whether he is happy with the role he has been offered. Perhaps he simply does not want to spend the first hundred kilometres riding on the front."
Read also
Matxin cooled suggestions that Wellens was unwilling to ride in support of Remco Evenepoel, who is seen as a rival to both the team and their leaders Tadej Pogacar and Isaac del Toro at major races.
He insisted: "No, not at all. Remco is a rival, but he is also a friend. Sometimes, when riders realise they are not going to play an important role in the team's tactical plans, they prefer not to race."
Gavin QuinnCycling Journalist
Gavin Quinn is a cycling journalist and ultra-distance cyclist with a BA in Journalism from Dublin City University. Formerly the Press & Communications Officer for Cycling Ireland, Gavin has worked inside the national team at the World Championships and has reported for the Irish Mirror, Mirror UK, and The42.
His expertise is backed by elite-level access, having interviewed stars like Sam Bennett and Ben Healy, as well as immense personal endurance. In 2025, he completed a 12,000km solo cycle from Ireland to Vietnam, following a 4,600km tour across Europe. From the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix to the gradients of the Tourmalet, Gavin’s writing focuses on the "romance and brutality" of the sport. Having visited 50+ countries, he brings a global, cultural perspective to his coverage of the pro peloton for CyclingUpToDate.
claps 0visitors 0
Just in
Popular news
Latest comments
- Sure little fella.awp16-10-2026
- im a fan of Quinn and he is building hope he goes onto bigger and better results. Plays the team mate well. I like that in a rider. His ability doesnt appear to be enhanced i like that too.
Davide16-10-2026 - Dumb?! Only you!MajorPayne16-10-2026
- Let’s hope it stays in!Lozza16-10-2026
- The words... “Remco, on certain days, will just destroy everyone”... don't hold water. Not EVERYONE, most of them, it all depends on the quality of the riders.PogiSloFans16-10-2026
- "The Tour remains at the centre of Simmons' plans". as long as this is the plan, it is unlikely he will succeed. First his team is stacked with leaders for all terrains so opportunity is less. 2nd the TDF is stacked with other top leaders who have more freedom. 3rd the battle between UAE, Visma, Red Bull is so intense that their leaders will win most of the stages with heir team pulling back most breaks.abstractengineer16-10-2026
- Quinn Simmons: “Maybe I’ll never reach the top level.” I also hope he doesn't. I don't care what he looks like, his religion or sexual preference... but when he's a rascist against black people, a Maga Trump voter, that's where I pull the line. The whole world hates Trump, we all know why, but he keeps voting for him. A person that thinks like Trump is ...????. Make your own decision. PS: Trek-Segafredo (today Lidl Trek) suspended him following the controversy over his pro-Trump comments and his use of a dark-skinned waving-hand emoji. The team said the suspension concerned his racist conduct online, not his political views themselves.PogiSloFans16-10-2026
- Denmarks coach reveals 2027 Rainbow Jersey has been targeted by Jonas for years !?!?!? PS: What??? No one believes this meaningless babbling. It's like saying: "The 2027 Monument - Il Lombardia has been targeted by Jonas for years."PogiSloFans16-10-2026
- I made a mistake and already fixed it. Hey twat, thanks.PogiSloFans16-10-2026
- Davide Piganzoli said: "Pogacar looked less brilliant at TDF than usual." We all see how stupid this comment is. What is happening to his brain cells? ... Hey Piganzoli, Tadej Pogačar’s record breaking ascent of Alpe d’Huez was one of the standout performances in the history of the Tour de France. Pantani's 1995 ascent stood for 31 years. Pogi went more than a minute faster. He accelerated near the foot of the climb, despite the leading breakaway being around three and a half minutes ahead. But in your delusional brain Pogi looked less brilliant???? .... Why don't you go find a corner and bang your head against a wall for about 10 minutes. Everyone is making fun of you.PogiSloFans16-10-2026
Loading
Write a comment