"We're going to do the Cipressa under nine minutes" - Tim Wellens key to Tadej Pogacar's quest for Milano-Sanremo

After his all-conquering dominance in 2024, Tadej Pogacar has made no secret of what one of his biggest goals will be heading into 2025. After close calls the last few years, Pogacar is desperate to get the victory at Milano-Sanremo.

One of the keys to a potential Pogacar success at the Italian monument, could be UAE Team Emirates - XRG teammate, Tim Wellens. According to the Belgian Classics specialist, preparation is already well underway for the Slovenian world champion and his teammates too. "I wouldn't say a project, but we've already laughed together that we're going to do the Cipressa under nine minutes," he explains to Wieler Revue.

As mentioned, Wellens himself has significant prowess in the Classics. Since making the move to UAE Team Emirates - XRG though, the Belgian has more often than not been a luxury helper rather a leader, although that's not something he complains about. "During my time at Lotto I felt a lot of pressure. The performances had to come from me, but of the thirty riders here at UAE Team Emirates - XRG I am perhaps halfway in terms of level," he says honestly. "Of course they want me to ride well, but it's no problem if it doesn't work out sometimes. I now approach races in a much more relaxed way. If I don't ride in the top five now, then I know: someone else from our team will do it."

"I would like to finish here, but of course that is not entirely in my own hands. At this team they often choose talents. If I continue to ride as I do now, then it will not be a problem, but age always plays a role here," he continues, referencing the fact he's in his contract year at UAE in 2025.

Despite turning 34 in May though, the 39 time race winner isn't ready to give in to the new generation just yet. "You can tell that some youngsters are less mature mentally, but many 24-year-olds are just as mature as I am. They start living for it at an increasingly earlier age. People say that careers will be shorter, but I think that all sacrifices don't count as efforts for those young guys," he concludes. "They don't see it as an assignment. They are used to what it entails. No, I have never really had any trouble with the changes. Although I am someone who likes to eat and weighing my food feels like a big effort to me. But for those young guys it is the most normal thing in the world."