Tim Wellens has expressed his willingness to join the Belgian national team for the World Championships in a supporting role for Remco Evenepoel and Wout van Aert, while Victor Campenaerts has declined a spot in the selection. According to reports from HLN and other Belgian sports outlets, Wellens is positioning himself as a domestique to bolster the team’s chances of victory.
Tim Wellens seeks supporting role for Evenepoel and Van Aert
Tim Wellens is actively campaigning for a place in the Belgian squad for the upcoming World Championships. Rather than seeking leadership, Wellens has indicated he is prepared to ride in a serving capacity to assist Remco Evenepoel and Wout van Aert, according to HLN. This strategic shift reflects a willingness to prioritize collective team success over individual glory.
The Belgian selection process remains fluid, with several high-profile riders vying for limited spots. While Wellens is considered “in the running” by WielerFlits, his inclusion depends on the tactical needs of the squad and the final confirmation of the team’s leaders.
Victor Campenaerts declines World Championship selection
In a significant blow to the depth of the Belgian roster, Victor Campenaerts has turned down a call-up for the World Championships, HLN reports.
Serge Pauwels manages remaining roster spots
National coach Serge Pauwels currently has three remaining slots to fill in the World Championship selection. Pauwels has confirmed he is exploring options to maximize the team’s strength, stating to Sporza that he has spoken with Thibau Nys on several occasions regarding a potential role.
Pauwels remains optimistic about Belgium’s prospects. According to Nieuwsblad, the coach highlighted that Belgium now possesses two riders capable of beating Tadej Pogačar on his own terrain, suggesting a high level of confidence in the team’s ability to challenge the world’s top-ranked cyclist.
Wout van Aert adjusts racing calendar
The composition of the Belgian team is further complicated by the scheduling decisions of Wout van Aert. As reported by Wielernieuws, Van Aert has once again made significant cuts to his racing program.
Comparison of Roster Dynamics
| Rider | Status/Intent | Reported Role |
|---|---|---|
| Tim Wellens | Candidate | Supporting Remco Evenepoel / Wout van Aert |
| Victor Campenaerts | Declined | N/A |
| Thibau Nys | Under Consideration | Pending discussion with Serge Pauwels |
The final selection will be determined by Serge Pauwels as he fills the last three vacancies.
Share your thoughts on whether Tim Wellens is the right fit for this supporting role in the comments below.
Related reading
