With a prediction that was spot on, in the days of the Lotto Soudal retreat, Tim Wellens had said that this year he would have liked to start off strong right awayHe didn't want to repeat his unfortunate debut in 2020, when he was unable to race the Paris-Nice due to a physical problem. With the Etoile de Besseges won at the start, the Belgian achieved his goal and he's embarking on a season in which he'll try to round out his palmares. Thirty years old in May, he's won short stage races, like the BinkBank Tour and the Tour de Pologne. He's won stages at the Giro and the Vuelta. Yet when he speaks, he always says his ambition is to win a major classic, letting him know first hand that he was not fully satisfied.
Is it the same this year?
It couldn't be otherwise (smiles, ed.). I'm still convinced that I can win a great classicIt's my big goal. I don't think I'll ever be happy just with stage wins in the Grand Tours. They're nice results, but they're not enough for me.
A random classic?
I'd say yes, but also no... Many suit me. If I could choose, I'd want it to be in Belgium. For it to be a monument. And since the one I like best is the Liège-Bastogne-Liège, If I could choose, I would choose her: the Doyenne!
Yet the two stages of the Vuelta saved your 2020…
It's been a special year for everyone, a difficult one for everyone. I don't think we can compare it to other seasons in the past, and I hope we never have to experience another like it. If it had been a normal year, looking at those two victories, I would have thought of a poor balance.. Instead, those two successes allowed me to face the winter with the right mindset.
That means?
If you end the season badly, you have a thousand regrets and you can't really rest. Instead, having finished with sweets in my mouth meant for me entering winter with the knowledge that everything is okay.
How was your winter?
Rapid. I was without a bike for 8-9 daysI know that other riders break away much longer, but for me after that time comes the very strong desire to start again. I started off well and, having finished the Vuelta so late, when I resumed my condition was already goodI haven't changed much. I have everything clear in my head now, my goals and how to achieve them.
What goals are you talking about?
The first key moment will be atOmloop Het NieuwsbladThen there's the big question mark of Paris-Nice, which has a nice route. But I couldn't race the Strade Bianche and I'd be sad. Then I'll go to the Flemish Classics and the Ardennes, with the doubt of whether or not to do the Flèche Wallonne in view of Liège. Instead, this summer I'll be at the Tour de France and only that. I think a big Giro is more than fine.
You don't say anything about the World Cup in Belgium, especially in your area?
During the retreat in Spain, the national team coaches came to visit me to talk about it. The route is beautiful and all Belgians would like to participate, including me.We'll see what the sports directors say, because we have a great chance to win with Wout van aert, so for now my position could be to be there to support the national team.
Do you think it will be as big a celebration as Flanders?
Covid permitting, it will be much more. It makes me think about the Tour's departure from BrusselsA different atmosphere, a week of people from all over the world and training with the national team jersey on the streets of the countryWe'll see after the Tour how I can get there well, but I'll almost certainly get close without doing the Vuelta.
