Tim Wellens – a Cyclist for All Conditions

Tim Wellens has won a stage of the Tour de Pologne again after eight years. “This time it was a bit warmer,” he laughed at the finish in Karpacz, recalling his victory in 2016 in Zakopane, during a torrential downpour. Back then, the Belgian also won the general classification of the entire race.

“I have different goals now,” he said on Tuesday after the time trial, in which he outpaced none other than Jonas Vingegaard. “In the general classification, from our UAE Team Emirates, Diego Ulissi, Felix Grosschartner, and Rafał Majka can compete. But today I felt good enough that I’ll want to fight for another stage victory.”

The 33-year-old Belgian is one of the most decorated cyclists in the Tour de Pologne peloton. Besides our national race, he has won two stages in both the Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a España. He is also the current Belgian time trial champion.

“I have the country’s flag on my suit, so I really cared about this victory on the second stage of the Tour de Pologne. It was one of my most important race days of the year. Technology helped me because our suits are the best in the field,” Wellens said, not hiding his surprise that he beat the master of mountain time trials, Jonas Vingegaard.

Wellens emphasizes that he feels great in Poland. “I’ve always enjoyed coming to the Tour de Pologne. The race is well-organized, we are welcomed everywhere with smiles and enthusiastic support. And even the weather this year is fantastic,” he adds.

Cycling fans vividly remember the Belgian’s daring move during the rainy race in 2016 on a very long and challenging stage from Wieliczka to Zakopane. In the chilling cold and downpour, Wellens was by far the bravest. His attack from the breakaway 40 km before the finish allowed the Belgian to win with a huge lead, nearly 4 minutes ahead of the next rider. This led to his ultimate triumph in the general classification.

“I can push myself to exert effort in the rain… but let’s not jinx it. May the beautiful sun shine in Poland until the end of the week,” the 33-year-old Belgian concluded.