Wellens to focus on cobbled classics again in 2025, partly out of necessity: "Used to have zero interest in them"

Tim Wellens was once regarded as the next big name in the Ardennes classics, even considered by some as the successor to Frank Vandenbroucke. Those expectations turned out to be a bit too lofty, though his career still boasts 39 victories. In his early years, Wellens focused entirely on the Ardennes classics, delivering several strong campaigns, but a win in Liège-Bastogne-Liège never came close. Now, the Ardennes classics have made way for the cobbled races, a focus that will continue in 2025.

How can a cycling career change? Just ask the 33-year-old Belgian. In 2016, De Zondag asked him which would you rather win: the Tour of Flanders or Liège-Bastogne-Liège? Wellens’ answer was emphatic: "Liège, no doubt. That race is close to my heart. Maybe because of Frank Vandenbroucke, yes. I know Flemish people find this strange since the Tour of Flanders is sacred. But cobblestones aren’t for me. Paris-Roubaix doesn’t interest me at all. I’d like to ride the Tour of Flanders, though. Just once, to experience it."

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Wellens has discovered the cobblestones

The love for the Ardennes classics remains, but the hatred for cobbles has faded

How different things are eight years later. The change is striking, though it’s partly out of necessity. In 2025, Wellens will again focus on the cobbled classics — a shift that has certainly paid off in recent years. This year alone, he finished second in Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne and fourth in the E3 Saxo Classic. His last participation in the Ardennes trilogy dates back to 2022, and that won’t change anytime soon. "We still need to discuss my program in more detail, but it’ll be somewhat of a copy-paste of this year: no Ardennes, a few Flemish classics, and later the Tour," Wellens told Het Nieuwsblad.

His affection for a race like Liège hasn’t necessarily diminished, but his dislike for cobbles has significantly decreased. "Cycling has changed. I don’t push the watts per kilogram needed to compete in the finals of the Ardennes classics. The Flemish classics are a bit different. Shorter efforts, there's positioning involved. At this stage in my career, the Flemish races suit me much better than the Ardennes. My love for the Flemish classics has also grown — years ago, I had zero interest in them and didn’t know the roads in Flanders well. But now I look forward to them, especially since it didn't work out in the Ardennes classics."

This year, Wellens is expected to line up for the E3 Saxo Classic, the Tour of Flanders, and possibly Gent-Wevelgem. However, he won’t have complete freedom in those races. As announced yesterday, Tadej Pogacar is also targeting these races. "I’d gladly sign up to be on the team with Tadej. Helping him try to win, rather than trying to beat him. Everyone knows how hard it is to beat Tadej. Especially with my capabilities. You have to know what you can and can’t do. At this stage of my career, I’ve figured that out."

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