Belgian champion Wellens returns from collarbone break but downplays Ardennes expectations

Tim Wellens broke his collarbone at Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne and was forced to miss all of the Flemish Classics. The good news for the Belgian champion is that he is back in time for the Walloon races. But expectations should be kept in check, the UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider told Belgian newspaper DH.

Wellens had started the Flemish spring in top form. He had already won the Clásica Jaén after an impressive solo effort and looked like a rider to watch for the rest of the campaign. A heavy crash in Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne ended those plans abruptly.

He takes full responsibility for the crash. "It was a steering error. Entirely my fault," he said honestly. "I took a corner too fast and it was quite slippery. I have no excuse." Oddly enough, that made it easier to accept. "It sounds strange, but the feelings are harder to deal with when someone else takes you down."

The consequences were significant. "They put in a plate and eight or nine screws, which will stay in for the rest of my life," he explained. Thankfully, the discomfort has largely subsided. "It doesn't hurt any more, but with certain movements I still feel some minor issues."

Despite that, the UAE rider lines up at the Brabantse Pijl on Friday to begin his Walloon Classics campaign. He is not harbouring big ambitions, though. "I'd estimate I'm at about 70-80% of my ability. If I'd been able to get back on the road two weeks earlier, I would have started the Brabantse Pijl with real ambition. But now I'll be riding in a support role."

Wellens is pleased that after missing the Flemish races, he can at least show off his Belgian champion's jersey in 'his' Walloon Classics. "I've always said I prefer Flèche Wallonne and Liège-Bastogne-Liège to the cobbled Classics. I only have more of a chance on the cobbles because of my weight," he admitted.

After four years away from the Ardennes, the Belgian is finally back at his favourite races — even if he would rather have arrived in better shape. "I've missed them. But I also know it's not the most pleasant experience being cheered on by the whole crowd when you're having a bad day," he laughed.

At Liège-Bastogne-Liège, Wellens will be reunited with team leader Tadej Pogačar — someone he enjoys working alongside. "When he rides, everything is clear. We have the outright favourite on the team." What role Wellens will play in the Monument depends on how he performs at Brabantse Pijl and Amstel Gold Race.

"If I perform better than expected, it's conceivable that I could stay with him until the end. Otherwise, I'll probably be the first one to attack from the start," he joked. Regardless of the result, his return to the peloton on Friday already counts as a victory for the Belgian champion.