Philippe Gilbert slams Tim Wellens for skipping the World Championships: 'His statement makes no sense'

Wellens admitted he did have his doubts, but in the end he kept his word to UAE Emirates-XRG. Remco Evenepoel would have loved to have Wellens on the team, but since UAE is dealing with a lot of injuries, the Belgian is desperately needed this fall. “I’ll ride the final races of the season for the team, which coincide with the World Championships.”

Wellens’ decision was met with little appreciation in Belgium, prompting him to issue a second statement in response. He said he was surprised by his strong form in the Tour of Britain, especially after an extremely grueling Tour de France in July. The World Championships hadn’t even crossed his mind until he suddenly won the overall classification in Great Britain.

For that reason, doubt crept in for a moment, but Wellens is a man of his word, and he had already given his word to the team, which pays his salary. “When I had to pull out of the Renewi Tour in August, I made a sort of pact with the team management. If I were to skip that race, the GP of Wallonia and the CRO Race would take precedence over the World Championships.”

Wellens even received a call from Remco Evenepoel, asking him to change his mind, but the UAE man remained firm.

Gilbert doesn't understand Wellens' decision at all. The now-retired Belgian cycling legend always competed in the World Championships whenever possible. So the idea of pulling out for your country and such a major event just doesn't sit right with the former rider. “I like Tim, but in this case I completely disagree with his reasoning and position,” he said on the podcast Dans le peloton.

"He's completely out of touch with reality," Gilbert said bluntly. "I think you have to be loyal to your country, and he isn't here. His arguments don't hold water. Even if Tadej Pogacar had been there at the World Championships, that shouldn’t stop him from riding for a Belgian team, which is in a dream situation.”

Belgium has two potential winners in Remco Evenepoel and Wout van Aert, so any help is welcome. “We have two team leaders in top form and a course that suits them perfectly. Wellens’ comment makes no sense at all; he’ll realize later what he’s said,” concluded a very sharp-tongued Gilbert.