Coming from a Belgian family of professional cyclists, Tim Wellens has forty professional victories, including a record four overall victories (2014, 2015, 2023, 2024) – as well as four stage wins – in the Benelux Tour. He currently rides for UCI WorldTeam UAE Team Emirates XRG, the team that he looks to succeed with during next month’s Tour de France from 5-27 July.
1. What inspired you to become a professional cyclist?
From a young age, I’ve always had a passion for cycling. Growing up in Belgium, cycling is in the blood – it’s part of our culture. I started riding with my family, and as I got older, I realized I had a real talent for it. Watching the pros on TV, especially the classics, really motivated me and fortunately, I was able to make it a reality.
In my case, my father and two uncles were also professional riders and the three of them had the opportunity to ride the Tour de France together back in 1981, which was really special.
2. World Bicycle Day is celebrated on 3 June. How do you think the future of cycling can be enhanced by improvements in technology?
Technology plays a huge role in cycling, and it’s continuously developing. For one, bike performance has improved drastically – lighter frames, more efficient gear systems, and aerodynamics that make a real difference. But it’s not just the bikes themselves; technology in training, data analytics, and recovery methods have transformed how we approach every stage of racing. We’re able to optimize our performances and stay at our best longer. In the future, I think we’ll see even more advancements, and in my team we work very closely with our sponsors to continuously improve. As a professional, embracing these advancements is key to staying competitive, and I think the future of cycling looks incredibly exciting with all the technological possibilities.
3. As a member of the UAE Team Emirates in this year’s Tour de France, what are the biggest challenges of training and competing?
The Tour de France is always a huge challenge. The first thing to note is the physical demand. It’s not just about being fit; it’s about managing fatigue over three weeks, tackling every type of terrain, and adjusting to the changing conditions.
It’s mentally exhausting, as well, since you’re always in the zone and focusing on each detail.
In our team particularly, we have the reigning champion Tadej Pogačar, so we always have an extra level of expectation on our shoulders. We see this as a positive though as it is extra motivation.
The team dynamics are crucial. You need to stay in sync with your teammates, support each other, and work together towards the team’s overall goal. The heat, fatigue, and mental toll can be immense, but that’s what makes the Tour de France such an iconic event.