2025 champ Wellens withdraws from Belgian road race due to 'illness'
Reigning champion Tim Wellens will not race Sunday's Belgian national championship road race, citing "illness".
The Belgian federation makes the national championships mandatory for all pro riders registered with it, with strict rules for allowed exemption, so the likelihood is very high that he's perfectly fine, and is just exercising a doctor's note to validate his withdrawal.
Though Wellens did contest the time trial on Thursday, finishing second to Huub Artz (Lotto-Intermarché), he and Remco Evenepoel are among those who have been subject to sweeping comments by Belgian Cycling's director of sport, Massimo Van Lancker, who told Wielerflits, "There are no exceptions ... If they are unable to attend, they must take the necessary steps. If you have a doctor's certificate, your absence is legitimate and the sanction is waived. If you do not have a certificate or a valid reason, your absence is unlawful and Belgian Cycling will take measures."
Along with a token fine, those measures are said to include a suspension of up to 14 days, which could have implications for the Tour de France.
Wellens has now taken "the necessary steps" so is clear to proceed with his preparation for the Tour unhindered by bureaucracy. It remains to be seen how Belgian Cycling might deal with Evenepoel's forecast absence, along with Lennert Van Eetvelt, Tiesj Benoot, and Evenepoel's teammate Maxim Van Gils, all of whom are expected at the Tour starting next Saturday.
