ProTeam Tim Wellens keen on a good result at Strade Bianche

On Saturday the 5^th of March, Lotto Soudal will be at the start of the Strade Bianche (1.UWT). Although the race on Tuscan gravel roads is only up to its 16^th edition, it has quickly become a Classic on the racing calendar. Just like previous years, the riders will face eleven ‘sterrati’ or gravel sections with the grand finale taking place at the iconic finish on the Piazza del Campo in Siena.

Roger Kluge, Harry Sweeny and Maxim Van Gils will make their debut at Saturday’s Strade Bianche. For Brent Van Moer, Andreas Kron and Victor Campenaerts it will be a second introduction to the white gravel roads of Tuscany. After Tim Wellens was forced to miss the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, the 30-year-old Belgian will be at the start in Siena. Wellens, who already reached the podium of this race in 2017 (he finished third after Michal Kwiatkowksi and Greg Van Avermaet) is again keen on a fine result.

Tim Wellens: “It was painful to miss the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad last week. It was really bad timing to get sick and unfortunately I couldn’t turn my fine form into a result at the Omloop. But fortunately I am now fully recovered, I trained well the past few days and the legs feel good again. I am really looking forward to Strade Bianche. It’s a special race for both riders and fans and I just love to be at the start, maybe also because I’ve always had good results in the past. This year, I again want to compete for victory. I am expecting a traditional start to the Strade, with the race exploding on the seventh gravel section, the infamous Monte Sante Marie. That is probably where – like most years – the selection will be made and the race will be decided.”

Image: Photo News.