‘I’ll give him a piece of my mind’ - 'Surprised' Wellens responds to Philippe Gilbert criticism

Tim Wellens has responded to Philippe Gilbert after the former world champion questioned his loyalty to Belgium over his decision to miss the World Championships in Montréal.

Speaking after Wednesday’s Grand Prix de Wallonie, Wellens said Gilbert’s comments had caught him by surprise and revealed that he intends to discuss the matter with him personally.

“I was a little surprised by what Phil said,” Wellens told Het Nieuwsblad. “I’m going to send him a message to find out why exactly he chose those words.”

Wellens also suggested that the increasingly outspoken nature of television analysis may have played a part in Gilbert’s choice of language, contrasting his approach with that of another Belgian cycling great.

“Apparently, an analyst gets more attention when he creates a negative narrative,” Wellens said. “I’m more a fan of Tom Boonen’s approach. He often looks at things more positively.”

He finished with a smile and a warning for Gilbert: “I’m going to contact Phil and give him a piece of my mind.”

Gilbert had delivered a highly critical assessment of Wellens’ decision to make himself unavailable for Belgium’s World Championships team.

The debate intensified after Wellens returned to form by winning the Tour of Britain, having previously questioned whether he would recover sufficiently from illness and fatigue following the Tour de France. His performances even prompted Remco Evenepoel to contact him personally in an attempt to change his mind, but Wellens ultimately decided to stick to the programme agreed with UAE.

“I respect Tim, but I completely disagree with his reasoning and his point of view,” Gilbert told RTL Sports. “I think he is completely detached from reality.”

For Gilbert, the issue centred on the distinction between responsibilities towards a trade team and representing a national team.

“You always have to stay loyal to your country,” the 2012 world champion said, arguing that even the presence of UAE teammate Tadej Pogačar at the Worlds should not prevent Wellens from committing himself fully to Belgium.

Gilbert also pointed to Belgium’s position heading into the Montréal road race, with Remco Evenepoel and Wout van Aert providing two leadership options on a course expected to suit both.

The former world champion suggested Wellens could eventually regret turning down the opportunity.

Wellens remains comfortable with his decision to skip the Worlds, despite the debate it has sparked, with a direct conversation with Gilbert now likely to take place away from the press.