UAE boss Matxin breaks silence on Tim Wellens’ controversial World Championships absence

Wellens' absence had caused considerable debate in Belgium, particularly after the 35-year-old returned to winning form at the Tour of Britain, having previously ruled himself out of selection for the World Championships.

The Belgian had struggled with illness and exhaustion following the Tour de France and initially feared he would not recover in time. After missing the Renewi Tour, he reached an understanding with UAE Team Emirates-XRG that other races later in the season would take priority over the Worlds.

His subsequent victory in Britain raised questions about that decision, with former world champion Philippe Gilbert among his harshest critics.

"I think he is completely detached from reality," Gilbert told RTL, arguing that representing Belgium should take precedence over commitments to a trade team.

Wellens, however, maintained that he had been honest with national coach Serge Pauwels throughout and insisted he would have had no problem working for Remco Evenepoel or Wout van Aert.

Now, Matxin has weighed in on the controversy, firmly rejecting any suggestion that UAE had asked Wellens to skip the World Championships.

Asked directly whether the team had requested that Wellens miss the World Championships, Matxin's response was unequivocal.

"Absolutely not," he told Bici.pro after Il Lombardia.

"For me, the most difficult period of the year when it comes to planning is when the European and World Championships take place, because we have at least 25 riders who could be selected for their national teams," Matxin explained.

"But selection is entirely up to the national federations. We do not interfere, and we would not be allowed to anyway."

The Spaniard stressed that the same approach applies regardless of the country involved, including Belgium, where national coach Serge Pauwels was responsible for assembling the team.

"Whenever Pauwels, the Belgian national coach, calls me to ask about a rider's availability, I give him complete freedom. It is exactly the same with the Italians and the French."

Matxin also pointed out that UAE regularly provides logistical support to national teams, something he believes receives little recognition.

"We often provide our team bus to the Slovenian national team, the Colombian national team or anyone else who asks. We supply our riders with everything they need, from bikes to energy gels and other equipment."

While Matxin dismissed any suggestion that UAE had instructed Wellens to withdraw, he stopped short of explaining exactly why the Belgian ultimately decided against racing.

"I think you need to ask him that because I do not know what was discussed between him and the Belgian national coach," he said.

"Often, it also depends on how the rider feels, perhaps in relation to the course."

Asked whether Wellens had made the decision himself, Matxin acknowledged that he could only speculate about the discussions behind it.

"Sometimes a rider assesses the course and decides whether it suits him. Or he might consider whether he is happy with the role he has been offered."

"Perhaps he simply does not want to spend the first hundred kilometres riding on the front."

The suggestion that Wellens might have been reluctant to work for Evenepoel, a rival of his UAE teammate Tadej Pogačar, was also put to Matxin.

"No, not at all. Remco is a rival, but he is also a friend."

"Sometimes, when riders realise they are not going to play an important role in the team's tactical plans, they prefer not to race."