ProTeam Ninth Il Lombardia participation for Tim Wellens

The Lotto Soudal rider looks forward to one of his favourite races.

Race 08 October 2021

On Saturday 9 October, Lotto Soudal will be at the start of Il Giro di Lombardia, the fifth and final Monument of the 2021 cycling season. In the 108^th edition of the “Race of the falling leaves”, the riders face a demanding 240 kilometres long course between Como and Bergamo. The final long ascent – the Passo di Ganda - is situated at around 30 kilometres from the finish. In the very final of Il Lombardia, a tough couple of last kilometres awaits the riders in Bergamo. Lotto Soudal rider Tim Wellens, who already finished inside the top five on two occasions, will be at the start of Il Lombardia for the 9^th time in his career.

“Contrary to last year, we’re now racing from Como to Bergamo. But the direction of the course doesn’t really matter, IL Lombardia is a race that’s close to my heart”, says Tim Wellens. “The race takes place during a nice time of year and in a really beautiful region as well. I also obtained my best results in a cycling Monument at the Tour of Lombardy.”

“Some two weeks ago, I already did a recon of the course and I was struck by how technical the descents are. Luckily, the weather forecast looks nice, so it won’t have a big impact on the race. To predict how the race will unfold exactly, is a really hard thing to do. Nowadays, the race explodes earlier and earlier. But no doubt that the final long ascent, at around 30 kilometres from the finish, will be crucial. I know the finish quite well, it’s a stretch uphill of around two kilometres with a short passage over cobblestones.”

“My personal ambitions remain limited this year. Most possibly, Andreas Kron will spearhead the team. Our young Dane has demonstrated his good shape at Tre Valli Varesine and can also fight for a good result at Il Lombardia”, concludes Tim Wellens.