ProTeam Wellens fights to second place overall at the Tour des Alpes Maritimes et du Var

Lotto Soudal rider has to settle for fifth on the closing stage and second overall.
Race 20 February 2022

Despite putting up a big fight, Tim Wellens could not hold on to the yellow leader’s jersey in the final stage of the Tour des Alpes Maritimes et du Var today. The expected attack from his nearest rival on the general classification, Nairo Quintana, came on the long climb of the Col de Saint Roch. Like Saturday, Wellens tried to pace his effort and limit his losses towards the Colombian. Wellens went full speed down the descent, but didn’t receive much cooperation. The 30-year-old Belgian saw Quintana ride towards the stage and overall win and had to settle for fifth on the day and second overall. With two stage wins and the young rider’s jersey for Andreas Kron, Lotto Soudal can look back at a successful three days of racing at the Tour des Alpes Maritimes et du Var.

Today the Tour des Alpes Maritimes et du Var came to a close with a short but tough stage stacked with climbing between Villefranche-sur-Mer and Blausasc. Following his stage win yesterday, Lotto Soudal rider Tim Wellens started the closing stage with the yellow jersey around his shoulders, looking to secure the overall win. From the start, the attacks came thick and fast, making it a very difficult assignment for the 30-year-old Belgian to retain his yellow jersey.

The key moment in the stage was to be found on the Col de Saint Roch, topping out at about 30 kilometres from the finish. Lotto Soudal once again controlled things at the head of the bunch but when Quintana made his move at 35 kilometres from the line, Tim Wellens was left to chase and worked hard to limit his losses. Wellens fought hard and joined a first chasing group on the descent, where he was forced to do all the work by himself. That way, he saw the advantage of Nairo Quintana go up as the Colombian was set to win the stage and overall. Tim Wellens battled his way to fifth on the stage and secured a 2nd spot on the general classification.

“As we expected it became a tough day right from the start, but once again the team did a tremendous job”, begins Tim Wellens. “We were in control until a few kilometres from the top of the Col de Saint Roch, where Quintana attacked. We knew beforehand that it would be very difficult to follow the Colombian up the mountain, but just like yesterday I hoped to catch him on the descent. I knew the roads really well, so I went full gas. However, Quintana also knew the area so I couldn’t make up much time. It proves that he was really strong today.”

“When Guillaume Martin attacked from our chasing group, I didn’t have the legs to respond. I had to put in a lot of effort earlier on because everyone looked at me to do the chasing. I quickly shifted focus on retaining my 2nd spot on GC, which succeeded. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get the overall win, but I will especially remember the collective strength Lotto Soudal showed these past three days. Even if Caleb and I won, it wouldn’t have been possible without impressive teamwork from the whole squad.”

Next up for Tim Wellens is the Belgian opening weekend next week.

“I had to push huge watts to get the win on Saturday so I am really satisfied with my form. I am really looking forward to the opening weekend, where we want to deliver another strong collective performance with the team”, Tim Wellens looks ahead.

In this article

18 Feb 20 Feb
  1. Nairo Quintana Vlag Colombia 10H 56' 01" Team Arkéa Samsic
  2. Tim Wellens Vlag Belgium 10H 57' 31" Lotto Soudal
  3. Guillaume Martin Vlag France 10H 57' 50" Cofidis
  4. Andreas Kron Vlag Denmark 10H 59' 53" Lotto Soudal
  5. Harry Sweeny Vlag Australia 11H 20' 37" Lotto Soudal