Last week Tim Wellens, a 35-year-old professional with UAE Team Emirates, made headlines by announcing his withdrawal from the UCI Road World Championships, despite being called up by national team manager Serge Pauwels. This decision has sparked a heated debate in Belgium, becoming a major topic across the country's media. There have been many critics, including Philippe Gilbert, the former world champion in 2012 and a prominent figure in Belgian cycling.

Wellens, recovering from illness and a forced absence at the Renewi Tour, went on to race and win the Tour of Britain but informed Pauwels that he did not feel ready to tackle the Worlds. His choice is motivated by a desire to support his team, UAE Team Emirates, which is dealing with several injuries and needs fit riders for the final races of the season. In a previous statement, Wellens had said: "While aware that racing for the national team is an honor and a privilege, I have already given my word to UAE".

Philippe Gilbert, with an impressive palmares that includes victories in prestigious races such as the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix, expressed his displeasure with Wellens' choice. Speaking to RTL, Gilbert stated: "I respect Tim, but I completely disagree with his motivations and his position. I believe it is completely out of touch with reality".

According to Gilbert, loyalty to the team has taken precedence over duties to one's nation. He emphasized the importance of racing for one's country, arguing that even if a main rival were competing, this should not prevent cyclists from wearing national colors.

Gilbert shared his personal experience, recalling how during his career he often found himself competing against teammates at world events. He cited the example of Cadel Evans, his teammate in 2009, who won the world title while he finished sixth, but who did not hesitate to give his all for his nation.

"During my Worlds, my opponents were often my team's teammates. Cadel Evans for example, became world champion in Mendrisio, where I finished sixth. But there I gave everything for the Belgian national team. You do it for your country; that's what matters". Gilbert's words hit the mark and many agree with him.

"It makes no sense. Wellens might realize further down the line that it wasn't the right decision. Furthermore, I don't know if he'll be called up again in the coming years", Gilbert added, emphasizing the need to put one's country first. The Belgian then plainly cited Tadej Pogacar. "During your career you can race for different teams, but your country always remains your country. Even if Pogacar were racing, that shouldn't prevent you from racing for the Belgian national team. In this ideal scenario, with two captains in excellent form on a course suited to both, I would have wanted to be part of such a national team".

Tim Wellens' situation has raised questions about the loyalty and responsibilities cyclists have to their teams versus their nation. While Wellens focuses on the needs of UAE Team Emirates, Gilbert's words remind us that racing for one's nation is an honor that transcends mere team considerations. It remains to be seen how this situation will affect Wellens' future and his relationship with the Belgian national team.