Tim Wellens of UAE Team Emirates-XRG delivered a commanding performance at the Clásica Jaén Paraíso Interior on Monday, securing his 42nd career victory with a long-range solo attack. The Belgian champion, often described as an underrated talent, finished 35 seconds ahead of the competition after a grueling race across the challenging gravel tracks of the “Spanish Strade Bianche,” as the event is often called. This win marks the 12th of the season for the rapidly dominant UAE Emirates-XRG squad.
The race unfolded as a tactical battle, with Wellens launching his decisive move approximately 55 kilometers from the finish line. Benefiting from strong support from his teammates, who neutralized the efforts of the chasing pack, Wellens maintained a relentless pace through the olive groves of Jaén. The victory comes after years of near misses for Wellens at this event, having previously finished second in 2022, third in 2023, and fourth in 2024.
Pre-race favorite Tom Pidcock (Pinarello-Q36.5) faced frustration, missing the crucial early splits in the race and ultimately finishing in second place. Pidcock attempted to bridge the gap to Wellens in the final hour, even launching a late attack with 10 kilometers remaining, but the gap proved insurmountable. A controversial sprint finish further complicated matters, as Wellens’ teammate, Jan Christen, was initially third across the line but was later disqualified by race officials for “shutting the door” on Maxim van Gils (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) during the sprint, causing van Gils to crash.
Despite Christen’s disqualification, UAE Emirates maintained a strong presence on the podium, with new signing Benoît Cosnefroy being promoted to third place after finishing fourth. The team’s success at Clásica Jaén came on the same day as Isaac del Toro’s victory at the UAE Tour, highlighting the team’s early-season strength. Outside Online reports that UAE Emirates-XRG now boasts 12 wins from eight different riders in just six weeks of racing, even before the start of Tadej Pogačar’s season.
Wellens’ ride wasn’t without its challenges. He narrowly avoided a crash on a swift, stony corner, demonstrating his skill and composure. The 34-year-old’s victory is particularly notable given his consistent performance at Clásica Jaén over the past four years. Cyclingnews details the impressive solo effort that secured his win.
The Clásica Jaén Paraíso Interior, known for its challenging gravel sections, tested the riders with 25 kilometers of caminos de olivos (olive grove roads). Pidcock’s race was further hampered by a wardrobe adjustment at a critical moment, mirroring a similar issue he faced at the Vuelta a Murcia just days prior. Archyde.com reports that Pidcock explained he needed to remove clothing due to the cold morning temperatures, and the timing of the adjustment contributed to him missing a key breakaway.
UAE Emirates-XRG’s impressive start to the 2026 season continues a trend of dominance. Last year, the team broke the single-season win record with 97 victories from 20 different riders. With 12 wins already secured and Pogačar yet to start his campaign, the team is aiming for a triple-digit win total this year. Currently, Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe is the next closest team with 8 wins.
What’s next for Wellens and UAE Emirates-XRG remains to be seen, but their early-season form suggests they will be contenders in many of the major races to arrive. The team’s depth and tactical prowess are clearly on display, setting a high bar for their rivals.
What are your thoughts on Wellens’ impressive victory and UAE Emirates-XRG’s dominant start to the season? Share your opinions in the comments below.
