Tim Wellens (Lotto-Soudal) returns to the four-day Challenge Mallorca this week looking to add to his two wins he took in the series of races last year.

The races start on Thursday with the Trofeo Campos, Porreres, Felanitx, Ses Salines, followed by the Trofeo Serra de Tramuntana, Trofeo Lloseta – Andratx and finally the Trofeo Palma on Sunday.

Last year, Wellens took victories in both the Trofeo Serra de Tramuntana and Trofeo Andratx-Mirador des Colomer which were the first of seven wins he took during the season. He bookended the season nicely by taking a stage and overall in his final race of the season, the Tour of Guangxi. The Belgian is hoping that he can continue in Mallorca where he left off last season.

Tim Wellens: You are only as good as your last race, so that’s a good sign. Of course it’s all the better when you are able to finish your season that way. I had years in which I didn’t perform so well anymore at the end of the season and that’s less fun. This winter I was very relaxed. That last victory gave me mental rest.”

“I didn’t do anything for two weeks. In that period I went on a holiday to Dubai with my girlfriend. After those two weeks I started running, swimming, mountain biking and going to the fitness. I didn’t follow a schedule yet, but I just did sports when I wanted to. About three weeks later I started to use training schedules.”

“The training camps went really well. It was a huge advantage that we stayed at the Rafa Nadal Sports Centre. It’s the perfect location for sportsmen. We trained less intensively than previous years, so I will be in top shape later than usual. Nonetheless, I should be able to set good results as I’m always good at the start of the season. It would be nice to win in Mallorca, but there’s no pressure.”

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