Yesterday federal coach Kevin De Weert announced the Belgian selection for the Olympic road race. Lotto Soudal rider Tim Wellens is one of the five riders who will go to Rio. The others are Laurens De Plus, Philippe Gilbert, Serge Pauwels and Greg Van Avermaet. Tim Wellens will also ride the time trial.

“The Olympics are one of my goals this season," he said. "I’m doing all I can to start with the best possible condition. The coach has given us a lot of info about the course. Louis Vervaeke, who took part in the test event last year, also shared his experiences. Everyone says it’s really hard. It’s good that the road race is scheduled first, because that’s my main goal, but I am definitely motivated for the time trial. I will do my best in the time trial.

“After de Tour de Pologne I took two days rest and then I started training again to be very good in Rio. I decided to ride no criteriums. Next Saturday I will take part in the Clásica San Sebastián. I think it’s perfect to race there one week before the Olympics. Two days later we are leaving for Brazil.

“I think it’s a good selection, although I would have loved Louis Vervaeke to be part of it as well. It’s a course that suits him. But it’s definitely right that these riders are selected.

"No doubt that the Olympic Games will be a unique experience. I am very curious to see the Olympic Village. It’s something special: athletes from different sports who take part in the same event. I’m looking forward to it very much.”