\n\u201cWe told ourselves, we\u2019re the best\u201d \u2014 inside UAE\u2019s winning confidence<\/p>\n
UAE were relentless all season, closing in on 100 victories and asserting control at the biggest races. Wellens said that confidence became self-fulfilling.<\/p>\n
\u201cBefore the GP de Montr\u00e9al we said: \u2018There\u2019s no reason to stress \u2014 we\u2019re the best.\u2019 And then we completely dominated the race. I hope the others don\u2019t see it as arrogance, but I can understand if it\u2019s frustrating.\u201d<\/p>\n
He also revealed the work ethic driving that success runs deep. \u201cOne day we had just flown back from Abu Dhabi, everyone was exhausted, but he still went out training in the blazing heat.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Pogacar effect<\/p>\n
Wellens pointed out that even with a superstar leader, internal standards remain sky-high. \u201cIf I was not in his team, maybe I would get tired of him too. But I see how hard he works. For me, he is the most professional rider on the team, along with Juan Ayuso.\u201d<\/p>\n
That culture extends beyond performance metrics \u2014 it permeates team spirit. \u201cWhen Tadej is there, everything is better \u2014 the atmosphere is more relaxed, we laugh more and the staff is even more motivated.\u201d<\/p>\n
Classics fire still burning<\/p>\n
Despite embracing a key support role, Wellens made clear his own ambitions remain. UAE\u2019s 2026 plans could see him heading for the spring with high hopes.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are talking about doing a recon for Paris\u2013Roubaix,\u201d he revealed, before underlining that supporting duties don\u2019t stop him racing for podiums when the opportunity comes. \u201cEven when Tadej is there, like at Strade Bianche, I am the last to help him \u2014 and I still finished third.\u201d<\/p>\n