After an unexpected but well-deserved victory in the Ruta del Sol, Tim Wellens (Lotto-Soudal) is aiming higher than ever this season. Wellens has taken wins in the Tour de Pologne, the Guangxi Tour and the Eneco Tour (twice) in the past, as well as the GP Montreal, and last year he netted victory in the Ruta del Sol`s rainsoaked final stage from a breakaway. However, he recognised that mastering the Ruta del Sol`s tougher mountain climbs, as he proved at Allanadas on stage 2, where Wellens attacked but did not crack when caught by the other favourites, represented a big step forward.ADVERTISEMENT `I didn`t think I could compete with the others on a climb like that,` Wellens said. `But when they caught me, I rested for a moment and that`s why I could end the stage well. `I really learned that I`ve taken a big step forward this winter. I can compete uphill with the best in the world and it`s really a nice surprise for me.` On top of that, Wellens proved more than a match for Mikel Landa (Movistar) in the Ruta`s second summit finish at Alcala de los Gazules, gaining the overall lead on a much shorter, punchier climb.
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