Wellens arrived in Denmark off the back of a very successful ProContinental campaign, which came to an unfortunate close when his Belgian employers folded. This event was in many ways fortunate for us here at Tryg - Ritter Sports, as we were able to bring him into our employ with the hopes of producing another set of stellar results. And boy did he deliver! Despite getting off to a rough start, likely in part due to the need to adjust to the new team climate, Wellens really came into his own as the season progressed.



The highlight of course has to be the Tour d'Andorra: two stage wins, the overall victory, and the points jersey. Other notable results arrived in Portugal, Kenya, and Colombia, but the Belgian's early inconsistency told in the final points standings. Not quite as strong as last year with 9th overall, with Pluchkin retaining the title of the strongest ProContinental climber. It looks like Wellens is going to spend another offseason not knowing where he will ride come spring, as he has seemed reluctant to ride in the Continental Tour.

Having been one of the best puncheurs in the world at his peak, Skujins found himself shuffled down the pecking order at Evonik in favour of "Superman" Miguel Angel Lopez. Fear of potential underperformance on flat terrain and the need for security regarding the funds available for the team's other major signing meant that Tryg were only too happy to put a bid in for the Latvian. A mere €3,000,000 for someone who promised to dominate the ProContinental hills.



Skujins floundered. Whilst many pundits had considered his mediocre 2020 season an abberation, attributing it to his reduction to a member of MAL's supporting cast, this year was even worse. His opening appearance in the Tour Down Under set the tone for the rest of the year: anonyminity, except for when the television cameras went back to show him having been dropped by the favourites. The only 'highlight' a stage win and the green jersey in South Africa - a Category 1 race. If the team's relegation can be attributed to anyone, it is to Skujins.