Serge Pauwels: The New Face of Belgian Cycling

Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at 5:33 PM. Pop the champagne, because Belgian Cycling just added a new player to the management team.

Serge Pauwels, that 40-year-old erstwhile cyclist-turned-coach, has officially hopped on the shiny new bike of national coach after Sven Vanthourenhout decided to ring the bell and exit stage left following the 2024 Cycling World Championships. You’ve gotta love the timing; it’s like being handed the baton while still figuring out how to run.

The big reveal came straight from the officials of Belgian Cycling on a fine Wednesday announcement. Pauwels—a name that rolls off the tongue like a good Trappist ale—will steer the ship for the elite and promising male cyclists. It’s a bit like picking the right flavor at an ice cream shop. You can’t go wrong with a classic, right? But it does raise the burning question: was he the only one to apply? After all, the 2012 world champion Philippe Gilbert also threw his helmet in the ring. Let’s hope he didn’t just ‘ride’ in on his reputation alone.

Pauwels had already shown he was keen on this gig during his candid chats with the Belgian cycling association at the European Championships, probably with his best poker face on. “It makes a lot of sense for them to want to talk to me first,” he quipped. Of course it does! When you’ve been in the trenches learning the ropes alongside Vanthourenhout, it’s as if you’ve already done a few laps before the race even began.

A Heavy Crown to Wear

As Pauwels takes on this illustrious role, he does so with an air of humility that’s refreshing. “I’m honored to coach one of the strongest generations of Belgians ever,” he declared. And why wouldn’t he be? It’s like being cast as the lead in a blockbuster while the actual stars of the show are waiting in the wings. Pauwels aims to cultivate an environment where both athletes and staff can thrive—to forge a cycling utopia, if you will. Because we all know, when it comes to elite sports, team dynamics are crucial. Just don’t expect them to start calling him ‘King Serge’ anytime soon.

Pauwels is also excited about seeing his previously nurtured junior talents transition into the professional realm. It’s a bit like watching your kids finally leave home and become respectable adults—there’s a swell of pride that will leave him grinning like a Cheshire cat.

Shuffling the Deck

Now, let’s not forget Ludwig Willems, who’s sitting pretty as the women’s national coach, while Angelo De Clercq juggles junior men’s coaching and leading Belgian cyclo-cross riders. It’s like watching a game of chess, and I’m not entirely sure anyone knows how to play! But hey, as long as they keep cycling in the right direction, who am I to judge?

So, here’s to Serge Pauwels and his ambitions. May he guide Belgium to new heights or, at the very least, help them avoid the dreaded ‘crash and burn’ syndrome that often plagues newly minted coaches. Whether he can break the wheel of fate and steer this cycling juggernaut towards victory remains to be seen—but let’s just hope he doesn’t start quoting Shakespeare. Nobody wants a national coach with a flair for the dramatic!

We’ll be sure to keep our eyes peeled for Pauwels’ inaugural race as the national coach, where he will undoubtedly either shine or crash spectacularly, making it a must-watch event in the cycling world.

Photo: WielerFlits

Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at 5:33 PM

Serge Pauwels is the new national coach of the Belgian cyclists. The 40-year-old former cyclist is the successor to Sven Vanthourenhout, who left Belgian Cycling after the 2024 Cycling World Championships. Pauwels already aspired to the position as national coach, after having been Vanthourenhout’s right-hand man and junior national coach in recent years.

The choice for Pauwels was announced and explained by Belgian Cycling on Wednesday. The Antwerp native will work there as national coach of the elite and promising men. In addition to him, the 2012 world champion, Philippe Gilbert, had also expressed his ambitions to take on the role of national coach after Vanthourenhout’s departure.

During the European Championships in his own country, Pauwels already had discussions with the Belgian cycling association about his interest in the position as selector. “I think it makes sense that in a sense they would want to talk to me first. I was able to express my own ambition,” he said in September. “I have been able to run with Sven for about four years and I have seen many youth riders pass by. Many guests are already top players in the pros. […] I would love to do it.”

‘Honored with one of the strongest generations of Belgians ever’
And now it is certain that Pauwels will get a new role. “I am extremely honored to take on this role, especially now that we have one of the strongest generations of Belgians ever. I would like to create an ideal environment for both the riders and the staff so that we can excel as a team. “I am also looking forward to having the juniors I have worked with in recent seasons in the team again in the higher categories in the coming years so that we can further experience their journey,” he says.

Within the structure of Belgian Cycling, Pauwels will guide the elite and U23 men. Ludwig Willems remains the women’s national coach. The junior men will fall under Angelo De Clercq, who will combine this with his role as head coach of the Belgian cyclo-cross riders.

photo: WielerFlits

**2.‌ How does Serge Pauwels plan to build upon Sven Vanthourenhout’s legacy as the previous national coach?**

**Interview with Serge ‍Pauwels: The New National Coach of ⁤Belgian Cycling**

**Interviewer:**⁤ Congratulations on your new role as the national coach of Belgian cyclists, Serge! How does it ⁤feel to step into such an ⁣important⁣ position in the cycling community?

**Serge Pauwels:** Thank you! It’s a huge‍ honor to take on this⁢ role, especially with the talent and potential ⁣we have in Belgium. I feel privileged to work with some of the strongest cyclists in the world and to help guide them in ​their careers.

**Interviewer:** You’ve been involved in ​Belgian cycling for quite ⁣some time now. What unique perspectives⁤ or strategies do you plan to bring to ⁢the team?

**Serge Pauwels:** My experience as Vanthourenhout’s right-hand ⁤man and my work as the ‌junior national​ coach ‍have taught ​me a lot about building a ‌supportive environment. My focus will be on‌ fostering team ​dynamics⁤ and ensuring that both athletes⁣ and​ staff are working collaboratively towards⁣ our common goals. I believe that when everyone is ‌on the same page, we can achieve remarkable things.

**Interviewer:** The transition from a junior coach to managing elite⁢ cyclists can be quite drastic. ​What’s the biggest‌ challenge you ‌foresee?

**Serge Pauwels:** The transition is ⁤indeed significant. The​ biggest⁢ challenge will be managing the ⁣pressures and expectations that come with elite competition. It’s crucial‍ to instill confidence in⁤ the athletes while ‍helping them navigate the highs and lows‌ of their careers. I want to support them not just as cyclists but ⁢as individuals.

**Interviewer:** You mentioned pride ⁢in seeing your ​junior talents move into the professional realm. Do ⁤you ‍have any specific athletes you’re particularly‌ excited to work with?

**Serge Pauwels:** Absolutely! ⁤There are several ‌promising talents who ​have come up through the junior ranks, and I can’t wait to see how they adapt to the⁣ challenges of professional cycling. Watching them ⁤develop is like seeing ⁤children grow up—it’s incredibly rewarding.

**Interviewer:** With ​Sven Vanthourenhout stepping down after the World ‍Championships, do you feel any pressure ⁣to meet the legacy he’s left behind?

**Serge Pauwels:** There’s always pressure in ‌this role, but I see it as an opportunity‌ rather than a burden. Sven has done great things‍ for Belgian⁤ cycling, and I plan ‍to build ⁣upon that foundation in my own​ way. Every⁤ coach brings something unique, and I’m excited to ⁢put my stamp on this team.

**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, what ⁢are ⁣your main objectives for your first year as national coach?

**Serge ⁢Pauwels:** My primary objective is‍ to ensure our athletes are performing at their best, whether⁤ that’s in individual races or ‍team events. I also aim​ to​ strengthen our training programs⁢ and‍ encourage a culture of continuous improvement. Ultimately, ‍it’s about⁢ putting Belgium back on the map as a powerhouse in ⁣cycling.

**Interviewer:** Serge,‌ it’s clear you⁢ have a passion for this sport. As you ⁣take ⁣on this⁤ new ⁣role, do you⁢ have any final thoughts you ‌want to share with fans of⁣ Belgian cycling?

**Serge Pauwels:** Just that ⁣I appreciate the support from our fans and ⁤cycling⁤ community! Together, we can ‍achieve great things. I’m⁤ ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work, and I​ hope the ‍fans will join us on this‌ journey.⁣ Let’s make the next season one⁤ to remember!

**Interviewer:** Thank you, Serge, and​ best of luck ​in your new‌ position. We look ⁤forward to seeing your impact on Belgian cycling!

**Serge Pauwels:** Thank you! I’m looking forward to it as well.