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
How does Serge Pauwels envision collaboration between the different coaching teams within Belgian cycling to enhance athlete development?
**Interview with Serge Pauwels: The New National Coach of Belgium Cycling**
*Date: November 13, 2024*
*Location: Belgian Cycling Headquarters*
**Interviewer:** Congratulations, Serge, on your new role as the national coach for Belgian cyclists! How are you feeling about this significant step in your career?
**Serge Pauwels:** Thank you! I’m incredibly honored and excited. Coaching one of the strongest generations of Belgian cyclists is a privilege, and I’m ready to roll up my sleeves. There’s a lot of potential, and I see it as my responsibility to nurture and guide these talented athletes.
**Interviewer:** You’ve had a close relationship with Sven Vanthourenhout as his right-hand man. How has that experience prepared you for this new challenge?
**Serge Pauwels:** Absolutely, working alongside Sven has given me invaluable insights into the operational and strategic aspects of coaching at this level. It felt like I was already in the race before I took the leap. I’ve learned a great deal about team dynamics, athlete management, and what it takes to compete on the world stage.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of the world stage, there’s been some talk about other candidates, including Philippe Gilbert. What do you think set you apart in the selection process?
**Serge Pauwels:** I can’t speak for the decision-makers, but I believe my hands-on experience with the junior teams and familiarity with the current roster of athletes played a role. I’m passionate about cycling, and I think that enthusiasm really resonated during discussions with the Belgian cycling association.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned wanting to create a nurturing environment for both athletes and staff. Can you elaborate on your vision for the team?
**Serge Pauwels:** My vision is all about collaboration and growth. I want to foster a space where athletes feel supported and encouraged to express themselves. We’re all part of this cycling ecosystem, and if we work harmoniously, I believe we can achieve remarkable results. It’s about more than just victory; it’s about developing well-rounded cyclists who represent Belgium both on and off the bike.
**Interviewer:** That sounds promising! With Ludwig Willems coaching the women’s team and Angelo De Clercq handling juniors and cyclo-cross, how do you see the synergy among the coaching teams?
**Serge Pauwels:** I think it’s essential for us to communicate and collaborate. We share common goals—developing our athletes to their fullest potential while safeguarding the sport’s integrity. Having all these perspectives can enrich our approach, leading to innovative strategies that benefit our riders across all categories.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, as you prepare for your inaugural race as national coach, is there anything specific you hope to achieve in your first year?
**Serge Pauwels:** My main goal is to instill confidence in our athletes and create a strong competitive spirit. I want them to believe in their abilities and in our collective mission. If we can build that foundation, then I’m optimistic about the results that will follow. But let’s take it one race at a time!
**Interviewer:** Wonderful insights! We wish you all the best in this exciting journey ahead, Serge. May you lead Belgium cycling to new heights!
**Serge Pauwels:** Thank you! I appreciate your support, and I look forward to what’s next!