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
**What are Serge Pauwels’ main goals as the new national coach for Belgian cycling?**
**Interview with Serge Pauwels: The Newly Appointed National Coach of Belgian Cyclists**
**Interviewer**: Congratulations, Serge! Being appointed as the national coach for Belgian cycling is quite an achievement. How does it feel to step into this role, especially following Sven Vanthourenhout?
**Serge Pauwels**: Thank you! It’s honestly a mix of excitement and humility. Stepping into Sven’s shoes is no small task—he did great work. I’ve learned a lot by shadowing him over the years, and now I’m eager to take on this responsibility and build on what he has established.
**Interviewer**: You’ve been involved in coaching for some time now, particularly with junior cyclists. How does that experience shape your vision for the national team?
**Serge Pauwels**: My time with the juniors has been invaluable. I’ve seen their potential firsthand and have formed strong relationships with many of them. I want to create a supportive environment that fosters their growth as they transition into elite cycling. It’s like nurturing a garden; you need to give it care and attention for the blossoms to thrive.
**Interviewer**: Belgian cycling has some incredibly talented riders. Do you have particular goals or priorities for the national team going forward?
**Serge Pauwels**: Absolutely! My priority is to harness the talent we have and turn this generation into champions. We need to focus on team dynamics and developing collective strategies that suit our athletes’ strengths. Success doesn’t just come from one strong rider—it’s about everyone working together towards a common goal.
**Interviewer**: There was certainly competition for your position, with names like Philippe Gilbert in the mix. What do you think set you apart in your candidacy?
**Serge Pauwels**: That’s a good question! I think my close working relationship with the team and my understanding of the nuances of coaching young athletes gave me an edge. I’ve been right there alongside the riders, which allows me to connect with them on a more personal level. I aim to be a coach who listens and understands.
**Interviewer**: As you start this new journey, what is your message to the cyclists and your coaching staff?
**Serge Pauwels**: My message would be to embrace the challenges ahead. We will face tough races and tough decisions, but together as a cohesive unit, we can achieve remarkable things. Let’s be open, supportive, and always aim for excellence.
**Interviewer**: Lastly, how are you feeling about your first major competition as national coach?
**Serge Pauwels**: I’m thrilled! There’s always a bit of pressure with a debut, but I see it as an opportunity to showcase our hard work. It’s a journey, and I’m excited for what lies ahead. I hope the cyclists feel the same energy and are ready to make their mark.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Serge! We wish you the best of luck as you embark on this new chapter in your career.
**Serge Pauwels**: Thank you! I appreciate it, and I look forward to making our mark in Belgian cycling together!
