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 fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for both athletes and coaching staff?
### Interview with Serge Pauwels: The New National Coach of Belgian Cycling
**Interviewer:** Congratulations on your appointment, Serge! How does it feel stepping into the role of national coach for Belgian cyclists?
**Serge Pauwels:** Thank you! It’s truly an honor. Having been a part of the cycling community for so long, this opportunity feels like a natural progression. I’m excited to lead such a talented group of cyclists and help them reach new heights.
**Interviewer:** You’ve been a part of the team for a while now, stepping up from being Sven Vanthourenhout’s right-hand man. How has that experience prepared you for this role?
**Serge Pauwels:** Absolutely! Working alongside Sven has provided me with invaluable insights into the coaching process and the dynamics of managing athletes. I’ve learned a lot about what it takes to build a cohesive team and to bring out the best in each rider. Hopefully, that will translate well in my new position.
**Interviewer:** There was some competition for this role, including former world champion Philippe Gilbert expressing interest. What do you think set you apart in the selection process?
**Serge Pauwels:** I believe my experience in nurturing young talents and my vision for creating an inclusive, supportive environment played a big role. It’s one thing to be a good cyclist, but coaching is about understanding the broader picture and helping everyone grow—not just the stars but all team members.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned wanting to cultivate an environment where both athletes and staff can thrive. Can you elaborate on what that might look like?
**Serge Pauwels:** Certainly! I want to create a space where open communication is encouraged, and everyone feels valued. That means being accessible as a coach and listening to both athletes and my support staff. Success in cycling is as much about mental fortitude as it is about physical ability, so fostering strong relationships is key.
**Interviewer:** What are your thoughts on transitioning junior talents into the professional realm? How will you ensure they are prepared for that leap?
**Serge Pauwels:** I’m really looking forward to this! Many of these young riders have incredible potential. We’ll focus on gradual integration, providing mentorship, and ensuring they understand the demands of professional cycling. It’s important for them to maintain their passion while adapting to the new environment.
**Interviewer:** With Ludwig Willems coaching the women’s team and Angelo De Clercq focusing on juniors and cyclo-cross, how do you plan to collaborate with them?
**Serge Pauwels:** Collaboration is vital! We will all share our insights and strategies to ensure both men’s and women’s teams benefit from each other’s successes and experiences. Regular meetings and joint training sessions could help promote unity across the teams.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what goals do you have set for yourself and the team moving forward?
**Serge Pauwels:** My primary goal is to build a strong team culture where everyone feels they belong. Of course, on the competitive side, I aim for us to be podium contenders at major events. It’s about balancing immediate results with long-term growth.
**Interviewer:** Sounds promising! Best of luck in your new role, Serge. We’re excited to see what the future holds for Belgian cycling under your leadership.
**Serge Pauwels:** Thank you! I appreciate your support, and I can’t wait to get started.
