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 inspired Serge Pauwels to take on the role of national coach for Belgian cycling?
**Interview with Serge Pauwels: The New National Coach of Belgian Cycling**
*Interviewer:* Congratulations, Serge, on your new role as the national coach of Belgian cyclists! How does it feel to step into such a significant position?
*Serge Pauwels:* Thank you! It’s an incredible honor. I’ve always had a passion for cycling, and now being able to guide some of the best talents in Belgium is a dream come true. It feels like a natural progression after my time working alongside Sven Vanthourenhout.
*Interviewer:* You mentioned your experience as Vanthourenhout’s right-hand man. What did you learn from him that you’ll carry into your new role?
*Serge Pauwels:* A lot! Sven has a wealth of knowledge about both the sport and the importance of team dynamics. I’ve learned how vital it is to create an environment where athletes feel supported and can thrive. My aim is to build on that foundation and help elevate our cyclists to new heights.
*Interviewer:* You’ve been involved with junior talent for some time now. How important is it for you to see those riders transition into professionals?
*Serge Pauwels:* It’s immensely rewarding. Watching young riders develop their skills and eventually make it to the professional level feels like nurturing your own kids. I take great pride in their successes and want to ensure that they know they have my full support as they take that next step.
*Interviewer:* What is your vision for the Belgian cycling team moving forward?
*Serge Pauwels:* My vision is to foster a culture of excellence, adaptability, and resilience. We have an outstanding generation of cyclists, and I want to polish their skills while ensuring they understand the importance of teamwork. It’s not just about individual success; it’s about the collective effort that leads to victory.
*Interviewer:* With the competitive landscape of cycling, how do you plan to prepare the team for the challenges ahead?
*Serge Pauwels:* Preparation will be key. We will focus on tailored training programs that cater to each rider’s strengths and weaknesses. I also plan to incorporate more strategic pre-competition planning to ensure that our athletes are not only physically ready but also mentally prepared for every challenge.
*Interviewer:* How do you feel about your competitors in the coaching world? Philippe Gilbert expressed interest in this role, too. Was it a tough decision for the selectors?
*Serge Pauwels:* Competition is always healthy! Philippe has a remarkable cycling history, and while it would have been interesting to see how he approached coaching, I’m grateful that the selection committee saw the potential in my background. I respect all candidates and am focused on what lies ahead.
*Interviewer:* Last question—what message do you have for the cyclists you’ll be coaching?
*Serge Pauwels:* I want them to know that I’m here for them. We’re in this together, and I believe that with hard work and determination, we can achieve great things. Let’s aim high and enjoy every moment of this journey!
*Interviewer:* Thank you, Serge, and best of luck in your new role! We look forward to seeing what you and the team can achieve.
*Serge Pauwels:* Thank you! I’m excited to get started!
