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 you to focus on youth development as a priority in your coaching approach?
### Interview with Serge Pauwels: The New National Coach of Belgian Cycling
**Interviewer:** Congratulations on your new role, Serge! How are you feeling about becoming the national coach of Belgium’s cycling team?
**Serge Pauwels:** Thank you! It’s an incredible honor and I’m truly excited. I’ve been involved with the team in different capacities for years, so stepping into this role feels like a natural progression. I’m ready to take on this challenge.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned your previous experience as Sven Vanthourenhout’s right-hand man. How has that prepared you for this position?
**Serge Pauwels:** Being part of the coaching staff alongside Sven gave me invaluable insights into the inner workings of the team. I learned a lot about managing both athletes and events, and I feel I’ve built solid relationships with the riders and staff. That’s vital for fostering a positive environment moving forward.
**Interviewer:** You’ve taken over from a coach with significant experience. What vision do you bring to the team that will differ from Sven’s approach?
**Serge Pauwels:** While Sven had a fantastic run, my vision includes a strong emphasis on youth development. I’m looking forward to integrating the juniors I’ve coached into the senior squad, helping them transition successfully. It’s about blending the new talent with our seasoned riders and creating synergy within the team.
**Interviewer:** The cycling world is ever-evolving, what do you think are the biggest challenges your new position will face?
**Serge Pauwels:** The competition is fierce, and cycling strategies are constantly changing. Keeping pace with these developments, training methods, and ensuring our athletes are mentally and physically prepared will be crucial. Moreover, fostering a culture of open communication and trust among the team will be one of my top priorities.
**Interviewer:** As a former cyclist, do you think that your experience on the bike will influence how you coach the team?
**Serge Pauwels:** Absolutely! Having been in their shoes, I understand the pressures and demands that come with being a top cyclist. My own experiences—both victories and challenges—shape how I connect with the athletes. I want them to know that I empathize with their journeys.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, what are you most looking forward to in your new role?
**Serge Pauwels:** I am eager to witness the growth of our athletes and celebrate their successes, large and small. I want to build a cohesive team that not only performs well but also enjoys the process. Together, I believe we can achieve great things for Belgian cycling.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your time, Serge! Best of luck in your new role.
**Serge Pauwels:** Thank you! I’m excited for what lies ahead and appreciate the support. Let’s bring home some victories!