Coach Vanthourenhout to end Belgium contract at end of week: “Sven has understood what the champions need”

Once again, the man who took charge of the men’s espoir and elite teams in 2021 after four years as Belgian cyclo-cross coach is using his qualities as a psychologist. “I wouldn’t use that term, but it’s true that Sven is capable of finding the right words, which reassure, when necessary.”explains Guy Vermeiren, the press officer of Belgian Cycling.

These are the last days that the two men, who know each other very well,since Sven was coaching cyclo-cross“, pass together, since on Sunday evening, Vanthourenhout will put his apron back on.

With the most beautiful track record for a Belgian coach. A hundred medals! We can, of course, say that it is easier when you have phenomena like Remco Evenepoel and Wout van Aert under your leadership.

“I don’t want to be in the car behind the rider anymore. I aspire to a different rolehe confides. I have discussed this with Tomas Van den Spiegel and Wouter Vandenhaute, who have a clear vision of things. I have also spoken with José De Cauwer, Adrie van der Poel and Lieven Maesschalck. They all know the environment and have confirmed that this is the right time for me.”

Sven Vanthourenhout, a successful reign at the head of the Belgian cycling team

He will leave behind more than just a business card.

“I had many wonderful moments with Svensays Wout van Aert. First in cyclo-cross, then on the road. It’s a big page in the history of the national team that is turning. And it’s a shame that I’m not there for its last championship.”

It’s an open secret: the two men are also friends in real life. They have therefore experienced great moments together, but since we have to remember only one, the Visma – Lease a bike rider takes the plunge. “I think it’s my world title in 2018 in cyclo-crosshe says. It was the first one with Sven… Mathieu (van der Poel) was much stronger than me and was the big favourite. But Sven really carried me to victory.”

They will continue, as far as possible, to maintain a common passion. “Sven loves running, and so do I.explains van Aert. In Australia, the week before the 2022 World Championships, we shared a few outings together in the morning. It’s a way to create different bonds with your coach.”

Those who have worked with Vanthourenhout praise his qualities as a communicator. “As a professional, I have known four national coachesrecalls Tiesj Benoot. Of all of them, Sven is the best at communicating. He always gives clear speeches, with precise instructions. This is all the more important when you have two top riders like Wout and Remco in your team and you can’t use the earpieces. He also has the good taste not to want to put himself above the group, except when the situation requires it.” What Guy Vermeiren confirms: “A few years ago, I saw him put a hopeful back in his place who had not respected the plan. At no time did he disrespect him, but I think his message got through…”

“It’s true that Sven can be inflexiblecontinues Benoot. But he remains in the middle of the fray, he does not hesitate to ride with us, to discuss everything and nothing. He also has the immense quality of visiting his troops at any time of the season. Last winter, he came to see me to get my feelings on the Olympic Games and the world championships. I saw that as a demonstration of his anticipation.”

Not exaggerating and finding the right ingredients to bring together champions with long track records and pronounced egos is another area in which Vanthourenhout has shown himself to be very adept.

“He immediately understood that great champions need their close staff at their side all year round.Benoot further explains. That’s why he let Wout and Remco’s relatives also occupy the field within the group.”

Despite what some consider a little austere, he also managed to be a unifying figure. “I remember he set up a quizrecalls the press officer of Belgian Cycling. Everyone took part. And whoever answered wrong got pelted with table tennis balls. The next day, all the runners, and I mean all of them, had a smile for breakfast. Sven had pulled it off.”

For Remco Evenepoel, the departure of Vanthourenhout will not be easy to fill.Whoever succeeds him will not have an easy task.e, he assures. He won everything because he managed to create an alchemy between big individuals. He formed a bloc focused on a common goal.”

Serge Pauwels, his deputy since 2021, goes further: “Winning creates an incredible atmosphere. The youngsters are all proud to wear the national team jersey. When you arrive at a major championship, you feel that all the riders want to represent the country. In cycling, Belgium is now scary, like Real Madrid in football. When you put van Aert and Evenepoel together, it’s a dream team. But that’s not all. It’s a combination of things. And Sven helped create all that.”

Vanthourenhout is not yet sure about his future: “I don’t have a new job”

Who will succeed him?

The question now arises as to his successor. Greg Van Avermaet has already been sounded out. Sven Vanthourenhout says that Serge Pauwels would be a good successor, as would Tom Steels, who works at Soudal Quick-Step. In any case, Pauwels is putting his name forward. “I have already had an interview with Belgian Cycling, but nothing is finalized. I have arguments to put forward: I have always assisted Sven in the big moments. I have the same vision as him and similar coaching. And I worked, in youth, with all the guys who are now arriving like Arnaud De Lie, Thibau Nys or Jarno Widar. My position is, therefore, legitimate.”

It remains to be seen what the Belgian Cycling bigwigs want: to work in continuity or to try a new approach.