We cannot criticize Belgian Cyling for having favored the prize list when appointing the new coach of Belgium. Serge Pauwels was appointed this Wednesday, November 13, to take over from Sven Vanthourenhout, in place since 2017.
The former Sky and Omega Pharma climber Quick-Step was favored by decision-makers, despite the star-studded candidacies of Philippe Gilbert, 2012 world champion, and Greg Van Avermaet, winner of Paris-Roubaix 2017 and Olympic champion in 2016. “I am very honored to take this position, especially since we have one of the best generations of Belgians”recognized Pauwels, who had led the juniors until now.
Philippe Gilbert regrets “internal agreements”
Left at the dock, Philippe Gilbert shared his disappointment at not having been selected. The rider with 80 professional victories particularly regretted “the internal agreements of Belgian Cycling which were right for (s) its candidacy”.
READ ALSO. “I have always been passionate about cycling”: Philippe Gilbert begins his career change
Angelo De Clercq, a young 32-year-old retiree, is taking over the cyclo-cross selection, also under the direction of Sven Vanthourenhout since 2017. First deadline for Serge Pauwels, the European Championship in France, before the Worlds in Rwanda.
France