"Bomans hated chocolate, Pauwels treated everyone to a McFlurry" - Belgian talent documents how mentality of youth coaches had to adapt in recent years

There's a persistent trend in the sport of cycling; to shift focus more and more to identifying and developing new talent from as early as possible. And when scouts are searching for stand-out talents already in cadets, the pressure shifts onto riders themselves to prepare to the best of their ability from early age. But one of the brightest talents Jarno Widar warns that coaches should not forget that young cyclists need a slightly different approach as compared to seasoned professionals.

"It has to remain fun, especially for young guys. That is exactly where the problem lies. It is becoming too serious," Widar begins his interview for cycling magazine Bahamontes.

The rider looks back fondly on his own junior days during which he still got to enjoy a degree of freedom. All while scoring outstanding results. "I am glad I was a junior four years ago, and not now. I was in a sort of transitional generation."

"One training camp in the Vosges is a good example of that. Besides the test results, having fun was important too. If we passed a gas station on the road, you could bet your bottom dollar that we all came out with chocolate," the talent recalls with a laugh.

However fun when it comes to diet was not in the vocabulary of then national coach Carlo Bomans, Widar recalls a funny anecdote: "He hates chocolate. I remember a race for the Nations Cup. We had chocolate and other junk on the breakfast table and Carlo got angry: 'Five years ago, I would have sent you all home.'"

A change arrived with new national coach Serge Pauwels who has been promoted to the role towards the end of 2024 season. The long-time professional who hung up his bike in 2020 came from a vastly different background than two decades older Bomans, and Widar immediately recognized the difference in his approach:

"Serge Pauwels does things differently," the young cyclist explains about his former mentor.

That Pauwels is not an enemy to sweet rewards was confirmed when the team received a very special surprise after a tough stage. "When we went to the Tour de l'Avenir with the national team, Serge was the first to say: 'Come on guys, let's all go to McDonald's!' And then he treated everyone to a McFlurry."

That enormous contrast in guidance clearly shows how the cycling world struggles with preparing young athletes. Is it not as though every young rider would blossom under a more benevolent lead, but Widar is certainly one of those who value small gestures like that.

"He always emphasizes that we also need to 'allow' ourselves something, that our mindset is important too if we want to perform."

The 2026 season is important in Widar's career as he makes his professional debut. It has not gone without any issue, but Widar's results - 4th in Tour de Suisse queen stage among others - confirm his enormous potential for future seasons. And in the meantime, the Belgian will not forget to sweeten his training rides with an occasional piece of cake.