Departure of Sven Vanthourenhout as Belgian National coach after World Championships confirmed. Will he join UAE?

Sven Vanthourenhout won't continue as Belgium's national coach after the World Championships in Zurich. A decision that was made after mutual consultation, Belgian Cycling announced. Will Vanthourenhout join UAE Team Emirates, as rumours suggest? According to HLN, he does not yet have an alternative in reserve.

"Belgian Cycling would like to express its sincere thanks to Sven Vanthourenhout – one of the most successful coaches in the history of the federation – for his efforts over the past years. We wish Sven Vanthourenhout every success in the further development of his sporting career," stated the Belgian federation.

More than the prizes, Vanthourenhout enjoyed the fact that the riders openly say - in the media - that they were looking forward to joining the national team and have the certainty of ending up in a nice and professional environment. The federation and Vanthourenhout have invested a lot of time and money to reach that top level.

Vanthourenhout has been enjoying concrete interest since 2022. Quick-Step and especially UAE have long been pulling at his sleeve to fulfill a role as team leader or sports manager. The decision about Vanthourenhout's departure will be explained on Tuesday during a press meeting at which the departing national coach will announce his selection for the World Championships in Zurich.