José De Cauwer so far likes the choice of Serge Pauwels as Belgian National coach: "It remains to be seen whether he is not only the logical choice but also the right choice"

No surprise as Serge Pauwels takes over as a national coach of Belgium, succeeding Sven Vanthourenhout. With Pauwels, the Belgian cycling has a new leader but it must be said that Pauwels has been in pole position for a while even with the likes of Philippe Gilbert announcing a candidacy. 

A surprising choice? "Not at all," José De Cauwer opens in Sporza Daily. "He worked with Sven Vanthourenhout as an assistant and knows the ins and outs of the association. So it is the most logical choice."

Belgian Cycling clearly did not venture into the unknown with Pauwels. Or did it? "It remains to be seen whether he is not only the logical choice but also the right choice," says De Cauwer. "But I do think he has sufficient know-how of modern cycling."

"He is not the man with the biggest palmares, just like Vanthourenhout. But that does not have to be a disadvantage. You can act as a logical manager and work out a plan together with the riders. I think he is a very good choice."

Serge Pauwels was previously in charge of the younger categories, working with the talented Belgian youngsters such as the three-time U23 European time trial champion Alec Segaert, Jarno Widar or Cian Uijtdebroeks.

The latter is particularly excited to have Pauwels on board: "Am I happy with the new national coach? Absolutely!" beams Cian Uijtdebroeks. "He has a lot of qualities, he has already proven that in the youth."

Uijtdebroeks illustrates it all with an anecdote. "The best thing we've done together is the Tour de l'Avenir (Uijtdebroeks won in 2022, ed.). That was a project we had tackled together a long time in advance."

"Serge is really someone who makes a plan for that and works everything out calmly. During the race he also keeps his feet on the ground. He was a real top coach to have with me and that will be no different with other riders," he already knows.