01/10/2024

Sven Vanthourenhout confirms Remco Evenepoel's Quick-Step as "one of the options" for his future destination

Sven Vanthourenhout's era as a National coach of Belgium has come to an end with the World Championships in Zurich concluded. For his last race, he gets a golden farewell thanks to Remco Evenepoel's time trial title. However that doesn't mean the two won't meet each other from next year. Vanthourenhout will enjoy some time off the racing, but soon he'll return to finish his negotiations to become a sports director in a WorldTour team, with Evenepoel's Quick-Step among frontrunners for his services.

"At the moment, I don't know where I'll start, but the intention is to continue the talks soon," he tells VTM Nieuws. Vanthourenhout spent seven years as head coach of Belgian National team and so, to continue to work in a similar environment sounds like a logical step. Vanthourenhout himself doesn't rule out such possibility while he remains hideous about his negotiations.

Team Visma | Lease a Bike announce signing of U23 world champion Niklas Behrens

"Working with Remco Evenepoel at Soudal - Quick-Step again? That's one of the options. I also don't rule out UAE with Pogacar, who I think is a fantastic athlete, although that's a bit more difficult. After working with the best Belgians for so long, you still want to lean on them somewhere."

"I would definitely like to continue working in a similar position. I want to connect people and bring out the best in them. I also like coordinating internships and competitions. By the end of October, beginning of November, something will come out of it so that I can get back to work in December."

“I do not understand why in World Championships we do not have communication via earpiece" - Juan Ayuso critical of UCI after Muriel Furrer's tragic death

As for his successor in the national team, Vanthourenhout puts forward one clear name: current assistant national coach and junior national coach Serge Pauwels. He'll face off against another prominent candidate with Philippe Gilbert.

"The federation should first check with Serge to see what is possible. If it turns out that it doesn't work out with him, then offers will come in automatically. I am convinced that the federation will handle the search for a successor well."