Reunion in 2025 for Sven Vanthourenhout with Evenepoel? "Soudal Quick-Step is one of the options"

After seven years and 99 medals, Sven Vanthourenhout is stepping down as the national coach of the Belgian cycling team. The 43-year-old Belgian is now faced with the question of what lies ahead for him. In an interview with VTM Nieuws, the former national coach discusses his future plans.

Before any decision is made, Vanthourenhout will first return home. "Now I want to be the dad I need to be, to be there more for them. They have always supported me and wish me well, even though I haven’t often been around."

So, the Belgian still doesn't know what he will do next year. "At the moment, I don't know where I'll be working, but I do intend to continue discussions soon." Rumors about Vanthourenhout's new role also mentioned a reunion with Remco Evenepoel at Soudal Quick-Step. "That’s one of the options,' the 43-year-old Belgian explains."

In the same rumors, the prominent UAE Team Emirates was also mentioned, although Vanthourenhout believes that option is somewhat less straightforward. "I also don’t rule out UAE with Pogacar, who I think is a fantastic athlete, although that’s a bit more complicated. After having worked for so long with the best Belgians, you do want to stay somewhat connected to that."

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Vanthourenhout is looking for a "similar role" and "is convinced that the federation is handling the search for a successor well"

In what form and what role Vanthourenhout will take on starting in December? The Belgian has a good idea about that himself. "I would certainly like to continue working in a similar role. I want to connect people and bring out the best in them. I am also interested in coordinating training camps and competitions." According to him, it won’t be long before something materializes. "By the end of October or early November, something should come up so I can get back to work in December."

As his successor, Vanthourenhout has notably recommended junior national coach Serge Pauwels. However, that is not so straightforward. "The federation should first see what is possible with Serge. If it turns out that it doesn’t work with him, then offers will naturally come in. I am certainly convinced that the federation will handle the search for a successor well."

The calendar for the new cyclo-cross season is now online! Check it out here. Or check out our general calendars for the remainder of the season for the men and women's races.