It has been discussed for some time, and now the news is official: Sven Vanthourenhout, former Belgian national coach, is joining the technical staff of Red Bull Bora Hansgrohe starting from August 1st, coinciding with Rolf Aldag's departure.

If another piece was needed to tip the scales towards Evenepoel's arrival at the German team, here it is: Vanthourenhout is the coach with whom Evenepoel won everything wearing the national jersey, and the two have always had a particularly close relationship.

In a statement to Sporza, Vanthourenhout explained: "I will immediately become part of Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe. I will be involved in all sectors, from the development team to the World Tour".

Together with mechanic Dario Kloek, masseur David Geeroms, and sports director Klaas Lodewyck, all joining the German team, a "Belgian block" is forming that now only awaits its leader, namely Remco Evenepoel.