Serge Pauwels is today the technical director of the Belgian national road cycling team, a role in which he is seeking to maximize the potential of an extraordinary generation of talents. Among these are riders of the caliber of Remco Evenepoel and Wout van Aert, whom he already sees as absolute protagonists at the upcoming World Championships in Canada. A former professional cyclist, Pauwels has brought to his new position a modern and direct vision, based on experience gained in the peloton and on a close relationship with the team's leaders.

Among these, the most representative is undoubtedly Wout van Aert, with whom Pauwels has built continuous dialogue, made of technical discussion but also of mutual trust. Their relationship is central to Belgium's ambitions, especially with regard to upcoming major international events, such as the World Championships in Canada.

Pauwels does not limit himself to selecting riders: he closely follows their development and supports them in mental and tactical preparation as well. This is demonstrated by an episode recounted by the coach himself, which concerns Van Aert: «The week before Paris-Roubaix, we went out for a ride together and I told him: if there's one thing you can do, it's to push your hand every time it's possible. Don't wait too obviously for Tadej Pogacar or Mathieu van der Poel. You can decide first».

This advice proved decisive. Pauwels emphasized how Van Aert's success came precisely from a change in mentality: «The determining factor for his success was the courage to take control of the situation. For him, often this is what leads to success: he must not race reactively, but build the race on his own».

The Belgian coach sees in Van Aert a rider who can still grow, especially in terms of freedom and ambition in his calendar: «I think that in the coming years he will no longer have to make choices and will be able to participate in everything. Precisely because he is free».

The focal point of the upcoming season is already clear: the World Road Championships in Canada. Pauwels confirmed without hesitation or doubt that Van Aert will be taking part: «For the World Championships, I have already received confirmation that he would like to include them among his objectives».

This is an important turning point compared to the past. At the World Championships in Rwanda, Van Aert had withdrawn, a decision that Pauwels remembers well. «At that time, there were doubts and he decided to withdraw, but he immediately said: I absolutely want to go to Canada, I'm already thinking about it».

Now that idea has become concrete and represents one of the great milestones of his career: «This idea has started to mature and will gradually become his next objective. In Canada I am certain that he will be able to seize a golden opportunity».

Pauwels looks at the World Championships with realism but also confidence. He knows that the competition will be extremely tough, with rivals like Tadej Pogacar and Mathieu van der Poel, but he believes in the collective strength of the team: «We all know it will be difficult to beat Pogacar, but with Wout alongside Remco Evenepoel we have an extra card to play».

Furthermore, the coach is convinced that the Montreal course suits Van Aert's characteristics: «Wout has already made assessments of the Canadian course and is convinced that it is a race suited to his characteristics».

The relationship between Serge Pauwels and Wout van Aert represents one of the cornerstones of contemporary Belgian cycling. Based on trust, discussion and shared vision, this bond could prove decisive in pursuing the world title in Canada. With a more aware and aggressive Van Aert and a coach capable of guiding him in strategic choices, Belgium arrives at the World Championships with concrete ambitions and one of the most solid partnerships in the international cycling landscape.