Belgian cycling coach Serge Pauwels details race plan without earpieces
- The Belgian national cycling team faces a unique tactical challenge at the World Championships due to a strict race rule that bans radio earpieces in the peloton.
- To overcome the absence of in-race radio communication, Belgian national coach Serge Pauwels has established a preparation framework focused on pre-race scenario planning and rider autonomy.
- L’idée c’est qu’on n’aura pas besoin d’oreillettes
The Belgian national cycling team faces a unique tactical challenge at the World Championships due to a strict race rule that bans radio earpieces in the peloton. While riders rely on these communication devices throughout the rest of the season to track race gaps, assess breakaways, and receive direct instructions from team cars, governing body regulations force competitors to race completely disconnected on the world stage.
Serge Pauwels Outlines Plan Without Radios
To overcome the absence of in-race radio communication, Belgian national coach Serge Pauwels has established a preparation framework focused on pre-race scenario planning and rider autonomy. According to Pauwels, the team cannot rely on traditional mid-race adjustments or waiting for information relayed from the sidelines or team vehicles.
Il faut avoir un plan qui est très clair. L’idée c’est qu’on n’aura pas besoin d’oreillettes
Serge Pauwels Pauwels explained that discussions regarding specific tactical scenarios begin early in the race week to ensure every athlete understands their role without requiring constant updates from the team car.
Road Captains Take Charge in the Final
Without direct radio links to directeurs sportifs, the onus falls entirely on experienced riders within the squad to make split-second decisions during the closing kilometers. Pauwels has designated riders like Gianni Vermeersch and Tiesj Benoot to assume leadership responsibilities on the road as de facto road captains.
Dans le final de la course, il sera très important que des coureurs comme Gianni Vermeersch ou Tiesj Benoot puissent prendre un rôle de leader, dans le sens capitaine de route, pour prendre les décisions
Serge Pauwels The team management observed recent races, including the Grand Prix de Montréal, to evaluate how quickly athletes must adapt when tactical information cannot be instantly transmitted through earpieces, noting that waiting for pit boards or approaching the team car wastes critical seconds in a fast-moving final.