Bourges, France – Sven Vanthourenhout is experiencing a significant milestone in his career this week, stepping into the role of team leader for a WorldTour stage race at Paris-Nice with Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe. The former national coach of the Belgian national team is finding his footing in a new environment, one he clearly enjoys. This marks a shift from his previous focus on one-day events and championships to the complexities of managing a team through a multi-stage race.
Vanthourenhout previously participated in several one-day competitions this season, including the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, but a stage race at this level presents a different dynamic. He’s adapting quickly, leveraging his experience even as embracing the collaborative structure of a top-tier cycling team.
“I was used to primarily focusing on one-day events, such as championships,” Vanthourenhout explained to Sporza. “But it doesn’t feel entirely new. It’s a different environment, but anyone who knows me knows that I adapt quickly.”
The key difference, according to Vanthourenhout, lies in the organizational structure compared to his time with the Belgian Cycling Federation. At the federation, much responsibility fell directly on him. Now, with Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe, he’s part of a larger team with specialized departments handling various aspects of the race. “Here, you have a large team around you. There are different departments that each do their work. Leading up to a race like Paris-Nice, you get together, build plans, and work it out as a team,” he said.
This professional approach is clearly resonating with Vanthourenhout. “It’s a very professional environment. I was able to contribute during the winter, and I’m really enjoying this role. That’s ultimately the most key thing,” he added.
Focus on Paris-Nice and a Positive Update on Evenepoel
Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe is counting on Aleksandr Vlasov and Daniel Felipe Martínez to lead their charge at Paris-Nice. However, one notable absence is Remco Evenepoel, who is currently preparing in Spain for upcoming spring classics. The team is fully focused on the race at hand, but Vanthourenhout provided a brief, encouraging update on Evenepoel’s progress.
“We are fully focused on Paris-Nice here,” Vanthourenhout stated. “But regarding Remco, all the signals are quality.”
Evenepoel is currently training under the Spanish sun, working on his form. “He’s probably having fun in better weather than we have here,” Vanthourenhout joked from the rainy conditions in Bourges, France. This suggests a deliberate training strategy designed to optimize Evenepoel’s condition for his key objectives later in the spring season.
Vanthourenhout’s transition to Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe, confirmed in early 2026, marks a new chapter in his career. As Sports Director, he brings a wealth of experience from his time leading the Belgian national team to one of the sport’s premier organizations. The team’s structure at Paris-Nice includes Sven Vanthourenhout and Pello Olaberria as Sporting Managers, as confirmed by the official Paris-Nice team profile.
The shift to a WorldTeam environment has been a positive one for Vanthourenhout. He’s embracing the collaborative spirit and the specialized support system that allows him to focus on strategic decision-making and rider support. What we have is a departure from the more independent responsibilities he held as national coach, where he often handled a broader range of tasks.
The team’s roster for Paris-Nice includes riders such as Daniel Martinez Poveda, Nils Denz, Luke Plapp, Corbin Thornley, Tim van Dijke, Marius van Dijke, and Aleksandr Vlasov. The diverse lineup reflects Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe’s ambition to compete across various terrains and race scenarios throughout the week-long event.
While the focus remains on the immediate challenge of Paris-Nice, the positive update regarding Remco Evenepoel offers a glimpse into the team’s broader season goals. The Belgian star’s preparation in Spain suggests a carefully planned build-up to key races later in the spring, and Vanthourenhout’s reassurance that “all the signals are good” will undoubtedly be welcomed by fans and team management alike.
Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe will continue to assess its performance at Paris-Nice day by day, adapting its strategy based on race developments and rider condition. The team’s next challenge will be determined by the outcomes of Paris-Nice and Evenepoel’s continued progress in Spain. Fans can follow updates on the team’s performance and Evenepoel’s training through the official Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe website and social media channels.
