Tormans Cyclo Cross Team can rely on a new sports director at the start of the competition in August. The double cyclocross world champion will mentor the squad, with Quinten Hermans and Corné van Kessel in the elite category. Together with Wellens, the duo was part of Telenet-Fidea during his sportive career.
The 41 year old was world champion in 2003 and 2004. He also won the World Cup, the Superprestige and the Gazet van Antwerpen Trophy (currently the DVV Verzekeringen Trophy). Afterwards, he became a sports director in cyclocross, with 777 and Corendon-Circus. The resident of the Campine region will add his experience to the development of the new UCI cyclocross structure, managed by Jean-François Bourlart and parallel to the UCI Pro Team Circus-Wanty Gobert-Tormans.
« I was keen on a change of scenery, and I can’t wait to start this new challenge! My new function will be a great marriage between the use of my experience and the discovery of new tasks! In cyclocross I get the opportunity to work with riders I believe in and for who I have sympathy. Quinten, Corné and I were teammates when I was still a rider. Together with our U23 riders and women, we will form a nice group which I can guide perfectly. I’m also excited to be a part of the organizational chart of Circus-Wanty Gobert-Tormans and tackle road races! My brother Geert and me believe in this project. He will coach the young riders from Tormans -Acrog Balen BC and his experience with young women will be key in the succes of Tormans Cyclo Cross Team on the long term. »
« Our new project Tormans Cyclo Cross Team was formed last winter, with Quinten Hermans and Corné van Kessel defending our colors since the 1st of January. We expanded the team, with among others Thomas Mein and Emiel Verstrynge in the U23 category. An experienced sports director to coach our athletes physically and technically was lacking. I’m convinced that the arrival of Bart Wellens will enable us to show that Tormans Cyclo Cross Team is one of the best teams in cyclocross, regardless of the category. »
