Bart Wellens Transitions to Sports Director After Cyclo-Cross Changes

Bart Wellens is stepping away from his role as manager of the Lotto-Intermarché cyclo-cross team to embrace a full-time position as sports director for the newly promoted WorldTour road cycling team, effective January 1, 2026. This shift comes after the merger of Lotto and Intermarché-Wanty, which has resulted in significant changes within the cycling organization. Wellens, a former world champion in cyclo-cross, will now focus on his responsibilities in road cycling.

The decision to replace Wellens with Bart Verschueren was made as part of the restructuring of the teams under the newly formed entity, Charles Liégeois – Deschacht. “They left me no choice,” Wellens remarked in an interview with Het Nieuwsblad. Initially, it was communicated that the cyclo-cross team would continue until the end of the current season, but discussions about the merger accelerated, leading to immediate changes.

In his time with the cyclo-cross team, Wellens dedicated himself fully, working seven days a week to enhance the performance of his riders. He expressed pride in his contributions, particularly in developing Julie Brouwers, who he believes has the potential for even greater achievements. Wellens assured his riders that he would remain available for support during the transition, stating, “I’m not completely abandoning Julie and Keije [Solen]… if they need me during the week, I’ll be there for them.”

Wellens reflected on the end of his cyclo-cross career, describing his last race at the Superprestige in Diegem as “a bitter pill to swallow.” Despite this, he looks forward to spending more time with his children in January, a month that typically sees him away from home due to racing commitments. As he transitions, he will continue to engage with the sport, taking on the role of a cyclo-cross analyst for Play Sports.

The new position represents a significant progression in Wellens’ career. “I’ve always said I wanted to build my road career as a team leader,” he stated. He is already familiar with his schedule through October and acknowledges the broader responsibilities he will face compared to cyclo-cross.

In road cycling, he will manage logistics and planning for a larger group—typically ranging from thirty to forty people. Wellens acknowledged the challenges ahead, particularly in preparing for races like the Giro d’Italia, where he must create presentations about stages he has never ridden. He understands that thorough preparation is crucial for advising his riders effectively.

As the team moves into this new chapter, Wellens remains committed to the sport that has defined his career. His passion for cyclo-cross persists, despite the challenges he faced during the transition. “Cyclo-cross will always be in my heart,” he affirmed, expressing optimism for the future while embracing his evolving role in the world of cycling.