Geert Wellens will step into a new role this summer, joining the Lotto Ladies Team as a sports director while continuing his work in cyclocross during the winter months. The younger brother of former cyclocross champion Bart Wellens has already been involved with the Lotto team and sees this as a valuable opportunity to develop young riders.
Over the winter, Wellens guided Zoe Bäckstedt to the U23 world title in cyclocross. Following that success, he travelled to Altea, Spain, where he joined the Lotto Ladies on their training camp, marking the beginning of his tenure as a sports director for the team.
“I was already familiar with many people in the team,” said Wellens. “Last season, I was involved as a VIP driver, and through Lotto riders like Arne Baers and Sterre Vervloet, I had regular contact with the squad. When I was asked to take on the role of sports director, I saw it as a fantastic opportunity. In winter, I will continue with cyclocross as before, but in summer, my focus will be with Lotto.”
Lotto Ladies Team has undergone significant changes this year, with many of last season’s key riders moving on. “The team is very young now, and it’s our responsibility, alongside the coaches, to help these riders grow. We need to assess who is already at a strong level, who can improve in certain areas, and remain realistic about our goals,” Wellens explained.
The team has earned invitations to major races such as Paris-Roubaix Femmes and competed in last year’s Tour de France Femmes, but Wellens acknowledges the challenges ahead. “It won’t be easy to compete with the top WorldTour teams, but we’re starting with a clean slate and can now build something new. Everyone will give their best to stand out both individually and as a team. Above all, enjoyment is crucial—focus and dedication are essential, but motivation and fun should always be at the core of what we do.”
Main photo credit: Brecht Steenhouwer
