Behind the Wheel: My Journey as a Volunteer in Cycling Races

Last month, you might have noticed I was less present online. Wondering where I was? Well, let me take you behind the scenes of one of my passions: volunteering in cycling races.

For the past 15 years, I've been deeply involved in the world of cycling races, particularly as a certified UCI driver in prestigious events like Gent-Wevelgem, Dwars door Vlaanderen, Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, and the Tour of Flanders. This year, I had the incredible opportunity to serve as the driver for the doctors and paramedics during most of the spring classic races of Flanders Classics.

Now, let me tell you, it's not for the faint of heart. Driving behind a pack of professional cyclists, cruising at speeds of up to 75km per hour, with a convoy of team director cars, is nothing short of intense. Races can last anywhere from 5 to 7 hours, and every moment demands focus and precision.

But what truly amazes me is the army of volunteers behind the scenes. From course marshals to support staff, these dedicated individuals pour their time and hearts into ensuring the success and safety of each race. Here in Belgium, we have a saying: "De koers is van ons" (The race is ours), and it couldn't be more true with so many volunteers rallying behind the cause.

Of course, with great responsibility comes great risk. I've unfortunately witnessed firsthand the grave consequences of a fatal crash of a rider couple of years ago. That's why I volunteer to drive with the medical team ( doctors and paramedics) —being at the forefront, ready to jump into action during critical moments, is essential as races are getting faster and stakes are getting bigger.

In many ways, the world of cycling races mirrors the business world. You can prepare for countless scenarios, but you can never anticipate every twist and turn. That's where the power of teamwork, effective communication, and agility comes into play.

I've seen this same ethos in other high-stakes environments, from mission-critical control rooms to crisis management teams. Creativity, quick thinking, and action are the name of the game when dealing with the unexpected.

I want to give a special shoutout to the other drivers in the race, the medical teams and the incredible leaders in this field—race director Scott Sunderland and the entire organisation of Flanders Classics—for their tireless dedication to making these great events safe for riders and audience possible, even in the face of continous challenges as unexpected manifestations.

So, while my absence online may have been noticeable, know that I was busy behind the wheel, Here's to the unsung heroes of the cycling world, and the invaluable lessons they teach us about teamwork, resilience, and the power of community. ?? ? #VolunteerLife #CyclingPassion #TeamworkWins