Theo Bos was already in talks with Belgian Cycling to become the new sprint national coach for the Belgian track cyclists, but now everything is officially finalized. The 42-year-old Dutchman succeeds Jonathan Mitchell in this role.
Together with Head Coach Tim Carswell, the former track and road cyclist will prepare the track riders for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. With Bos, the Belgian cycling federation is gaining a lot of experience. After all, he himself is a five-time world champion on the track and a silver medalist at the 2004 Athens Olympics.
Bos was until recently the national coach of the Dutch BMX team. Before that, he spent three years as the national track coach in China. Now he is starting a new assignment in Belgium. "Last year I was present at the Junior World Championships in Apeldoorn, and when I stepped onto the track there, it really sparked something in me again," he says in a press release.
"It is a fun and great challenge"
"In Belgium, I get the chance to continue working on the sprint project. It is a fun and great challenge. The facilities are there, there is enthusiasm, and there are plenty of talents. Now the key is to bring structure and calmly grow towards the absolute top. That takes some time."
Theo Bos was also highly successful on the track - photo: Fotopersburo Cor Vos
"The past year as BMX coach went very well, we achieved nice successes, but my role was more overarching," Bos explains. "I had to ensure the processes ran smoothly. That’s quite different from being a coach who works directly to help riders improve athletically and tactically. On the track, I can add more from my own experience."
The appointment of Bos "fits entirely within the long-term ambitions that Cycling Flanders and Belgian Cycling have been developing and building very closely together for several years," the statement continues. "His international experience and expertise offer new opportunities to further professionalize the sprint program and structurally elevate Belgian track cycling to a higher level in these disciplines as well."
