Algemeen “I want that everyone who is involved in this project, makes a contribution to lift the team to a higher level”

After two intensive first weeks, Stéphane Heulot – new CEO of the Lotto Dstny cycling team – speaks for the first time. During the traditional January team training camp, the former yellow jersey wearer and French champion takes the time to present himself to the fans and shed light on Lotto Dstny, the 2023 season and the big long-term goal: getting back to the WorldTour. “I don’t believe in misfortune or luck. I think that we ourselves have an impact on all those aspects of the sport by working hard, being concentrated, applying the guidelines given and the engagement of the entire team.”

What are your first impressions, after two weeks at Lotto Dstny?

“I am surprised, in a positive way. The structure of the team has been there for several decades, which you notice straightaway. There’s a lot of experience, but at the same time this is being complemented with a lot of new knowledge and specialists. It’s clear that the team is evolving. It’s a team that breaths cycling in all aspects, but has at the same time, opened its eyes for new insights and innovations. I already had a lot of impressions, got to know people and learned some new things, but there’s also still a lot of work ahead of me. I try to get to know as many people as possible but they also need to get to know me. I need to get familiar with the team’s way of working, which will take some time. Luckily, I got Kurt Van de Wouwer, Yana Seel and the rest of the team around me to help out. They’ve done lots of good work to prepare for 2023.”

Apart from a former yellow jersey wearer, former French champion and former general manager at Saur-Sojasun, who is Stéphane Heulot?

“I am 51 years old, father of six children, passionate about many different things, but the bike is on top of that list. After my sports career, I studied to assist leaders and CEO’s of big companies and support them in solving problems as a business coach. That was a really enriching and rewarding job. But now, I am taking on a new adventure as CEO of Lotto Dstny.”

You are the first French CEO of this traditional Belgian team. How do you feel about that?

“I feel 50 percent French and 50 percent Belgian: my son and wife are both Belgian. But I know the goals of this team and to reach them, it doesn’t matter if I’m French or Belgian. I will need to work hard, but I will do everything to reach those goals.”

Why did you want to join Lotto Dstny?

“The most important thing is that you appoint the right person to the right place. Without being arrogant but I am convinced that I am that person. After all different paths I have discovered in my career: as a rider, business coach, sports director and general manager with other teams. We know where we are heading. My task will be to make sure that everyone knows their role within the team really well and sticks to that. Maybe I am not a traditional ‘boss’; I’d like to stand within the group. From that position, I try to get the maximum out of everybody, individually but also collectively.”

The past years weren’t the best in the history of the team. How are you planning on turning the tide?

“2020 and 2021 were obviously years in which Covid-19 struck hard. That played a big role, although the situation was the same for all teams. 2022 maybe wasn’t exceptional, but with 25 victories definitely a correct year. We need to build, at least on that foundation and try to do better. I think that Lotto Dstny can never be satisfied when the team ranks outside of the top twelve on the UCI Team Ranking. I don’t believe in misfortune or luck. I think that we ourselves have an impact on all those aspects of the sport by working hard, being concentrated, applying the guidelines given and the engagement of the entire team. If we stick to that, I believe we can obtain really nice results.”

Returning to the WorldTour within three years is the big goal. How are we going to realise that?

“There have been important changes in the points system. Now the first 20 riders of the team count compared to only ten in the past. Moreover, there are more points to be gained in some WorldTour races. It is important to keep that all in mind. We will always need to be amongst the first two ProTour teams to choose our own race schedule. That is the first goal. That is why we need to get the most out of every rider’s potential. They need to be aware of their role in trying to obtain that goal. The fact that the points of the best 20 riders count, means that we really need to perform collectively. We strive towards a good mix of battling for the points and keep on going for wins and attack. It is part of our DNA, and not something we will change instantly.”

What will be your focus during the first months at the team?

“The people that work here. I want to understand how they work and how the team works. Based on that, I will be working on the long-term strategy to ensure that we can reach our goals. But for now, I am concentrated on what’s already in place. Two weeks is a really short period and there are lots of things to do. Before I go to sleep, I study the names and faces of all staff, so that I quickly get to know everyone. I will also continue my Dutch language course, it’s important to speak the three languages. And I will immediately work closely together with Kurt Van de Wouwer, our sports manager. His knowledge of and vision of how the entire team works – pros, U23 and Ladies – is really interesting and valuable to me.”

How will sports manager Kurt Van de Wouwer, Chief Business Officer Yana Seel and you be working together?

“We already work together really closely. Yana Seel is responsible for everything that concerns communication and marketing. She is in close contact with our partners and also plays an important role within our administration. With Kurt Van de Wouwer, I mainly talk about the sports side of things, the relation with the sports directors, the medical staff and the performance team. For now, I follow what they propose and have in mind. We are on the same page about choices which have already been made, seen the limited resources we have. Kurt is focusing on leading the sports side of things on the shorter term, while I will set out and monitor the long term vision. With the three of us, Yana Seel, Kurt Van de Wouwer and myself, we already have a very nice management team. Three brains always know more than one.”

When will 2023 have been successful?

“It would be easy to say that at least, we need to be amongst the best two ProTour teams, but honestly I would like to aim even higher. More generally, I hope that Arnaud De Lie confirms his spectacular 2022 season, that Caleb Ewan will get back to his best level and that there’s a nice atmosphere within the team in which everybody can pursue their goals in a pleasant way. On the longer term, I want that everybody who is involved in the team, in this project, contributes in bringing this team to a higher level. If I have the impression that everybody got that message, that everyone is reaching a higher level every day – riders an staff – then I will be happy about 2023 and will be confident for the years to come.”

Images and video: Facepeeters.