Belgian Kurt van de Wouwer will be the new sports manager of Lotto Soudal.

Van de Wouwer, 51, previously served as manager of Lotto Soudal's development and women's teams.

This new role at Lot Soudal will be filled by former professional Van de Wouwer, while the search for a CEO continues with the impending retirement of John Lelangue, who has held the same position since 2018.

During Van de Wouwer's time as manager of the development team, the team has included Arnaud Des Rieres, a promising young sprinter who won nine races during his neo-pro career; Florian Fermisch, who finished second in the 2021 edition of Paris-Roubaix; and stage race specialist, Maxime Van Gils was recruited by Lotto Soudal.

Van de Vouwer himself raced for many years for the Lotto cycling team, mainly as a team worker in stage races and mountain classics, before becoming the team's sport director.

According to the team's press release, "The appointment of Kurt Van de Wouwer ensures the continuity of the pro cycling team. He will be responsible for all sporting decisions and the team can focus on preparing for the 2023 season."

The team's press release also stated.

"I am very proud to take this step. This team means everything to me as a rider, as a sport director, and as the manager of the Development Team and the Ladies Team." The Lotto Cycling Team plays an important role in Belgian and world cycling."

The press release adds that the process of hiring a new CEO "will continue with great care"; according to Het Laatste Nieuws, the agency has drawn up a long list of 10 candidates, which will be narrowed down to three after discussions. However, while Axel Merckx has been confirmed as a candidate, the list of candidates is not yet ready.

Meanwhile, the paper reports that this weekend the Belgian team will hold its first get-together of 2023 for medical checks and to test its new kit. John Lerang, who will become general director of the Tour de Pollogne on December 31, is apparently overseeing the last meeting.