Bahrain Victorious has officially announced the signing of Nikolas Maes as a sports director, a move designed to significantly enhance the team’s prospects in the grueling spring classics. Maes, a former professional cyclist with a decade of experience at the Lotto team, brings a wealth of knowledge and a strong focus on one-day races to the Bahrain-based WorldTour squad.

The 39-year-old Maes, who concluded his own racing career with Lotto and subsequently transitioned into a managerial role, departs after five years as a sports director for the Belgian ProTeam. His tenure at Lotto saw him play a key role in the team’s performance cell and oversee their classic contenders.

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His arrival at Bahrain Victorious signals the team’s clear ambition to make a greater impact in the cobbled and hilly classics that define the early part of the professional cycling calendar. Maes will be instrumental in guiding riders such as Matej Mohorič, Phil Bauhaus, and promising talents like Alec Segaert and Vlad Van Mechelen.

“I am delighted to join a motivated and professional environment,” Maes stated regarding his first international coaching role. “This is a new chapter for me, and I’m eager to contribute to the success of Bahrain Victorious.”

Team manager Milan Erzen echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Maes’s invaluable experience. “Nikolas brings a wealth of experience to our team, particularly in the classics. His expertise will be essential for our spring campaign,” Erzen commented.

Maes’s Extensive Cycling Pedigree

• Early Career: Began his professional journey with Topsport Vlaanderen in 2006.
• WorldTour Stint: A valued teammate at Quick-Step from 2010 to 2016, riding alongside notable figures like Tom Boonen.
• Return to Lotto: Competed for Lotto Soudal from 2017 to 2020 before taking on a sports director role with the team.
• Upcoming Role: Now set to leverage his deep understanding of racing dynamics for Bahrain Victorious starting in the 2026 season.

The move signifies a strategic investment by Bahrain Victorious in personnel with proven track records in leading successful teams through the demanding spring classics, a period that often shapes a team’s season and prestige within the sport.