Bahrain Victorious is pleased to announce the arrival of Nikolas Maes, who will join the team as a Sports Director for the upcoming 2026 season.

A former professional road cyclist from 2007 to 2020, the 39-year-old Belgian transitioned immediately into a directing role with his former team, Lotto, where he has worked until now. Maes brings extensive experience in the Classics, having guided his squad through the major Flanders races. Moreover, as a rider, he was a trusted domestique for some of the biggest names in the Classics, including legendary Belgian champion Tom Boonen.

After five seasons working as a Sports Director and in technical performance roles at Lotto, Maes is ready for the next step in his career:

“I’m happy to join such a motivated and professional environment. I’m ready for the challenge of helping the team achieve its goals and I look forward to working with the staff and riders.”

Milan Eržen, Managing Director of Bahrain Victorious, commented: “Nikolas brings a wealth of experience to our Sports Director group, particularly for the Classics season. His knowledge will be invaluable during the spring campaign, and we’re confident he will play an important role in helping our riders deliver strong results.”