# Navigating New Roads: Annelies Dom and Nikolas Maes Share Their Early Experiences as Sports Directors for Lotto Soudal
As former professional cyclists, **Nikolas Maes** and **Annelies Dom** have embarked on an exciting new chapter in their careers as sports directors for Lotto Soudal. With Maes serving the men’s WorldTeam and Dom leading the Lotto Soudal Ladies, both reflect on the challenges and rewards of transitioning into this pivotal role in the cycling world.
### First Impressions Behind the Wheel
The reality of being a sports director hit home for Dom during her initial experiences in the team car. “*Before I received my definitive license, I had to be in the team car alongside an experienced sports director during five race days in Belgium*,” she shared. Adjusting to driving while also absorbing race information was a steep learning curve: “*In the beginning, it was quite hectic… you follow the course to pass necessary information to your riders,*” Dom explained.
Maes recalled his first assignment at the Tour de la Provence with a mix of excitement and stress. “*I have to admit there was a healthy portion of stress, but I was really looking forward to it,*” he said. He benefitted from the mentorship of fellow sports director Maxime Monfort, who provided valuable insights.
Dom also faced a hurdle on her inaugural race, experiencing a minor collision when the team car ahead braked abruptly. “*It immediately made for an eventful debut,*” she remarked.
### Why This Role?
Both directors found themselves driven by a desire to remain connected to the sport. Dom noted, “*I really wanted a job in the sport sector and it is fantastic to be able to share my experience as a former rider.*” Maes echoed her sentiments, saying, “*Cycling is the common thread throughout my life and you don’t want to give this up so abruptly.*”
### Behind the Scenes
Transitioning from athlete to director involves a steep learning curve, according to Maes. “*I would even say that during my active cycling career, I only saw half of what being a sports director actually entails,*” he admitted. Dom confirmed this, highlighting the extensive preparations that go unnoticed by the riders, including analyzing courses and discussing race tactics.
### Their Aspirations
Dom aims to foster an environment of support and communication: “*I hope they feel supported and therefore motivated to give the best of themselves.*” Maes, reflecting on his own experiences as a rider, prioritizes empathy in his decision-making: “*With every decision I make, I ask myself: how would I have liked it when I was a rider?*”
### Looking Ahead
Despite a rocky start to the season, Dom maintains a positive outlook: “*It’s rewarding to see progress.*” Maes emphasized, “*We have a very qualitative and talented team, so we need to have healthy ambitions.*”
Both directors dream of achieving significant victories. For Maes, winning a spring Classic, particularly the Ronde van Vlaanderen or Paris-Roubaix, is at the forefront: “*It doesn’t even matter which one,*” he quipped. Dom, while cautious, is eager to celebrate even a single race win: “*Just to win a race…that would give such an adrenaline rush.*”
### Balancing Life and Sport
As they delve deeper into their roles, both have found their personal sporting lives taking a backseat. Dom candidly explained her struggles with back issues and the difficulty of finding time for exercise. Maes, too, feels the effects of his commitments: “*At the moment, I don’t have the time but I would like to pick up the thread after the spring Classics.*”
In closing, Maes humorously noted, “*Now it’s about competing against other sports directors,*” capturing the essence of their new journey.
Both Maes and Dom are excited about their future in cycling, eager to leave a mark on the sport they love.
