# From Rider to Director: Dirk Demol’s Journey Through Cycling
Dirk Demol, the Sports Director of ProTeam, shares his remarkable journey from a young cyclist in a big family to a professional rider and now a celebrated sports director. “I come from a big family with four brothers and one sister. Nobody in my family raced, but I rolled into it by going with the cycling tourists every Sunday morning,” Demol recalls of his formative years in the sport.
His racing career began secretly at age 14, as his parents disapproved of the dangers surrounding competitive cycling. Despite their concerns, Demol pursued his passion. “In the end I was a professional rider for 14 years. I wasn’t someone who won a lot, but I was a good helper.” His perseverance and dedication culminated in 1988 when he achieved one of the most significant victories in cycling history: winning Paris-Roubaix.
“That day I was in the break together with 12 other riders for 222 kilometers,” he reminisces. “I kept some reserve in my legs throughout the day… I won the sprint quite easily.” The event remains etched in his memory: “Seeing your name on the front page of all the newspapers the next day is incredible. It changed my life, as everyone looked differently at me after that victory.”
After retiring from professional cycling in 1996, Demol’s path took an unexpected turn when he met Ronny Boudrez, the former manager of the youth and amateur team Kortrijkse Groeningespurters, at a kermesse race. “I never would have thought I would become a sports director, as it was boring in my eyes,” he admits. Yet, he embraced the opportunity, stating, “I couldn’t believe it at first and answered my English was bad—the only three words I knew were ‘Yes’, ‘No’ and ‘I love you’.”
Demol moved on to work with various teams, with a significant stint at the US Postal Team, where he gained invaluable experience, particularly regarding grand tours. “You need to feel the sports director skills inside of you a little bit.” Currently, he has taken a new step with the Lotto Dstny Team, citing the Belgian Championships and Victor Campenaerts’ Tour de France victory as some of his proudest moments this season.
With 25 years as a sports director under his belt, Demol’s commitment to cycling remains unwavering. “I communicate and talk a lot with the riders and staff… I’ll keep on doing it as long as I have this passion inside me.” His heartfelt dedication to the sport is clear, illustrating his journey through every challenge and triumph in cycling.
*Photo by Brecht Steenhouwer*
