As of March 1, Mario De Clercq will no longer be team manager at Marlux-Napoleon Games. De Clercq wants to have a quieter time for personal reasons. "It has been on my mind for several seasons to step back after the World Championships in Zolder," said De Clercq.

Marlux-Napoleon Games is the team of Kevin Pauwels, Klaas Vantornout and Michael Vanthourenhout, but soon the sports director will no longer be Mario De Clercq.

De Clercq will be replaced after the cross season. "But out of gratitude for all he has done for us, Mario will retain a place in the team, albeit not as team leader,” the team states.

"As of March I will concentrate on my personal life," De Clercq justifies his choice. "I will soon become a grandfather and so my family will need more of my time.

"It has been on my mind for several seasons to step back after the World Championships in Zolder. In March I will be 50 years old. It's time for a new generation."

De Clercq will lead the team "with the same commitment as before” in the next few weeks.