Algemeen Staff Stories – Bus driver and soigneur: Eric De Wulf: “Working with all these young guys really has a rejuvenating effect”
For seven years, Eric De Wulf has been a vital part of our team, serving as both bus driver and soigneur. His dedication and passion for cycling are evident in every mile he drives. When asking for his favorite job within the team, there is no doubt that bus driver comes first. “Our buses are a bit like our children. You have to take care of it as much as you take care of yourself or your children”, he smiles.
Eric’s love for cycling isn’t just a job – it’s a lifelong passion. “For me, it is more passion than work”, he says. “I have carried the love for cycling with me for many years already.” The most important thing for him is making sure that our riders feel as comfortable as possible when they are on the road, so they can focus on their race. “The drive to the races are of course really beautiful sometimes. But for me, the most beautiful thing is to offer our riders a place where they feel super comfortable before the race begins and of course to be there for them in the bus after the race.”
For Eric, the relationships built on the road are invaluable: “Of course, victories are unforgettable moments in your life, but what is more valuable to me are the bonds that are created with our boys and the rest of the team.” As working in a professional cycling team demands a lot of time away from home, Eric really appreciates the gratitude that he has been given. “When I drive home after the last race of the season and people ride along with me in the bus, it always gives me a special feeling. The gratitude that our riders have, is immense.”
On the other hand, Eric also admits that this job is what is keeping him young. “Working with all these young guys really has a rejuvenating effect”, he laughs. “If you’re working in an amazing group of people, the work flows very easily and it doesn’t really feel like working. We all work so many hours and are sometimes away for three or four weeks, then your other team members grow into family.”
When asking what is still on his bucket list with our team, Eric’s answer is clear: “If there is one thing I could wish for in the future, it would be to see the team grow, as we already proved in the past. I am sure that if we continue to work as a team as we do now already, great things will come! For sure, victories give an extra boost to everyone but continuing to build as a team and work as a family is one thing I hope we will continue to do, even if the roads get though sometimes.”
Picture: Brecht Steenhouwer
