News
John Wakefield and Tim Meeusen take on new roles at the team
John Wakefield takes over the position of Director of Coaching, Sports Science and Technical Development. Tim Meeusen succeeds him as Director of Rookie Development.
John Wakefield most recently held a dual role. In addition to successfully establishing the Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe Rookies and leading the junior team, the South African coach also works with athletes such as Tour de France third-place finisher Florian Lipowitz and U23 world champion Lorenzo Finn.
Going forward, Wakefield will focus on leading the department that brings together training management, sports science, and projects in technical development. He takes over the role from Dan Lorang, who will continue to work as a coach for the team while also taking on additional responsibilities within the Red Bull Athletic Performance Center. Under the guidance of John Wakefield, a team of eight coaches supports more than fifty athletes across the WorldTour, U23, and U19 squads.
John Wakefield and Lorenzo Finn at the Giro Next Gen
© Maximilian Fries / Red Bull Content Pool
Development of talent
Tim Meeusen succeeds John Wakefield as head of the team’s talent program. The Belgian has served in recent years as Head Scout and is regarded as the discoverer of some of cycling’s most promising young riders.
The junior team GRENKE – Auto Eder is currently the most successful youth squad in the world, with numerous prestigious victories including Paris–Roubaix, the Tour of Flanders, the ITT World Championships, and the European Road Championships. The Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe Rookies also impressed in their debut season, finishing as the second-best UCI Continental Team worldwide – crowned by the U23 world title.
Tim Meeusen at Paris-Roubaix Juniors 2025
© Flavio Moretti Photography
It speaks to the strength of our organization that we not only develop athletic talent but also nurture talent within our management.
Zak Dempster, Chief of Sports at Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe: “It speaks to the strength of our organization that we not only develop athletic talent but also nurture talent within our management. John combines coaching experience with scientific expertise and leadership skills – exactly what it takes to lead the performance core of our team. Tim has set benchmarks in scouting, and with his passion and intuition for young riders, our development teams have reached the very top level. I’m confident that both will play a key role in further advancing our structures in their new positions.”
John Wakefield at the GRENKE - Auto Eder training camp
© Maximilian Fries / Red Bull Content Pool
John Wakefield, Director of Coaching, Sports Science and Technical Development: "For me, performance is built on structure, knowledge, and trust. My focus is on connecting the scientific, technical, and human sides of our work so they reinforce each other every day. When those elements align, riders from across the World Tour and Development teams can truly develop and not just perform, that’s how we help each one reach their full potential.”
Tim Meeusen, Director of Rookie Development: “The development of homegrown talent is never a coincidence – it’s the result of years of structured work. From the juniors to the WorldTour, we’ve built a system that works and allows us to identify, support, and develop riders from an early stage. That’s the foundation we want to keep building on in the years ahead.”
Tim Meeusen celebrating the victory at Ronde van Vlaanderen Juniors
© Flavio Moretti Photography
