Tim Declercq, current trainer for Soudal-Quick Step, completed his degree in Physical Education and Kinesitherapy in 2021 after a 14-year journey. According to an episode of Vive le Vélo aired on July 17, 2026, Declercq’s academic path included a conflict with his thesis promoter, Lieselot Decroix, and a lost 8km running bet against Cameron Vandenbroucke.
Lieselot Decroix and the Academic Struggle of Tim Declercq
Tim Declercq spent 14 years pursuing his degree in Physical Education and Kinesitherapy. He eventually graduated in 2021, but the process was not without friction. Lieselot Decroix, who now serves as the Head of Performance at FDJ-Suez, acted as the promoter for Declercq’s thesis.
During the Vive le Vélo broadcast hosted by Karl Vannieuwkerke, Declercq revealed that Decroix deducted two points from his grade because he failed to meet interim deadlines. Declercq noted that balancing these academic requirements while competing as a professional cyclist was a significant challenge.
Decroix admitted during the segment that she had forgotten the specific point deduction, though she noted that Declercq had taken a long time to finish the degree. Declercq confirmed he had enough remaining points to pass, and he now applies that academic training in his role as a trainer at Soudal-Quick Step.
Did you know? Tim Declercq’s transition from a professional rider to a trainer at Soudal-Quick Step is backed by a formal qualification in Kinesitherapy, bridging the gap between elite competition and sports science.
The 8km Running Bet: Declercq vs. Cameron Vandenbroucke
The intersection of professional cycling and personal rivalry extended beyond the classroom. Karl Vannieuwkerke shared details of a running competition between Tim Declercq and Cameron Vandenbroucke, the partner of Tim Merlier.
The two engaged in an 8-kilometer race in Ploegsteert based on a wager. According to Vandenbroucke, Declercq lost the race because he started at a pace that was “much too fast.”
Declercq described his early lead as unintentionally acting as a “hare” for the race. He recounted that between the fifth and sixth kilometer, Vandenbroucke took over the lead, leaving him with no way to recover. Despite the loss, Declercq joked about a potential rematch next year, though he added that his physical condition is currently “only going downhill.”
Comparison of Professional and Academic Roles
| Person | Academic/Professional Role | Connection to Declercq |
|---|---|---|
| Lieselot Decroix | Head of Performance, FDJ-Suez | Thesis Promoter |
| Cameron Vandenbroucke | Partner of Tim Merlier | Running Competitor |
Integration of Sports Science in Professional Cycling
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Tim Declercq get his degree?
Tim Declercq earned his diploma in Physical Education and Kinesitherapy in 2021.
Who is Lieselot Decroix?
Lieselot Decroix is the Head of Performance at FDJ-Suez and was the thesis promoter for Tim Declercq.
What happened during the race in Ploegsteert?
Tim Declercq lost an 8km run to Cameron Vandenbroucke after starting the race too quickly and being overtaken between kilometers 5 and 6.
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