Life Outside Cycling: When civil engineering meets cycling

Jonathan Vervenne, born on May 27, 2003, in Genk, Belgium, is a promising cyclist currently riding for the Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team. Known for his strong performances in multi-stage races and time trials, Vervenne has demonstrated remarkable versatility and potential within the professional peloton. Alongside his cycling career, he is pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering at Leuven University, skillfully balancing his academic ambitions with his athletic development.

Discovered and mentored by Kevin Hulsmans, Vervenne has advanced rapidly, stepping up to the U23 category in 2022 and immediately making his mark with strong results in the individual time trial discipline, and today is the current leader of the Giro Next Gen 2025, after an impressive solo victory in Stage 2.

Cycling is a profession that demands immense time, training, and dedication—a unique blend of passion, commitment, and even a touch of obsession. It requires strict discipline, a quality that can be applied to many aspects of life. But how does one balance two such demanding pursuits—cycling and academic studies? We set out to discover how Jonathan manages to excel in both arenas.

'I actually started in sports through a mix of swimming and mountain biking. As a kid, I participated in a lot of youth MTB races in Belgium, and I was also doing quite well in competitive swimming. I really enjoyed the thrill of being on the starting block and the pressure of chasing a specific time—something I now also find in time trials.

'When COVID hit and the pools closed, I started doing longer and longer rides in the Ardennes, which are close to where I live. I quickly realized I had some talent on the bike, and my results kept improving. That’s when Kevin Hulsmans noticed me, and he’s been a huge motivator and mentor ever since.'

Since joining the Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team in 2023, Vervenne has continued to progress. At the beginning of 2025, Vervenne made his debut for Soudal Quick-Step’s WorldTour team at the AlUla Tour in Saudi Arabia. He also raced in several competitions in France, further expanding his experience at the elite level of professional cycling.

'In 2022, I stepped up to the U23 category and had a strong first season, finishing second in the Belgian U23 time trial and fifth at the European Championships. That confirmed I had the potential to develop as a time trial specialist. 

'Since 2023, I've been riding for the Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team, which has been a big step forward. It’s a very professional and supportive environment, and I’ve continued to progress each season. I’ve won my first UCI race at the Tour des 100 Communes and I became Belgian U23 TT champion in both 2023 and 2025. 2024 started well—I took the yellow jersey early in the Tour of Rwanda—but unfortunately, soon after I began struggling with mononucleosis. It forced me off the bike for several months. That period was challenging, but with good guidance and support, I managed to rebuild slowly and get back on track by the end of the season. 

'So far, it’s been a steady and exciting journey. My focus now is to keep improving, especially in time trials and hilly classics.'

Vervenne’s consistent performances highlight his versatility and potential for further growth in the professional peloton. The 22-year-old, riding for Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team is also enrolled in Civil Engineering at Leuven University. It is quite common for U23 athletes to balance their sporting ambitions with academic pursuits—often as a “plan B” for the future, or simply as a way to maintain perspective and manage the pressures of professional cycling.

'Civil Engineering is a demanding program, but thanks to my elite sports status, I can combine it with my cycling career. 

'I chose engineering because I enjoy thinking things through logically, and I like working in a structured way. It gives me a balance—cycling is very physical and competitive, while studying allows me to mentally reset and develop in another direction.'

'It’s not easy to combine everything, but I’m lucky to have a very supportive environment. I still live with my parents in a peaceful village near Maastricht, where I don’t have to worry about daily stress. When I have university classes or exams, I can stay at my sister’s place in Leuven. And with the structure and guidance at Soudal Quick-Step Devo, I feel well supported in my athletic life, too. When things get busy or challenging, I can always count on my family, which is really reassuring.'

'I don’t have a lot of free time outside of cycling and studying, but when I do, I really enjoy playing some table-tennis after training—it helps me relax. Another thing I value a lot is spending time with my grandmother and her siblings. They have a little family reunion every week, and I love sitting down with them, listening to old stories and reconnecting with family roots. Those moments are simple but meaningful, and they keep me grounded.'

The 2026 season promises an exciting new chapter for the cyclist, who will be stepping up to the Soudal Quick-Step World Tour team —a significant milestone in his career. Vervenne admits he is truly grateful for the confidence the team has already placed in him. Although still pursuing his studies to stay productive during free time, cycling has become Vervenne’s top priority, leading him to approach academic work at a more relaxed pace compared to other students. Nevertheless, the rider stated that education remains an important backup plan: 'as the future is always uncertain.'

This life is possible because of the flexibility he has managed to find between school and cycling, always supported by his family. This balance is a path he is actively shaping, allowing him to pursue both his academic goals and cycling simultaneously.