René Wenzel has been involved in cycling all of his life. His father was a professional racer, racing road races and six day events throughout Europe. René followed in his father's tracks, starting his racing career in his native Denmark when he was only seven years old. For 22 years, René raced in countries all over the world, winning the Scandinavian Championship and garnering over 300 victories on the road and track. René began coaching in Denmark in 1989. From 1990-1992 he headed the US National Junior Team where he coached riders to seven Junior World Championship medals, including two world champions. He has coached and advised some of the best cyclists in the US, including George Hincapie of the US Postal Service Team and Fred Rodriguez of the Mapei Team. In 1993 René joined the Saturn Cycling Team as assistant director. In 1994 he continued to coach a number of elite cyclists as well as establish Wenzel Coaching with his wife Kendra to develop training programs for elite, recreational and beginning racers. From 1995 to April of 2000 René returned to the Saturn Team as head director sportif. As director, René was responsible for steering the schedules of the Saturn riders to provide the best results for the team and individuals. Throughout the years, many of the Saturn riders relied on René for guidance in their training as well as tactics. (He continues to coach several riders including Erin Hartwell, who is successfully making the transition from kilo medallist to road sprinter.) 1995 was highlighted with wins in both the men's and women's US Road Race Championships. In 1996, the Saturn Team again excelled under René's direction, capturing an unprecedented second consecutive US Pro Criterium Championship and placing three of its members on the US and Canadian Olympic Teams. 1997 and 1998 brought more championships, including the men's national road race championship, the women's criterium championship and the national cyclocross championship. The 1999 season was another successful one for the Saturn team. The team captured the Saturn Pro Series title for both the men's and women's teams, as well as winning the overall individual title for the women. The women also won one of the three major international tours in the world, taking first place in the individual classification at the Tour de L'Aude in France. René is now concentrating on writing programs and training coaches within Wenzel Coaching as well as writing articles and consulting for teams and promoters. He will be taking on up to five coaching clients for 2000-2001. René draws on his own racing background and his experience with professional racing to help guide his programs for Wenzel Coaching. His close ties overseas keep him abreast of the latest training techniques and race opportunities in Europe. Just as importantly, René is known for his approachability and his easygoing rapport with the riders he coaches. Thirty years of experience reinforce his knowledge of tactics and his gift for teaching riders. Return to staff list.