At almost 70 years of age, Patrick Lefevere, figure of teh group, will leave his post as director of the Soudal Quick-Step cycling team he founded in 2003 at the end of the year, the Belgian team announced on Tuesday 10 December. This is the current chief operating officer, Jurgen Foré, who will hold the position of general director from 2025. Lefevere, who will turn 70 on January 6, will remain an honorary member of the board of directors alongside in particular the main shareholder, the man of Czech businessman Zdenek Bakala. His team has become one of the most powerful formations in the peloton and has achieved almost 1,000 victories under his leadership, including 22 Monuments, 1 Grand Tour (Remco Evenepoel’s 2022 Vuelta) and 124 stages in a Grand Tour.
What were some of the most important achievements of Patrick Lefevere during his time as director of Soudal Swift-Step?
Interview with Cycling Expert: Reflecting on Patrick Lefevere’s Legacy in the Cycling World
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today. With the recent announcement regarding Patrick Lefevere stepping down as director of the Soudal Quick-Step cycling team after nearly two decades, what do you believe is the impact of his leadership on professional cycling?
Expert: Thank you for having me. Patrick Lefevere’s impact on professional cycling is immense.Under his guidance since the team’s formation in 2003, Soudal Quick-step has become one of the most successful teams in the peloton, with almost 1,000 victories. This includes 22 Monuments and a Grand Tour victory, which speaks to his ability to build a winning team. His departure marks the end of an era but also provides an chance for a new direction under Jurgen Foré.
Time.news Editor: Indeed, it’s a significant transitional period. What do you think are the main challenges that Jurgen Foré will face as he takes over the general director role in 2025?
Expert: Jurgen Foré has big shoes to fill. One of his main challenges will be maintaining the team’s competitive edge. The cycling landscape is continuously evolving, with increasing competition from other teams. Foré will need to sustain the team’s legacy while fostering new talent and possibly attracting fresh sponsors to maintain the financial strength, which has been a crucial component of Soudal Quick-Step’s success.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned the importance of attracting sponsors and managing finances. In what ways do you think Lefevere’s experience will help as he transitions to an honorary role in the board of directors?
Expert: Lefevere’s deep-rooted connections within the cycling industry and his extensive experience will serve invaluable to the team as an honorary board member. He can provide strategic insights and mentorship to Foré and the rest of the leadership, particularly in negotiating sponsorships and navigating the complexities of team management in a sport that heavily relies on commercial partnerships.
Time.news Editor: With nearly 1,000 victories under lefevere’s leadership, what’s the key takeaway for young team directors aspiring to make a mark in professional cycling?
Expert: The most crucial takeaway is the importance of creating a strong team culture. Lefevere focused not just on recruitment but on building relationships among riders and staff. He understood cycling is a team sport, and the bonds created internally can significantly influence performance on the road.Young directors should prioritize team dynamics,communication,and resilience,as those elements can make all the difference during competitive events.
Time.news Editor: Lastly, as we look forward, what developments should cycling fans watch for as Soudal Quick-Step transitions into this new chapter?
Expert: Fans should watch how the team adapts to change. With Foré at the helm, we can expect a mix of continuity and innovation. It will be fascinating to see how he embraces new technologies and training methods to keep the team competitive. Additionally, it will be intriguing to see how Soudal Quick-Step identifies and nurtures new talent in the upcoming seasons, given Lefevere’s strong track record with emerging cyclists like Remco Evenepoel.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for your insights. Patrick Lefevere’s legacy will undoubtedly influence the sport for years to come, and it will be interesting to see how Soudal Quick-Step evolves under Jurgen Foré’s leadership.
Expert: Thank you! It truly is an exciting time for cycling, and I look forward to seeing how this transition unfolds.
