Patrick Lefevere, the outspoken and experienced manager of the Soudal – Quick-Step cycling team, has made headlines with his candid remarks following Remco Evenepoel’s recent Olympic title win. Despite the young Belgian’s remarkable achievement on the global stage, Lefevere downplayed its significance for the team, suggesting that it doesn’t bring direct benefits to the squad and might even be a financial burden.
Lefevere’s comments came as a surprise to many, given the prestige associated with an Olympic gold medal in the world of cycling. Evenepoel’s victory, which solidified his status as one of the sport’s brightest stars, was expected to be a point of pride for Soudal – Quick-Step, the team that has nurtured his development over the years. However, Lefevere, known for his pragmatism and business-minded approach, took a different perspective.
“Strictly speaking, it costs us a bonus,” Lefevere stated bluntly in a recent interview. “The Olympic Games are, of course, a prestigious event, but they do not directly contribute to our team’s objectives in the same way that winning a Grand Tour or a World Championship does. The Olympics are an individual achievement, and while we are incredibly proud of Remco, it doesn’t translate into significant benefits for Soudal – Quick-Step as a team.”
Lefevere went on to explain that while Evenepoel’s victory would undoubtedly raise his profile and add to his personal accolades, it does not have the same commercial or competitive impact as winning races that are central to the professional cycling calendar, such as the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, or Vuelta a España. For Lefevere, the team’s success is measured by its performance in these key events, which bring in sponsorships, media attention, and valuable UCI points.
“The Olympics are a unique challenge, and it’s an honor to have an Olympic champion in our ranks,” Lefevere continued. “But when it comes to our core goals and the financial side of running a cycling team, the impact is minimal. In fact, it can even be a bit of a financial strain, as we have to consider bonuses and the costs associated with supporting an athlete at such events.”
This statement is reflective of Lefevere’s no-nonsense approach to team management, where every decision is scrutinized for its impact on the team’s overall performance and financial health. While other team managers might see an Olympic win as a massive boost to their squad’s prestige, Lefevere views it through the lens of tangible benefits and returns.
Despite his pragmatic view, Lefevere did not shy away from praising Evenepoel for his exceptional talent and hard work, acknowledging that the young rider’s achievements have brought immense pride to Belgium and the cycling community. “Remco is an extraordinary talent, and his win at the Olympics is a testament to his dedication and skill. We are proud to have him on our team, and we will continue to support him in achieving even greater success in the future.”
Lefevere’s remarks highlight the complex dynamics between individual achievements and team objectives in professional cycling. While Evenepoel’s Olympic title is a momentous personal milestone, Lefevere remains focused on the bigger picture—ensuring that Soudal – Quick-Step continues to be a dominant force in the world of cycling, where every victory must contribute directly to the team’s overall success.
As the cycling world digests Lefevere’s comments, it’s clear that the balance between celebrating individual brilliance and achieving team goals will continue to be a challenging but essential aspect of managing a top-tier professional cycling team.
