Lefevere refuses to be 'a pity case' and faces major personal challenge: "I'm Not God"

As Patrick Lefevere steps down as CEO of Soudal Quick-Step, questions arise about the future of the Belgian team. However, the 69-year-old Belgian, who will turn 70 on Monday, January 6, is confident that his formation is in good hands. In an interview with Het Nieuwsblad and De Standaard, he shares his plans for life after leaving the team he built from the ground up.

"Be careful—officially, I’ve been retired for five years already, but I’ve always kept working," he said firmly about his departure. "I founded the team in 2003, and I waited to ensure the team’s future was secure. You never know what happens in the world, but the future is guaranteed through 2027. Jurgen Foré is also ready to take over as my successor starting January 1. Then my work will be done."

Will Lefevere still be a familiar face at races? "Perhaps, but not in the way some people might expect. I’m not going to stand around on the sidelines like some kind of pathetic guy or wave to everyone at the start line. Jurgen does ask for my advice, but I’m not going to hang around like some kind of godfather, telling the mechanics or staff how things used to be better in the old days. That would be undermining him behind the scenes, and that’s not my style. Following in my footsteps isn’t an easy task, and I’m happy to step aside."

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Patrick Lefevere has watched Julian Alaphilippe shine under his leadership

Lefevere will need to get down to business

Kicking back with a glass of wine on the couch? Not for Patrick Lefevere. He knows what’s coming next. "At home, I don’t have a say, just like any normal man," he jokes. "My wife practically raised our youngest son alone. I know my place here. I park under the carport, come in through the laundry room, put on my slippers, and sit down until everything’s okay. Now I’ll have to help out around the house a bit more. I’ve got two left hands, so that’s a challenge already. But I’ll try to make the best of it," he says.

Believe it or not, Lefevere plans to take his first-ever vacation with his wife in 2025. The outspoken Belgian is curious about what lies ahead. "2025 will show me if I have real friends or just friends because I’m famous. I’m a little curious about that. I received 500 messages after announcing my retirement. It felt like a condolence book."

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Lefevere bids farewell to Evenepoel with strong words

Adjusting to a slower pace will take time for Lefevere, giving him plenty of opportunities to reflect on his remarkable career. From leading The Wolfpack to countless victories as an attacking powerhouse to reshaping the team around rising star Remco Evenepoel in his final years, Lefevere’s legacy is undeniable. "I’ve always tried not to build a team around one rider, but you can’t deny that he’s the man of the team right now, and we support him in every possible way," Lefevere explains.

"I did it my way," Lefevere says proudly. "Let the critics try to do what I’ve done. Who else has provided so many jobs? Who else has brought so many millions into cycling? I had a lot of help, but ultimately, someone has to steer the ship. I’ve seen it sink a few times, but I always managed to patch the leaks. The job required a lot of sacrifices—it even cost me a relationship, I think. I know. But my sons turned out well despite having an absent father."

He ends with a smile and a poignant reflection: "I’m not God. Otherwise, the world would look a lot better."

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