At 69 years old, Patrick Lefevere left the position of CEO of training Soudal Quick-Stepwhich he founded in 2003. After more than 20 years at the head of the Wolfpackthe emblematic boss will pass the baton to Jurgen Forewho arrived last January as operational director (COO) of the structure alongside Lefevere. Under the direction of Lefeverethe team has won nearly 1000 victories, including 22 Monuments, 1 Grand Tour and 124 Grand Tour stages, 3 Olympic gold medals, 19 gold medals at the World Championships et 4 European Championshipsas well as countless other races. On the occasion of the team presentation for the 2025 season, Lefevere was honored.
Video – Patrick Levere honored during team presentation
“After 45 years in Cycling, enough is enough”
When announcing his resignation as CEO, Lefevere spoke at length to the media: “In January, I will be 70 years old, and a long chapter of my life will be behind me. I feel that it is time to stop”he confided at a press conference this Wednesday. “I have given enough, for myself and for the team. After 45 years in cycling, that’s enough. Zdenek Bakala (majority shareholder of the team, editor’s note) and I made this decision together a few years ago weeks, this idea has already been brewing for a while, it is not a decision taken lightly.
Lefevere made a point of announcing his departure before the start of the new cycling season. “The year is coming to an end, and I didn’t want to jump ship in the middle of the season. The team became too big for me to handle alone. Aside from a few people, no one knew about it. my departure. What I will miss the least? I always hated flying and finding sponsors was not an easy task either. financial future, but this is no longer the case Today.”
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“I plan to slow down a bit.”
Lefevere does he already know what he will do once he is no longer a manager? “I’m a free man now, but I’ve always defended this team, and I certainly don’t want to see it disappear. Everyone knows I can act like a pit bull when it comes to protecting my team. Regarding my health, I should probably adopt a healthier lifestyle, but that’s how I’ve always lived.”he says. “I plan to slow down a bit, but I will remain active. I am no longer the person I was ten years ago. With the addition of the women’s team, the structure had become too big for me alone “he concludes.
