Patrick Lefevere lives his last days as team boss Soudal Quick-Step ! At 69, the Flemish leader will leave the position of CEO of the successful Belgian outfit he founded in 2003 on December 31, 2024. After more than 20 years at the head of the Wolfpackthe emblematic boss will pass the baton to Jurgen Foréwho arrived last January as operational director (COO) of the structure alongside Lefevere. After a year of making his mark, Jurgen Foré will therefore, as planned, take over in 2025. As an honorary member of the board of directors, Lefevere he will remain involved in the new management. But this change necessarily resembles a mini earthquake as Patrick Lefevere had established himself over the years and successes as a central figure in the world of Cycling, both through his outspokenness and his success.
Video – Patrick Lefevere at our microphone at the Tour presentation
The Wolfpack loses its iconic pack leader
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. Beyond the spectacular results, Lefevere has created a sense of family and a basis of loyalty within the team, which is almost unique in a sport of such an ephemeral nature. The team earned the nickname “Wolfpack” because they are renowned for their team spirit and willingness to compete as a collective, ready to fight for each other. The atmosphere there is demonstrated when looking at the staff list, many of whom have been loyal to the team since the very early days of its existence.
Working in the world of auditing and consulting since the age of 20, Jurgen Foré is none other than the son of the former professional runner Noel Drillednotably winner of Paris-Roubaix a 1959 a you Tour of Flanders in 1963. Having worked in the past with the company Flanders Classics and the team Lottery Dstny, Drilled will work within an executive committee composed of the majority shareholder Zdenek Bakala andAuret Van Zylwho has long served as the team's legal advisor. Lefevere will also be part of the new structure as an honorary member of the board of directors. The board will focus on evolving the team's strategy from here on out.
Patrick Lefevere: “I felt it was the right time for this change”
Patrick Lefevere expressed himself in a press release on this choice. “It’s a life-changing moment to leave a role that I have dedicated so much of my life to. Cycling is a sport that I am still deeply passionate about, and it was a great honor to lead this great team and create so many special memories.
But I felt it was the right time for this change. When I started working with Jurgen a year ago, it was with the aim of easing the transition for my eventual departure.
I have seen how his relationships with our sponsors and partners, as well as the team's internal stakeholders, have developed over the past 12 months, and I know that with Jurgen taking over the role of CEO and the support of the Board of Directors, this team has a bright future.
There are countless people I have to thank, far too many to mention individually, but there is of course my family, the talented riders on the team, our dedicated staff, our loyal sponsors, all of whom are supported by the generosity and support of our team owner, Mr. Zdenek Bakala.”
Jurgen Foré: “Patrick Lefevere was a leading figure in professional cycling”
The new CEO of Soudal Quick-Step, Jurgen Foréalso returned to this development. “I am extremely proud to take over as CEO of this historic team. Patrick Lefevere was a leading figure in professional cycling, for whom everyone has great respect and admiration. He was able to build a strong foundation and stability that allowed this team to grow for over two decades. I would like to personally thank him for the support he has given me over the past 12 months since I joined the team.
I understand and feel how special this organization is, and I will do everything in my power to take care of it. I will now look to lead this team, working to secure its long-term future. I have been involved in cycling in several positions and as a member of the team management and I am confident that by combining this with my experience in the business world it will allow me to build a structure that can move Soudal Quick-Step from leading position to leading position.”
Zdenek Bakala: “I would like to start by thanking Patrick for his dedication and passion”
Finally, Mr. Zdenek Bakalamajority shareholder of Soudal Quick-Stepalso gave his little note. “I would like to start by thanking Patrick for his dedication and passion which made Soudal Quick-Step the team it is today. Patrick has often spoken about the hard work of his staff and the riders, but this is fostered by the figurehead at the top and we should not underestimate how Patrick has built a culture that enables these riders and his staff to flourish.
We know, however, that at some point everything changes and we believe the time has come to make these structural changes to the direction of our team, which have been made with the agreement of all parties. With this transition, I demonstrate my commitment to the long-term future of the team and ensuring a bright future for Soudal Quick-Step.”
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