“I would like to start by thanking Patrick for his dedication and passion that has made Soudal Quick-Step the team it is today,” commented Soudal Quick-Step majority shareholder Zdenek Bakala.
“However, we know that at some point things change and we believe that now is the right time to make these structural changes to 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 the guarantee of a bright future for Soudal Quick-Step.”
Lefevere founded the Quick Step-Davitamon team in 2003 and became its manager. Under his leadership, the WorldTour team has changed names several times in front of Soudal Quick-Step from 2023. It has won more than 950 professional victories, including 22 Monuments, 1 Grand Tour but also 124 stages in a Grand Tour.
“It is a turning point in my life to leave a role to which I have devoted a large part of my time. Cycling is a sport that I am still very passionate about, and it has been a great honor to lead this magnificent team and to creating so many memories,” declared Patrick Lefevere.
“But I felt the time was right for a change. When I started working with Jurgen a year ago, it was with the aim of making the transition easier when I left. I saw how his relationships with our sponsors and partners, as well as with the team’s internal stakeholders, have grown over the last 12 months, and I know that with the arrival of Jurgen as CEO and the support of the board administration, the team has a bright future ahead of her.”
