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For Patrick Lefevere and the Soudal Quick-Step workforce, this yr is all in regards to the Tour de France.
It’s a change from earlier than; for a lot of, many seasons, they centered their largest give attention to the classics races.
Successful occasions like Paris-Roubaix or the Tour of Flanders was essential for the Belgian squad, a requisite for it to be thought of a profitable yr.
So too racking up a excessive variety of victories every season, with the squad typically clocking up probably the most wins of any professional workforce.
Take into account the previous three years: the workforce landed 65, 47, and 55 victories in 2021, 2022, and 2023 respectively.
There have been flirtations up to now with grand excursions, in fact, however compared to the sheer quantity and scale of a few of its different victories, the workforce had way more modest success on this space.
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In 2014 Rigoberto Urán went shut, ending second behind Nairo Quintana within the Giro d’Italia. 4 years later Enric Mas was runner-up within the Vuelta.
However when it comes to high three finishes in grand excursions, that was the extent of the workforce’s podium finishes in all of the years of its existence.
Simply two between 2003 and 2018.
It was a staggering statistic for a squad which was in any other case so profitable.
Issues modified in 2022 when Remco Evenepoel tore down the opposition within the Vuelta a España. The consequence marked an enormous breakthrough for each him and the workforce itself, and confirmed that it was attainable for Soudal Fast-Step to win three week races.
Since then the Tour de France has beckoned for the younger Belgium star, with Evenepoel decided to triumph total in the future. This season will mark his debut within the race and whereas his followers will hope he may emerge greatest in his first try, Lefevere waters down such expectations.
“The stress might be nice once more,” he instructed HLN. “Remco could not say it himself, however he desires of the rostrum. We’re not going to disguise that ambition, however I’m not going to leap off the balcony if it doesn’t work out.
“I consider we now have a workforce that may ‘ship’ him in one of the simplest ways. I do know many doubt that, however I prefer to be underestimated.”
‘Issues have been stated in Glasgow that maybe I mustn’t have stated’
![Remco Evenepoel of Belgium and Patrick Lefevere of Belgium CEO Team manager during the Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl Team 2022 - Media Day on January 10, 2022 in Calpe, Spain.](https://velo-cdn.outsideonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/GettyImages-1363837296.jpg?width=730)
Evenepoel remains to be simply 23 years of age and has the expertise and ambition to take the ultimate yellow jersey within the Tour. Though Belgian riders have come out on high 18 occasions within the race’s historical past, it’s virtually 50 years since a rider from that nation final triumphed.
That’s a frightening statistic, however those that have been watching Evenepoel’s progress know that he’s a severe prospect to emulate the final Belgian winner, the 1976 champion Lucien van Impe.
Whether or not or not that occurs this season, few would guess in opposition to him doing so over the subsequent few years.
That’s why there was such demand for him from different groups, with Ineos Grenadiers amongst these stated to be looking for his signature final summer season.
Soudal Fast-Step was beneath finances stress and, in response to stories, Evenepoel had severe questions in regards to the workforce’s strategy and whether or not it may give him the assist that he wanted to win the race.
Cue rumors about contract talks with different groups; cue tensions with Lefevere, who railed in opposition to squads making an attempt to ‘poach’ his star rider.
The workforce supervisor was additionally sad with Evenepoel’s father, who’s the rider’s agent. Harsh phrases have been spoken. Now, months later, Lefevere insists that issues are extra peaceable.
“Issues have been stated in Glasgow that maybe I mustn’t have stated,” he admitted, talking in regards to the world championships. “And there was one thing, however I’ve no dialogue with Remco at present. It occurs sooner or later in each ‘ménage’, however I’m not vindictive: I’ve drawn a line beneath it. Our relationship is okay.”
![Team Quick Step's Belgian rider Remco Evenepoel (C), wearing the overall leader's red jersey, celebrates with teammates after crossing the finish line during the 21st and last stage of the 2022 La Vuelta cycling tour of Spain, a 96.7km race from Las Rozas de Madrid to Madrid, on September 11, 2022. - Belgian rider Remco Evenepoel claimed his first Grand Tour victory in the Vuelta a Espana in Madrid.](https://velo-cdn.outsideonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/GettyImages-1243143605.jpg?width=730)
However he additionally admits to HLN.be that they don’t seem to be shut pals. That’s, he believes, a logical scenario between manger and rider.
“That isn’t attainable in my place,” he stated. “It’s tough for me to get emotionally concerned. As a workforce chief you need that bond along with your rider since you all the time need to know what’s occurring in his thoughts, however as a supervisor, distance is critical.
“When riders have reached the tip of their contract, they don’t have any compassion for me on the negotiating desk.”
Now 69, the Belgian has spoken in latest months about retirement. A rumored merger between Soudal Fast-Step and Jumbo-Visma fell by way of however whereas each groups continued, Lefevere stated he would play a much less intensive function than earlier than.
Jürgen Foré was not too long ago appointed as COO and, over time, Lefevere will step again completely from the workforce. It’s not sure that Foré will finally be his successor, with Lefevre saying that call will finally be as much as the bulk shareholder Zdenek Bakala.
Nonetheless his appointment is a sign that Lefevere’s time on the helm drawing to an in depth.
As for the workforce itself, it appears rumors it’d cease subsequent yr are unfaithful. Lefevere stated that an settlement is in place for Bakala to financially assure the workforce till the tip of 2027, giving it at the least 4 extra seasons.
Nonetheless, as Lefevre provides, particular person backers may depart earlier than then.
“[There is] one nuance: in March 2025 I might be along with Bakala and my three important sponsors, Soudal, Fast-Step and Specialised,” he defined. “If a celebration not feels good, it might probably depart a yr earlier, so on the finish of 2026.
“The workforce then nonetheless has 21 months to discover a new sponsor. The long run is secured.”
That safety may change into much more strong if Evenepoel wins yellow within the meantime.
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