Swift-Step’s Lefevere Battles Illness Amid Reconciliation with Evenepoel Family
Patrick Lefevere, former CEO of Soudal Quick-Step, revealed he is contending with both lumbago and sinusitis as he publicly mended fences with Remco Evenepoel’s father, Patrick Evenepoel Sr. The health update came during a joint interview with Het Nieuwsblad, intended to demonstrate a resolution to past disagreements.
The meeting signifies a public attempt to downplay years of reported tension between Lefevere and the Evenepoel family, particularly surrounding Remco’s time with the team. While both men characterize their past differences as minor disagreements, the reconciliation holds importance for the cycling world, given the high profile of all parties involved and the recent transfer of Evenepoel to Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale. Lefevere emphasized the seven-year relationship Remco had with Quick-Step, acknowledging a single point of contention, while Evenepoel Sr. described the situation as a “difference of opinion.”
Lefevere visibly experienced pain upon arriving at the interview, attributing it to the lumbago. “Its not good, but I definitely didn’t want to cancel,” he stated, highlighting his commitment to the meeting. He also disclosed suffering from sinusitis.
Evenepoel Sr. offered a perspective gained from his current role managing the R.EV Cycling Team junior squad. “I understand better what your position as manager entails, Patrick,” he said. “I experience that at youth level. What should that be in the World Tour? I can only say that there is still great respect for patrick on our part.”
