The end of an era – What Patrick Lefevere’s retirement means for pro cycling

Patrick Lefevere was an astute team manager, his skills built on decades of winning big races, finding sponsors and signing talented riders. He knew how to get the best out of his riders and staff, but also knew when it was time to let a big-name team leader go and quickly sign the next great thing. 

Now close to his 70th birthday, with Remco Evenepoel the dominant force at Soudal-QuickStep and the world of professional cycling very different to when Lefevere became a team manager in 1979, the Belgian former pro has realised it is time to let go of the team he created and made so successful.