"Foré is better educated than his predecessor": Belgian journalist believes Wolfpack's legacy will live on despite Lefevere's departure

The Wolfpack will not be the same without its pack leader Patrick Lefevere, but that doesn't necessarily mean that Soudal - Quick-Step will no longer be a team to follow in years to come. The approach of new manager Jurgen Fore is diametrically opposed to his predecessor's, but we'll have to wait and see if the more calculative leadership will bear more fruits in an era where racing with heart alone is often not enough.

"Lefevere could read a balance sheet, manage a complex group of riders, reconcile Italians with Belgians, secure a long-term relationship with Quick-Step, and attract a dedicated patron in Zdenek Bakkala," Michel Wuyts begins his analysis on HLN by words of praise for the former leader of Wolfpack.

Then he adds the most important aspect, which made his stint at the team as iconic: "He was a winner. (Over a) Thousand of races in 30 years. He won them himself, according to his own instincts."

This is how the Belgian sees his compatriot, that Lefevere was "after all a star alongside his champions" and could therefore get away with a few things. "Blaming Sam Bennett and Julian Alaphilippe in the press, a trifle. Stuttering somewhat frivolously at an interview table, oh come on, you forgave a flamboyant rascal a lot."

Reading through the endless list of achievements Lefevere secured with the team, it's clear that whoever would become his successor will take on a role weighed down by expectations that won't be met easily.

"Popular with his constituents and the benchmark of all standards. A pertinent question: is there life in cycling after Lefevere?" Wuyts wonders aloud.

It was then up to Jurgen Foré to succeed him. Or rather, succeed... "Scratch that word out. The Bill Clinton of the peloton is impossible to follow. Imitating it would be foolish. Different manager, different leadership style. Foré is better educated than his predecessor and, as a top executive at the audit and consultancy firm Deloitte, has a broader economic base."

Wuyts sees differences between the two team managers. "Where Lefevere loved the camera, Foré responds with restraint when asked questions. 'No more punchy and juicy one-liners, the era of dullness begins now,' said an expert upon Foré's appointment." Nevertheless, Foré had a successful debut year.

The Belgian team once again won a lot. "After Foré's first season, I count 56 wins (54 professional). A fantastic run for the first year. And remarkably, he doesn't claim a single one of those victories for himself. Foré cleverly focuses on the merits of the entire team," Wuyts analyzes his leadership style.

The new boss's transfers are also appreciated by the Belgian. "Can a prize also be awarded for a sound transfer policy? Stuyven and Van Baarle demonstrate continued ambition, Rex and Dainese strengthen the sprint contingent around Merlier and conqueror Magnier. Foré also made smart purchases in the form of Van den Bossche, Cras and Zana."

Evenepoel's departure also had to be dealt with. "Without him, the focus shifts back to the dwindling spring season, and Van Wilder and Landa won't be left behind in the final stages," concluded Wuyts.