"Hopefully we will do better" - Patrick Lefevere looking for improvement from Soudal Quick-Step at Tour of Flanders

Although Soudal - Quick-Step have been somewhat below par in the early part of 2023, general manager Patrick Lefevere believes that better days are coming, starting hopefully at the Tour of Flanders.

"There is progress with a view to the Tour of Flanders," Lefevere proclaims in conversation with Het Laatste Nieuws. "We have to bite the bullet. Hopefully we will do better in the Flanders classics."

In fact, the normally outspoken Lefevere is quite relaxed about Soudal - Quick-Step's less than impressive start to the season, focusing instead on looking at the positives. "Right now it couldn't be better. We have to take it a little bit. Lampaert will be recovered in time and Ballerini is coming through. I also hope that Alaphilippe will play a part in the final," he says.

"We are trying to do something about it, but we are not succeeding at the moment," Lefevere adds when questioned about Jumbo-Visma's dominance. "Surely they won't be first, second and third? Although I don't dare to say that anymore."