In the hey-days of 'the Wolfpack', barely a Flanders Classic went by without a Soudal - Quick-Step rider in the mix for victory. This was not the case last Friday at the 2024 E3 Saxo Classic however, much to Patrick Lefevere's chagrin.
"Yves Lampaert is the best rider from our team, in 29th place, more than four minutes behind the winner," the always outspoken and often controversial team boss of the Soudal - Quick-Step outfit began his recap in conversation with Het Nieuwsblad. "I weigh my words, but they were seriously inadequate."
"Let me be honest: how we pulled away as a team was just painful," Lefevere continues glumly. "I saw us leading around 90 kilometres from the finish, but after that: the big nothing. We don't even participate in the group behind Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert. Lidl-Trek has three men in the top ten. UAE Team Emirates without Tadej Pogacar is down to two men. And we have nothing."
This Sunday, Gent Wevelgem is on the programme and despite the quiet showing of Soudal - Quick-Step at the E3, Lefevere is crossing his fingers for a more hopeful performance. "Tim Merlier brings the winning mood," he concludes. "If it turns out to be a sprint, with Kooij and Philipsen, then that is beneficial for us."
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