"In our family we are afraid of only one thing; to run out of money": Patrick Lefevere admits to be a "money bag"

Patrick Lefevere is being subject of a documentary series called "Patrick Lefevere. Godfather of the Race." The well-known manager of Soudal-Quick-Step revealed that family drama made him the way he is about money, especially after his father saw his car dealership go bankrupt and even ended up in jail for a while.

"Everything was confiscated, even the 30,000 francs in my savings account. In our family we are afraid of only one thing: to run out of money. I was a money bag, even if I say so myself", said Lefevere in the documentary.

With this reputation, it is expected that Patrick Lefevere be a nail-biting negotiator. But that turns out not to be so bad in the end in the eye of some.

"He is not portrayed that way, but Patrick is always honest," former pro and Quick-Step legend Tom Boonen said. "It's just that he doesn't want to come across that way. He wants to come across as tough."

Former rider Bram Tankink also revealed a curious story about Lefevere. When he asked for a double raise after finishing a stage in the Tour of Germany.

"At first he said: 'If I gave everyone who won something a raise, I would be bankrupt next year'. When he heard I was asking for double, he laughed and said 'in any company, you get a kick up the arse if you dare to ask that. He just made me sweat for half an hour first", Tankink said.