“It is a mistake Jurgen has only to blame himself for" - Patrick Lefevere blasts his Quick-Step successor as he points to blunder in team's transfers
CyclingSaturday, 19 September 2026 at 14:30
Patrick Lefevere has launched a focused criticism of his Soudal - Quick-Step successor, pointing to a transfer market blunder that could cost his former team. Although stepping away from the team at the end of 2024, the legendary Belgian cycling boss continues to keep a close eye on the setup.
Jurgen Fore took over as the new CEO of Quick-Step from the beginning of 2025 and is overseeing their transition following the departure of Remco Evenepoel from their ranks last winter. With their focus switching back to classics races and sprints, they've made a number of strong signings for 2027.
However, Lefevere has pointed out what he believes to be a mistake in their transfer policy - that the team have already filled all 30 of their contract slots for 2027 and they now face two dilemmas heading into the coming months.
After the team recently announced the signing of Ben Turner, it brings their confirmed riders for 2027 to 31, meaning that the team will have to omit one rider from the WorldTour squad next year.
Soudal - Quick-Step
Quick-Step currently have no space to call-up Henrique Bravo
Furthermore, the team don't currently have a slot for in-form development rider Henrique Bravo. The Brazilian has shown remarkable form in performances for both the devolopment team and call-ups to the WorldTour team in 2026.
“A logical way to counter the interest is to promote Henrique to the World Tour team, but that team has already reached the maximum of thirty riders for 2027," Lefevere said on his Het Nieuwsblad column.
"After the recently announced transfer of Ben Turner, there are actually already thirty-one. One too many, therefore, even without Henrique Bravo."
Bravo in-form in stellar 2026 season
20-year-old Bravo is a hot property with no confirmed deal for 2027. His fifth place at Tour de l'Avenir as well as a 4th place finish overall at the Tour de l'Ain means that he could be the focus of transfer interest for several teams.
Lefevere, while also admitting that he suffered similar dilemmas during his time at the helm, points to Fore as responsible for their situation. However, he did praise the signing of Lorenzo Milesi from Movistar as a coup for the Wolfpack.
“It is a mistake Jurgen has only to blame himself for. I won’t claim that it has never happened to me in all those years, but as CEO, you should never tie yourself down so early.
“Jurgen has to create an additional spot somewhere now. That isn't simple, because the incoming transfers of Ben Turner, Tim Torn Teutenberg, and Lorenzo Milesi are already confirmed. I think the latter is a good signing, in particular. I had him on my list before as well."
Gavin QuinnCycling Journalist
Gavin Quinn is a cycling journalist and ultra-distance cyclist with a BA in Journalism from Dublin City University. Formerly the Press & Communications Officer for Cycling Ireland, Gavin has worked inside the national team at the World Championships and has reported for the Irish Mirror, Mirror UK, and The42.
His expertise is backed by elite-level access, having interviewed stars like Sam Bennett and Ben Healy, as well as immense personal endurance. In 2025, he completed a 12,000km solo cycle from Ireland to Vietnam, following a 4,600km tour across Europe. From the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix to the gradients of the Tourmalet, Gavin’s writing focuses on the "romance and brutality" of the sport. Having visited 50+ countries, he brings a global, cultural perspective to his coverage of the pro peloton for CyclingUpToDate.
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Rafionain-Glas19-09-2026 - If she was smart she’d have other more fulfilling ways of making money. Are drug dealers smart too because they know how to use a short cut that ignores societal needs?Mistermaumau19-09-2026
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