"It is impossible for him to remain inactive" - Philippe Gilbert convinced Patrick Lefevere 'will remain in the shadows' at Soudal - Quick-Step

More than 20 years after creating the team, Patrick Lefevere recently announced he would be stepping back from his role at Soudal - Quick-Step. According to Phillipe Gilbert though, who rode for the team over seasons in the latter half of his career, Lefevere is not the kind of person to just sail off into the sunset.

"I am indeed surprised by the communication in this regard since exactly a year ago, he announced the name of his successor, Jürgen Foré," Gilbert says in comments to Le Soir. "I remember that he said he was staying for an interim period, that he would have less to do and that he could take advantage of it. Here, at least, it is official but I am convinced that he will remain in the shadow of his long-standing team."

Read also

"He could be brutal but that's what made him special. Cycling will be poorer without him" - Brian Holm pays tribute to Patrick Lefevere after Quick-Step departure

"He represents a lot for cycling, we must all say bravo and thank you on behalf of Belgian cycling but not only. He has performed miracles with his teams and sponsors who were not the richest in the peloton," continues Gilbert, noting some of Lefevere's best work. "Patrick is resourceful, he has relaunched many careers, I am thinking of that of Viviani, the Italian sprinter. I am thinking of myself because he allowed me to complete my list of achievements for three seasons. I would have liked more but I discovered when I asked for a contract extension that Patrick was a business man, lucid, who had considered that I had done my time. I also think of Van Petegem, Frank Vandenbroucke of course who has never been better than under his orders."

As mentioned though, having come to know Lefevere over the years, Gilbert doesn't expect an easy retirement for the Belgian. "I wish him to enjoy his retirement even if I know that it is impossible for him to remain inactive," Gilbert concludes. "I am sure to see him again very soon on the races."

Read also

ANALYSIS: What were Patrick Lefevere’s best moments with Soudal – Quick-Step?