13/04/2024

"It was never my intention to offend anyone" - Patrick Lefevere publicly apologises after UCI punishment for misogynistic statements

Never one to shy away from controversy, Soudal - Quick-Step's outspoken team boss, Patrick Lefevere was recently punished by the UCI for several misogynistic statements.

"Following a report concerning Mr Patrick Lefevere, General Manager of the UCI WorldTeam Soudal Quick-Step, for public comments considered as disparaging towards women, the Ethics Commission confirmed that breaches of articles 5 and 6.1 of the Code of Ethics were committed in two instances," detailed the UCI on March 14th. "Mr Lefevere has been requested to make a public statement recognising the inappropriateness of his statements and apologising therefor. A fine of CHF 20,000 has also been imposed, suspended on condition that Mr Lefevere issues a public statement and does not commit a similar breach of the UCI Code of Ethics within the next three years."

Has it gone too far? Julian Alaphilippe continued to race spring classics despite leg fracture "because I didn't want people to think I was making excuses"

Now, Lefevere has completed his side of the bargain and announced publicly, his deepest apologies for any hurt caused. "On Thursday, March 14, 2024, I was informed by the UCI Ethics Committee that 2 statements I made were contrary to the UCI code of ethics. The committee refers to 2 statements I made: one in an article dated. July 3, 2021 in Het Nieuwsblad, and one in a TV interview dated. March 8, 2023 in De Afspraak," Lefevere begins via the Soudal - Quick-Step website. "With this statement I would like to make it clear that I accept the decision of the UCI Ethics Committee."

"I recognize that the statements I made may be experienced or interpreted in a hurtful way. It was never my intention to offend anyone and for that I apologize. I would like to expressly apologize to the UCI, the UCI Ethics Committee and all persons or parties involved who have experienced these statements in a hurtful way," he concludes. "The way our teams work should also be proof that it was never my intention to offend or harm anyone: today our cycling teams consist of 74 riders and 106 full-time employees, both men and women, who work together in a diverse and inclusive working environment without distinction based on origin, gender or background. We will continue to work in this way."