"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."

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."