"It's either Riccò or me": Team doctor reveals how Patrick Lefevere almost signed cycling's most controversial climber

Behind the closed doors of cycling's most successful teams, tensions can often reach a boiling point, even among the tightest of allies. For decades, Soudal - Quick-Step, historically managed by Patrick Lefevere, has relied on the medical expertise of Dr. Yvan Vanmol. However, their long-standing partnership has not been without its explosive disagreements.

Speaking on a recent podcast, the veteran team doctor revealed just how close he came to walking away from the organization over the potential signing of disgraced Italian rider Riccardo Riccò, while also shedding light on the intense internal friction surrounding Tom Boonen's infamous off-bike scandals.

In an interview on the Stamcafé Koers podcast, Vanmol opened up about his working relationship with Lefevere. The team doctor admitted that the two frequently clashed over major decisions, particularly when crisis struck.

"Yes, we argued regularly," Vanmol explained. "For example, the few times that Tom Boonen got the team into trouble with cocaine use. I always stood by Tom's side, but it had major consequences for the team. We lost Specialized as a sponsor because of it, you know."

Their disagreements also extended to the team's transfer policies. However, Vanmol believes this constant friction was ultimately a healthy dynamic for the team's success. "We had regular arguments, but it is better to be part of an organization where everyone can give their opinion than to surround yourself with only yes-men."

The most critical breaking point in their working relationship centered around Riccardo Riccò. The Italian climber, whose career was later destroyed by multiple severe and life-threatening doping offenses, was incredibly close to joining the Belgian squad.

"Both the sponsors and Patrick were convinced to bring him in. I think there was even a pre-contract, because Patrick went to Germany to sign him," Vanmol revealed.

Unwilling to compromise, Vanmol drew a definitive line in the sand regarding the controversial Italian. "I said: 'Patrick, it's either Riccò or Vanmol. Together is not going to happen.' Fortunately, he listened to me, because a year later it was a massive drama."

Vanmol's staunch opposition to the transfer was based on alarming observations of Riccò's behavior in the peloton, coupled with highly suspicious medical data. He recalled a particularly arrogant display during the Tour of Austria. Riccò rode up to one of Vanmol's riders and mockingly asked if there was something wrong with his bike's chain. When the confused rider asked why he would think that, Riccò smirked: "Because I don't feel the chain."

Beyond the blatant arrogance, it was the hard medical data that ultimately forced Vanmol to throw his weight around to block the move. "I certainly brought that up a few times when it all turned to shit a year later," Vanmol noted, referring to Riccò's subsequent, highly publicized doping busts. "His blood values were shooting in all directions."