"Note that Remco Evenepoel has become world time trial champion as a rider of Soudal- Quick-Step" - Patrick Lefevere fires back at Alberto Contador

Just moments after Remco Evenepoel had taken the win in the men's elite individual time-trial at the Glasgow World Championships, Alberto Contador dropped a bombshell, claiming the Belgian's move to the INEOS Grenadiers was an 'open secret'. It hasn't taken long for Patrick Lefevere to bite back.

Lefevere, the always outspoken Soudal - Quick-Step team boss has spoken to Het Nieuwsbald, and responded to the Spanish cycling great. “I have heard that Alberto Contador, in all his wisdom, thought it advisable to declare on TV that Remco will ride for Ineos next year," he says. "I am not going to waste any more words on that story myself, but note that Remco has become world time trial champion as a rider of Soudal - Quick-Step."

“If our team really lacked scientific know-how, that would certainly not work. Time trial is not a discipline that you win with the wet finger,” Lefevere continues before pointing out that many of the media rumours surrounding the team are seemingly wide of the mark.

“There are now many stories in the press that we are bringing in George Bennett to strengthen the climbing train next year. Until further notice: at the moment he has only been offered to me by managers on all sides," he uses as an example. “To be honest: all those stories detract from the riders we already have at the moment. As I mentioned before, that's quite something. People only remember forty-eight hours, but last year in the Vuelta we carried the race with Remco plus five other riders. Due to a fall and illness we lost Julian Alaphilippe and Pieter Serry before it all had to start. And yet Remco and co have won the jersey.”