Patrick Lefevere, a towering figure in professional cycling,
is no longer at the helm of Soudal – Quick-Step.
In the wake of his departure,
the team’s decision to appoint Frederik Broché over
Sven Vanthourenhout as a
coach has sparked discussion. Lefevere shared his
perspective on the matter in
an interview with Het Laatste Nieuws. “There is no comparison possible?” Lefevere said, addressing
the contrast between the two candidates. “Broché is a trainer, Vanthourenhout
is a type of team leader. There was never any question of choosing.”
Vanthourenhout, known as a confidant of Remco Evenepoel, the
team’s star rider, was considered by some as a natural choice. However,
Lefevere dismissed the notion that this played a significant role. “How many
(confidants) does he have? You can’t sit behind him in the car with five of
them?” he remarked. “His father mentioned that once, but that was never a point
of discussion. I have always been against a 'team-within-the-team'. Even though
we have actually come that far, but oh well.”
Lefevere questioned Vanthourenhout’s qualifications for the
role, suggesting that his lack of experience in Grand Tours was a limiting
factor. “Sven saw himself as a kind of coordinator. But on what basis? He has
never done a big tour. Should he tell people who have been here for so long how
to do it?”
Despite recognising Vanthourenhout’s contributions to the
sport, Lefevere highlighted the practical considerations behind the decision.
“Sure, he’s had a fantastic run at the cycling association. But it’s also an
extra salary and the money isn’t inexhaustible. Plus: it became a lot for Koen
Pelgrim. So we didn’t think it was a bad idea to put someone next to him.”