"Seixas would have been the perfect replacement for Remco Evenepoel" - Patrick Lefevere reveals Quick-Step was on the verge of another generational signing

Soudal - Quick-Step is now trailing behind teams such as UAE Team Emirates - XRG and a few others who surpass it in budget by a big margin, but until a few years ago that was not quite the case. The Belgian team for many years was able to sign many of the world's best at their prime; but currently require a lot of scouting and luck to obtain new leaders capable of winning at the top level. One who was close to signing for the Belgian team was Paul Seixas, Patrick Lefevere reveals.

Lefevere, former CEO of Soudal - Quick-Step for many years, saw many generations come and go. Whilst at times controversial, he was always seen as a successful team manager, being able to manage the business and the sporting side of the team quite successfully, whilst his direct relationships with the team leaders helped maintain riders on board even on multi-leadership scenarios. In recent years the signing and development of Remco Evenepoel is what the team relied on; whilst its role as a classics powerhouse began to fade.

It was a worthy investment, but ultimately at the end of the 2025 season, Evenepoel departed for Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe. However the team didn't abandon the climbing block it had developed, with Mikel Landa, Valentin Paret-Peintre and Ilan van Wilder all as very capable climbers. This is also because at any point, the team could potentially sign the next climbing superstar, and be prepared to maintain it. That's what could've happened with Paul Seixas, whom Lefevere admits was in contact with to make an offer a few years ago.

“The new French wonderkid could actually have ridden for Soudal Quick-Step,” Lefevere wrote in his weekly Het Nieuwsblad column, sharing details that confirm it was not only a matter of interest from the Belgian team, but an attempt to pun the pen to paper.

“Not that long ago he was sitting in my office in Wevelgem together with his mother. Our scout Johan Molly had pointed him out to us. Sometimes he gets it wrong, but most of the time he is right.” In this case he was right, but Lefevere couldn't make the bid. This was become Quick-Step wasn't the first team to jump the gun, and at the time, Seixas was already firmly connected with the Decathlon team who had secured him.

“One of the issues was the legal uncertainty around his contract situation at AG2R Citroën. As a junior he had signed something, but at that age the signature of one of the parents is also required. That signature was missing. There was a photo showing his parents were there, but on paper the contract was not complete.”

The complicated legal situation, obstacles, and interest from rival teams eventually saw Seixas decide otherwise, and instead choose Decathlon CMA CGM Team, where he in the meantime has turned pro. At 18 years of age he has joined Tadej Pogacar and Remco Evenepoel on the podium of the European Championships last year. Amongst other results, he has also won the Tour de l'Avenir as a first-year under-23 rider, and this Saturday was second to Pogacar in his Strade Bianche debut.

The potential in undeniable and the French team have a massive weapon in their arsenal. So much so that despite having almost two full years of contract left, there are rumours that UAE Team Emirates - XRG are already actively in contact with Seixas in order to make a bit in the future to sign him.

Quick-Step could've been the team with their hands on cycling's newest top prospect, a rider that Lefevere now believes could've been the new Remco Evenepoel within the Quick-Step group. “Eventually AG2R found a new co sponsor in Decathlon and they were able to shift two gears higher financially. That meant our chance was gone. It is a pity, because Seixas would have been the perfect replacement for Remco Evenepoel.”