"Should I complain to the UCI that they are harassing Remco?" - Patrick Lefevere very unhappy with INEOS Grenadiers' attempts to sign Remco Evenepoel

Remco Evenepoel has been in sights of INEOS Grenadiers already for several years, even despite his current position at Soudal - Quick-Step. Patrick Lefevere has been clear showing his discontent with the continuous bids to sign the Belgian team's star.

“And what are you going to do with his contract until the end of 2026? If the UCI is fair, they can't do anything," Lefevere said in an interview with Het Nieuwsblad. “Whoever wants Evenepoel must pay his contract times as many years. Plus so much for sponsors who will not agree and can file a complaint. I wouldn't want to pay the bill."

With a high salary and three and a half years left of contract, without a doubt the mere possibility of signing the World Champion would be a huge financial burden which could only be matched by the likes of INEOS or UAE. However INEOS, having lost several of it's GC contenders and seeing it's climber block fade as other teams have grown significantly, seem willing to take the risk.

They have made several bids to convince Evenepoel to join the British team. Lefevere is unhappy with that: “Do I have to write a registered letter? Should I complain to the UCI that they are harassing Remco? And what if they deny? Should I call them all liars? It has to stop, but you can't stop it. It is an unfair pressure from INEOS Grenadiers. Sky started before he was a pro, and I beat them too quickly. It's that simple."

The manager of Soudal - Quick-Step is keen on keeping Evenepoel in it's ranks, and with a strong support team. The team is creating a block around him and looking for signings to help his Grand Tour ambitions in addition to the long-term contract, changing the team's primary focus onto the mountains, whereas in the past Quick-Step was a sublime team in the cobbled classics, sprints and time-trials - the two latter they remain very much in the mix.

“They are going to deny everything, because according to the regulations they are not allowed to confess," Lefevere added, confirming that he has no intentions of selling Evenepoel. "I am always going to say no. Selling a rider, I don't like that. It's not about a car, is it?"