"We made each other great" - Johan Musseeuw and Wilfried Peeters react to Patrick Lefevere's Soudal - Quick-Step exit

Yesterday the big news broke that Patrick Lefevere would step down as the team manager of Soudal – Quick-Step, after more than 20 years in charge. Lefevere has become one of the most familiar faces in the peloton, and has had some brilliant moments over the years. He previously worked with Johan Museeuw and Wilfried Peeters at the team, who have both now reacted to his departure.

Johan Museeuw, a two-time Tour de France stage winner and World Champion in 1996, joined Lefevere’s team in 1993. During his time with the team, Museeuw achieved cycling greatness, winning both the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix three times each. Speaking to Belga, Museeuw shared his admiration for Lefevere.

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“Later, his function became that of manager and he distanced himself somewhat from his riders,” Museeuw explained. “That was not the case during my period. We spent a lot of time together and let’s be honest, we made each other great.”

Museeuw acknowledged the significance of Lefevere's departure, calling it "the end of an era." He added, “I often talked to him in recent years about when he was going to let go. He has done so much and all that with that pressure. After his illness, he continued to work very hard. I advised him to anticipate, but I also know that he is or will be difficult to replace.”

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Wilfried Peeters shares a unique relationship with Lefevere, having both ridden under his leadership and worked alongside him in management. Reflecting on the news, Peeters told Belga, “Patrick had already told me a while ago that he was going to step down as CEO of the cycling team. I didn’t believe it at first, but he kept confirming his decision.”

For Peeters, Lefevere’s influence extended far beyond a typical professional relationship. “It will feel strange. He was never my boss, really. He was a friend and a second father,” Peeters said. “I have been connected to Patrick since 1993. We have experienced incredible things.”

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Peeters also highlighted Lefevere’s integrity and leadership qualities. “A handshake from Patrick was worth as much as a signed contract. A word was a word. I believed him blindly and learned a lot from Patrick. Also how to deal with people.”

As Lefevere transitions into an honorary role, Peeters expressed his gratitude for everything he had learned. “He was my example and I hope to continue to pass on what I learned to the riders who are with us for a while. I owe a lot to Patrick.”