Who is succeeding Patrick Lefevere as CEO of Soudal - Quick-Step?

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 with the likes of Mark Cavendish, Remco Evenepoel and Julian Alaphilippe. It will take some getting used to not having Lefevere leading the team, but who is Jurgen Fore, the new manager in charge of the team.

Fore’s connection to cycling runs deep, with his father winning the Tour of Flanders in 1963 and Paris–Roubaix in 1959. Despite this legacy, Jurgen Fore’s own professional cycling career was unremarkable, leading him to transition into consultancy in his 20s. His career off the bike has been nothing short of impressive, including a stint at Deloitte, where he honed his business knowledge and executive skills.

In November 2023, Soudal – Quick-Step announced Fore as the team’s Chief Operating Officer (COO). At the time, Lefevere praised Fore's unique blend of cycling knowledge and business expertise. “I am delighted to have Jurgen on board. He is a man that has an impressive CV, that mixes both a love and knowledge of cycling, with business and executive acumen and experience,” Lefevere stated during the announcement.

Over the past year, Fore has worked closely with Lefevere, assisting with the management of the squad, and the team had a very successful year in 2024. His contribution to the team’s performance has evidently convinced Soudal – Quick-Step’s leadership that he is ready to take on the CEO role. While Lefevere will no longer oversee day-to-day operations, his influence will remain. As an honorary board member, Lefevere will continue to contribute to 'The Wolfpack' in a less formal role, but we have no doubt he will still be involved heavily in the team he created.

Jurgen Fore steps into a challenging role, inheriting one of cycling’s most famous teams that is currently home to one of the world’s best riders, Remco Evenepoel. With his unique background that combines cycling heritage and business savvy, we will soon find out whether the new CEO has what it takes to take the team to the next level.