Patrick Lefevere: “Visma I Lease a Bike plays hide and seek, and they play that game a lot”

Patrick Lefebvre will mark his rider Remco Evenepoel’s Tour de France debut on Saturday. Belgian coach of Soudal Quick Step is cautious in his statements when it comes to Evenpoel, but he is sure of something else. “They often play this kind of game in Visma I Lease a Bike,” says Lefebvre in a conversation with Jan Bakelants at HLN.

Remco Evenepoel’s ambitions have been clear for some time. The Belgian wants to ride in the top five, and Lefevere confirms that too. “Everything from fifth onwards is good. Between fifth and third I think. It could also be nothing, it could also be better. There is a lot of confidence in the team. They are ready. We have given everything we could, at all levels. I no longer agree with this nonsense from the past, that the team still has a lot to learn. We have nutritionists, coaches, scientists… We now have a sleep coach. I am currently investing more in the entourage than in the drivers themselves.

“What if Remco doesn’t do well? The world keeps turning, right? Sponsors never say anything, they’re satisfied. If Remco farts, there’s two pages in the newspaper. They know how much publicity we bring. And sportingly, well, I’ve been racing for a long time: once you’ve tried everything, you become cautious. We all saw what happened in the Giro last year. You’re a big fool if you’re not prepared for all scenarios. Good, average and bad“I take everything into account. Otherwise you are a dreamer, or a fantasist. I am neither one nor the other.”

Hide and Seek
The manager passes the role of favourite to Tadej Pogacar. “If you see Tadej riding in the Giro, you can’t ignore him. You enjoy watching it: how relaxed he is on the bike, how he doesn’t seem to be nervous, and he’s a really fun guy to watch. But we’re going to beat him.” (He laughs) No, we’ll see.”

“But at Visma they didn’t have to be silly: they were playing hide and seek,” he continues. “They often play this kind of game. Vengegard had a serious injury, but Remco also broke his collarbone and shoulder and Dauphiné’s knee in the meantime. I confirm that this was a good choice. I knew he would be beaten, but he improved: Remco was much better in the final stage.” In the first mountain stage.