Patrick Lefevere Expresses ‘Uneasy Feeling’ Over Absence of His Team’s Riders in Belgium’s World

Patrick Lefevere Expresses ‘Uneasy Feeling’ Over Absence of Soudal – Quick-Step Riders in Belgian World Championships Line-up

Patrick Lefevere, manager of Soudal – Quick-Step, is facing a challenging time ahead of the World Championships, expressing concern over the absence of his team’s riders from Belgium’s national squad. Unlike previous years, only Remco Evenepoel will represent Belgium in Zurich, leaving Lefevere uneasy about the lack of other selections from his team.

In his regular column for *Het Nieuwsblad*, Lefevere acknowledged that the riders selected for the national team were deserving but admitted feeling unsettled by the omission of Soudal – Quick-Step riders. He sympathized with the decision not to include certain cyclists, such as Louis Vervaeke, who had a difficult Vuelta, and Pieter Serry, who recently recovered from a serious concussion after a training accident. However, Lefevere believes Ilan Van Wilder should have earned a spot in the national line-up.

Despite the disagreement, Lefevere praised Sven Vanthourenhout’s tenure as Belgium’s national coach, especially how he managed conflicting team dynamics. With Vanthourenhout likely transitioning into a directorial role in a competition team, Lefevere acknowledged his effective work, particularly in handling high-profile riders like Remco Evenepoel and Wout van Aert, noting that after the criticism Vanthourenhout faced following the 2021 Leuven World Championships, he has since redeemed his reputation.