The son of Deceuninck – Quick-Step boss Patrick Lefevere has appeared in court after being accused of flying a helicopter over Paris-Roubaix without permission.
Thomas Lefevere, 22, allegedly flew a rented helicopter above the peloton during the 2018 edition of the Monument, without informing the French air force.
Lefevere appeared before the French correctional court on June 6, according to French newspaper La Voix du Nord. (opens in new tab)
The report said Thomas Lefevere rented a helicopter in Kortrijk just across the Belgian border to pick up his dad from Bourghelles just outside Roubaix.
He is accused of failing to inform the authorities, as only race organiser or police helicopters may fly above the race.
Lefevere, who denies any wrongdoing, said: “I have always respected the distances. My silence? I didn’t know the radio frequencies.”
His lawyer said: “He made the mistake of obeying his father and he didn’t fly like helicopters during the Vietnam war.”
In December last year Patrick Lefevere, the general manager of the Belgian WorldTour team Deceuninck – Quick-Step, said: “We have never flown above the riders. Far from it. But the world of helicopter men is even smaller than the cycling world.”
The case is due to be concluded on June 20.
Thomas Lefevere’s Twitter account describes him as a mobile software developer, a computer and cybercrime penetration tester and a private helicopter pilot.
>>> Family of triathlete killed after her bike hit a pothole awarded £400k payout
Patrick Lefevere has been at the centre of his own controversy this year, when he suggested a female fan was motivated by money after Quick-Steo rider Iljo Keisse behaved inappropriately towards her.
Keisse was kicked off the race after he was reported to police for miming a sex act while posing for a photograph with the fan.
In an interview after the incident, Lefevere agreed that Keisse had behaved inappropriately but then suggested the fan wanted money.
Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
-
-
Annemiek van Vleuten wins a savage day at the Giro Donne
The fourth stage proves key as three women move clear of the rest in the GC standings
-
Tweets of the week: Pogačar's singing skills, anti-climactic Giro Donne celebrations and the return of crocs
Another week, another round-up of the best posts on social media from the last seven days
-
Winner Dylan van Baarle shares impressive Strava data from fastest-ever Paris-Roubaix
The Dutchman covered the 257.2km route in 5-37-00, winning with a powerful solo attack 19km from the finish line
-
Is the Paris-Roubaix tubular dead? Why tubeless tyres are winning on the cobbles
The unique challenges of the Hell of the North place much emphasis on wheel selection. We talk to two teams and two wheel manufacturers about solving the problem that is Roubaix
-
Filippo Ganna to be given opportunities at Milan-San Remo and Paris-Roubaix this year
Italian rouleur says he wants to prove he is more than "just" a time triallist and track specialist
-
Vincenzo Nibali to tackle Paris-Roubaix for first time in 2022
Italian is down to race all five monuments in 2022 for Astana-Qazaqstan
-
Watch: Incredible on-bike highlights from eventful Paris-Roubaix
An alternative perspective on the astonishing race
-
John Degenkolb launches campaign to save junior Paris-Roubaix and smashes target in one day
John Degenkolb has launched a fundraising campaign to save the junior Paris-Roubaix race, raising more €10,000 in one day.
-
Paris-Roubaix cobbled sector to receive mortar makeover to aid rider safety
Removal of vegetation will not reduce the sector's drama
-
Secteur Pavé Michael Goolaerts: Paris-Roubaix remembers fallen rider by renaming cobbled sector
Paris-Roubaix organisers will pay tribute to Michael Goolaerts, who died during the 2018 race, by renaming one of the cobbled sectors in his honour.
