Quick-Step Floors team boss unsure of squad's future
Patrick Lefevere says that he is seeking confirmation of a title sponsor for the Quick-Step Floors team beyond 2017
Quick-Step Floors team boss Patrick Lefevere is unsure about the continuation of one of cycling's top squads beyond 2017. He says that he will decide on the future of his team before the Tour de France in July.
The Belgian WorldTour team – which includes Tom Boonen, Marcel Kittel and many other stars – leads the 2017 win count so far with 13 victories. BMC Racing has 11 and Orica-Scott 10.
"The sponsorship agreement that we have only covers this season and we still haven't managed to find someone who can take the place of the Quick-Step," Lefevere told Het Nieuwsblad newspaper.
"In four months, we'll look at everything and before the Tour de France, we will decide the fate of the team."
>>> Quick-Step team manager: ‘Nobody wanted to ride the Tour of Turkey’
The team began in 2003 with the rise of classics star Boonen. The Flemish star will retire after racing into the Paris-Roubaix velodrome this April 9.
Lefevere’s team over the last 15 years has included Paolo Bettini, Stijn Devolder, Tony Martin, Mark Cavendish and Michal Kwiatkowski. The current roster includes Philippe Gilbert, Dan Martin, Bob Jungels, Niki Terpstra and Fernando Gaviria.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
For five years, Lefevere counted on title sponsor Omega Pharma. The pharmaceutical company produces supplement Etixx, the name the team raced under for 2015 and 2016.
Flemish businessman Marc Coucke sold Omega Pharma to US manufacturer Perrigo Company for €3.6 billion (£3.07b) in March 2015.
"I know, so far I've always worked with people in a circle of 20 kilometres around me. People from Flanders. But that circle has grown.
>>> Quick-Step Floors team unveil new 2017 kit design
“I am not blind: cycling is a reflection of the global economy. China has bought half of Africa, the Arabs have half of football in their possession.
"I remain confident, and it is right to be: the team is strong and has started the season well, we already have 12 wins and many valuable champions. And we are entering the period of the season is most important for us, the classics. We have a work on several fronts, but we are ready."
The Flemish flooring company Quick-Step may still continue to sponsor the team. Lefevere is talking with them first.
"But they need time and we do not have time, otherwise we risk not finding available riders. And the agents are already alarmed..."
Lefevere added that he is not in a hurry and that he has "never been so calm". He did warn his riders not to start riding for themselves and for contract deals
"Look, if you're really so hopeless that you have no confidence in me and cannot wait until May or June then you're not in the right team."
Thank you for reading 20 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
Gregor Brown is an experienced cycling journalist, based in Florence, Italy. He has covered races all over the world for over a decade - following the Giro, Tour de France, and every major race since 2006. His love of cycling began with freestyle and BMX, before the 1998 Tour de France led him to a deep appreciation of the road racing season.
-
Why are more UK cyclists killed on rural lanes than on busy city streets?
More UK cyclists are killed on rural lanes than on busy city streets. Rob Kemp investigates why and what can be done to keep us safe while riding in the countryside
By Rob Kemp Published
-
400km a day for a month: Lachlan Morton sets "mind blowing" round-Australia record
EF Education rider completes astounding feat to reduce the record by nearly 25%
By James Shrubsall Published
-
Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl release 2022 kit from new partners Castelli
The Italian clothing brand will make the Belgian team's kit until at least 2024
By Adam Becket Published
-
Patrick Lefevere says Vuelta a España suits Evenepoel but doesn't want him given favourite status
The young Belgian abandoned the Giro d'Italia in 2021 after 18 stages
By Tim Bonville-Ginn Published
-
Mauri Vansevenant and Rémi Cavagna recovering after car hit them at training camp
The French road race champion suffered a fractured L1 vertebrae with the Belgian breaking his thumb
By Tim Bonville-Ginn Published
-
'He turned pro too early': Eddy Merckx just can't stop commenting on Evenepoel
The cycling legend has happily voiced his opinion on the young Belgian multiple times during the rider's short career
By Tim Bonville-Ginn Published
-
WATCH: Emotional behind the scenes footage of Mark Cavendish's first stage win at the 2021 Tour de France
His reaction to victory on stage four is a part of a docuseries created by Deceuninck - Quick-Step
By Ryan Dabbs Published
-
Mark Cavendish signs one-year contract extension with Deceuninck - Quick-Step
The Manxman has finally put pen to paper on a new deal that keeps him at the Belgian team until the end of 2022
By Ryan Dabbs Published
-
Deceuninck CEO states women's cycling is a factor in Alpecin-Fenix switch: 'We discussed that at Quick-Step, but Patrick is Patrick'
The Belgian company leaves Quick-Step at the end of 2021, after three seasons with the team
By Ryan Dabbs Published
-