Brussels, Belgium – Patrick Lefevere, the longtime architect of Soudal Quick-Step’s success, has cast doubt on Remco Evenepoel’s ability to win a Grand Tour, specifically the Tour de France, suggesting the Belgian star may be better suited for one-day classics. The comments, made to Het Laatste Nieuws and reported widely, represent a significant shift in perspective from the man who once built his team around Evenepoel’s Grand Tour ambitions.
Lefevere’s assessment comes as Evenepoel embarks on a new chapter with Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe in 2026, after seven seasons with Soudal Quick-Step. While Evenepoel has enjoyed considerable success – including a Vuelta a España victory, three World Time Trial Championships, and an Olympic road race title – his stage race performances have recently come under scrutiny. The question of whether Evenepoel can consistently challenge the likes of Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard in grueling three-week races is now front and center.
“I had a good example in my own team: Sylvain Chavanel, a Frenchman,” Lefevere said, drawing a parallel to a former rider who also showed early promise but ultimately fell short in Grand Tour contention. “He was the new man, back then. He was supposed to win the Tour. He turned pro at twenty. He tried….” Lefevere’s implication is clear: Evenepoel, despite his immense talent, may share a similar profile – a rider more naturally inclined towards shorter, more explosive races.
This isn’t simply a matter of questioning Evenepoel’s physical capabilities. Lefevere pointed to the increasingly data-driven approach to rider selection, where coaches identify riders best suited for specific types of racing. He suggested that Evenepoel might ultimately prove more effective in one-day events, even acknowledging his Vuelta victory as a notable achievement. However, he emphasized the formidable competition in Grand Tours, specifically naming Pogačar and Vingegaard as significant hurdles.
The timing of Lefevere’s comments is noteworthy, coinciding with Evenepoel’s transition to a new team. The move to Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe was widely seen as an attempt to provide Evenepoel with the support structure needed to challenge for the Tour de France. However, Lefevere’s remarks raise questions about whether that goal is realistic, even with a new team environment.
Lefevere also expressed his belief that Evenepoel should have prioritized participation in key spring classics like Milan-San Remo, the Tour of Flanders, and E3 Saxo Bank Classic. He reportedly voiced this opinion to Evenepoel on one or two occasions, suggesting a different race program could have better prepared him for Grand Tour success. However, he acknowledged Evenepoel’s unwavering focus, a trait he believes is necessary for peak performance.
The relationship between Lefevere and Evenepoel was often complex, marked by both admiration and occasional tension. A recent joint interview with Het Nieuwsblad, featuring both Lefevere and Evenepoel’s father, Patrick Evenepoel Sr., revealed a mutual respect despite the rider’s decision to leave Soudal Quick-Step. Evenepoel Sr. Likened the move to Vincent Kompany’s departure from Anderlecht, suggesting his son needed a different environment to fully realize his potential.
Lefevere conceded that Evenepoel’s status within Soudal Quick-Step was unique, requiring a team-within-a-team approach to cater to his ambitions. During his time with the team, Evenepoel amassed an impressive palmarès, including two Monuments, one Grand Tour, four World titles, and 67 victories. Both Lefevere and Evenepoel Sr. Highlighted his first Liège-Bastogne-Liège victory as a particularly memorable moment.
The veteran team manager’s health scare last November, as reported by Archyde, prompted reflection on his life and career, and potentially influenced his candid assessment of Evenepoel’s prospects. Lefevere’s willingness to speak openly, even critically, about a rider he once championed underscores his reputation for forthrightness within the cycling world.
Evenepoel’s next competitive outing will be closely watched as he attempts to silence the doubters and prove his Grand Tour credentials. His performance will be a key indicator of whether Lefevere’s concerns are justified, or if Evenepoel can defy expectations and achieve his ultimate goal of winning the Tour de France. The cycling world awaits with anticipation.
What’s Next: Remco Evenepoel is scheduled to compete in the upcoming spring classics, providing an early opportunity to assess his form and tactical approach. His performance in these races will be crucial as he builds towards his Grand Tour ambitions later in the season.
