Patrick Lefevere, the former head of the Soudal Quick-Step cycling team, was hospitalized on Wednesday evening after experiencing health issues. The 70-year-old Belgian was taken to the University Hospital of Ghent, where he spent the night in the intensive care unit, though he remained conscious throughout the ordeal.
According to La Dernière Heure, Lefevere fell ill at a Belgian restaurant, prompting his immediate transfer to the hospital. Initial reports indicated that he might have suffered a drop in blood pressure. On Thursday, Lefevere was discharged from the hospital and returned home. It was confirmed that he will undergo further tests to determine the exact cause of his health scare.
Soudal Quick-Step offered an update on his condition Thursday morning through social media, reassuring fans that Lefevere is recovering. “After feeling unwell yesterday evening, Patrick Lefevere was taken to hospital in Gent, where he spent the night under medical examination,” the team said. “This morning, Patrick is feeling well, and we wish him a speedy recovery. We hope to welcome him soon at one of the races. We kindly ask that you respect Patrick’s privacy at this time.”
Lefevere, who founded the Quick-Step team in 2003, stepped down from his role as CEO at the end of last year. He was succeeded by Jurgen Foré, who joined the team as Chief Operating Officer in early 2024. Despite his departure from the managerial role, Lefevere has remained active in the cycling community, recently attending Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and other races during Belgium’s Opening Weekend.
Under Lefevere’s leadership, Quick-Step secured 22 Monument victories, including eight Tour of Flanders titles. He also guided the team’s evolution into a general classification (GC) contender, highlighted by Remco Evenepoel’s 2022 Vuelta a España win.
Reflecting on his decision to step down, Lefevere shared, “It is a life-changing moment to leave a role that I have committed so much of my life to. Cycling is a sport that I am still deeply passionate about, and it has been a great honor to lead this team and create so many special memories.”
Lefevere expressed deep gratitude to his family, the riders, staff, sponsors, and team owner Zdenek Bakala for their unwavering support throughout his career.
Related topics
- Brompton Unveils 12-Speed C-Line to Mark 50th Anniversary
- Debate Over Free-to-Air Cycling Coverage Hits UK Parliament
- San Remo Women Returns with 156km Route