CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story mistakenly said that Jurgen Foré bought out the remainder of Patrick Lefevere's ownership stake. In fact, investor Zdenek Bakala purchased all of Lefevere's shares and now owns 100% of the team. Corrected copy follows.
All is not well in the management of the men's Soudal-Quick Step and women's AG Insurance-Soudal WorldTeams, as sources within the organisation tell Escape Collective that Patrick Lefevere regrets handing over the reigns of the teams to new CEO Jurgen Foré and the pair have fallen out over his successor's aggressive management style since taking over in January.
Lefevere, several staff members, and some senior riders in the team are said to be unhappy with a cultural shift that has taken place under Foré, including the departure of close allies of Lefevere in the backroom team.
When contacted by Escape, a team representative denied claims that there were any internal problems in the team but declined further comment. Another well-connected source in the sport, but outside the team, brushed off the situation as a transitional niggle as the team adjusts to the change in leadership. However, according to multiple team sources the problems are deep and widespread.
Members of the team were reportedly initially impressed with Foré due to his business background and strong presentation abilities. However, that initial impression has waned over the last few months. “He does powerful presentations, he presents this vision which looks fantastic but he doesn't walk the walk,” one team member said.
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