Former Soudal–QuickStep general manager Patrick Lefevere has shared more details of the month he spent in hospital with an infection in late 2025 and says the Belgian WorldTour team began preparing for Remco Evenepoel's departure as early as 2021.
In an interview with the Radio Peloton podcast on February 2, 2026, Lefevere also renewed his criticism of Red Bull–Bora–hansgrohe manager Ralph Denk, saying: "Ralph Denk? I hate him."
Lefevere described health problems that began in November 2025. Doctors discovered a liver abscess measuring around 10–12cm, and he said he suffered from blood poisoning.
Lefevere said the problem was linked to his liver and acknowledged that his fondness for alcohol was well known. “Everyone said it was the liver, because I like alcohol – everyone knows that,” he said.
Lefevere lost 10kg during his hospitalisation and said he is still recovering. He has stopped drinking alcohol entirely since early November, he said.
"I am a survivor," Lefevere told Radio Peloton. It was his third major health problem, following a previous pancreatic tumour and a severe case of COVID-19.
Ayuso contingency
During the podcast, Lefevere claimed that preparations for Evenepoel's potential exit began in 2021, following initial contacts between the Evenepoel's team and Bora–hansgrohe during the COVID-19 pandemic – with Lefevere confirming he saw a written offer.
He confirmed he contacted the father of UAE Team Emirates rider Juan Ayuso two years ago to discuss a potential transfer as a replacement for Evenepoel.
"The ordeal began four or five years ago. You don’t have to be very smart to understand the pressure he was under," Lefevere said. He added that he felt a professional obligation to stay “one step ahead". He added, "You need ammunition before you drop the other one."
Ayuso's father did not take the offer: "He said: ‘No, Patrick, we are going to respect the contract',” Lefevere recalled.
Lefevere acknowledged he cannot know whether Evenepoel would have left sooner had Ayuso signed.
Lefevere said he left the team with long-term sponsors in place and in a stable financial position.
Cover image credit: Zac Williams/SWpix.com
