"Due to that suffering, I have no desire to return" - Patrick Lefevere opens up about his month-long hospitalization.
Former Soudal-Quick-Step team leader, Patrick Lefevere, has finally shed light on the circumstances surrounding his recent extended stay in a Belgian hospital.
In an interview with the Belgian news outlet, Het Laatste Nieuws, the 70-year-old revealed that he had endured several serious health issues, including broken ribs from a fall, pneumonia, and most concerning of all, a significant abscess on his liver that could have had potentially life-threatening consequences.
"I was hospitalized for a whole month. The abscess was located on my liver, but it was not related to liver disease. They performed a biopsy, and thankfully, it came back showing that my liver is perfectly healthy," Lefevere explained. He anticipates the skeptical comments that may arise, stating, "I can already hear people saying, ‘Lefevere drinks too much, blah blah blah.’ I know someone who experienced a similar situation, but hers involved her lungs. The medical professionals are puzzled about how the abscess developed in the first place. It turned out to be caused by a bacterium, and it required time to heal properly."
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After concluding his professional cycling career, Lefevere transitioned into team management, initially serving as a sports director before becoming the General Manager of Mapei-Quickstep in 1999. He skillfully led the team through numerous changes until the end of 2024, when he handed over leadership to Jurgen Foré.
"I’m relieved that I decided to step down. After 45 years, it was more than enough," he shared with HLN. "I was exhausted, incredibly tired. I believe I’ve accomplished enough during my time. I left behind a budget of €33 million and secured multi-year sponsorship contracts. While you don’t always get to do everything you wish for, as people often say, I managed to achieve most of my goals."
This candid insight into Lefevere's challenges raises important questions about the demands placed on sports figures and their well-being. What are your thoughts on the pressures faced by managers and athletes alike? Do you agree that such high-stakes environments can lead to severe health consequences? Share your opinions in the comments!
