It’s not spring from Quick Step-Alpha Vinyl for the time being. The formation of Patrick Lefevere – who had to deal with a lot of injuries and illness in recent weeks – hopes in Roubaix on Sunday to still fish in a big fish. “We have to play the game with 3 to 4 riders in the final”, it sounds.
“If the boss gets nervous, we really get into shit”
It was a relaxed-looking Patrick Lefevere who spoke to the press on Thursday. The big boss was flanked by 7 riders from his Wolfpack, a number that is important for Lefevere.
“We are with a fully fit squad for the first time in a long time this season,” he opened. “It hasn’t been easy for us this spring, so hopefully Roubaix will bring us some luck.”
In recent weeks a lot of ink has been spilled about the historically bad spring of the blue brigade. “The trick is not to get frustrated. Also for me, because if the boss gets nervous, then we really get into shit,” says Lefevere.
“We were in the corner where the blows fell, but I can of course not blame injured or sick riders. But that does not mean that I am dissatisfied.”
The unfortunate fall of Alaphilippe in the Brabantse Pijl was indicative of the spring of Lefevere’s men.
About Jumbo and co: “Perhaps the competition has learned a lot from us”
For years, Lefevere’s team held the key in just about every spring race. This year, teams such as Jumbo-Visma, Ineos and Alpecin-Fenix took over that dominant role. How does Lefevere view the competition?
“Maybe the other teams have learned a lot from us?” Lefevere winks. “Now it’s up to us to show that we can turn the negative into the positive.”
Will there be tinkering in the coming months with a view to next year? “It’s too early to say if we need reinforcements next year. Why should I lose my confidence on the basis of three months?”
“Don’t forget that we already have 18 victories. That’s not bad, many teams would like to be in our place. But here one only sees the performance through a Flemish lens.”
It was especially chasing at Quick Step this spring.
“Asgreen is riding at a high level, we will race offensively”
What will Quick Step-Alpha Vinyl’s approach be? “You always have to make sure that everyone else has to drive behind you, and not the other way around. We don’t like to drive defensively, we are an attacking team.”
“If we do it like this on Sunday, we don’t have to panic. Roubaix is a long race, even if you have a flat tire at a bad moment, a lot can still be done. The race is not over until you see the velodrome.”
Will the wolf pack drive with an outspoken leader on Sunday? “It is no secret that Kasper Asgreen drives at a high level”, it sounds.
“He was still one of the strongest on Sunday in the Amstel, but he was too generous. But our strength is to ride the final with three to four riders and play the game.”
