Soudal-Quick Step team general manager Patrick Lefevere apologizes for “denigrating” remarks towards women. Lefevre had to apologize to avoid a fine of 20,000 Swiss francs (20,800 euros) imposed by the International Cycling Union.
He made two statements violating the UCI code of ethics: one on July 3, 2021 on the Flemish daily Het Nieuwsblad and the other on March 8, 2023 on the Belgian television VRT. In the VRT program De Afspraak, he suggested that women expose themselves to sexual violence when they drink a lot of alcohol. He notably estimated that the Frenchman Julian Alaphilippe was “seriously under the control of Marion Rousse’s” control, according to Humo magazine. The public apology now exempts him from the fine. The UCI did not give details about the content of these statements. It was never my intention to hurt anyone and I therefore apologize,” he said.