In the world of professional cycling, few names resonate as powerfully as Patrick Lefevere. The Belgian cycling boss has led Soudal Quick-Step for years, orchestrating victories and guiding some of the most prominent cyclists of this era to glory. Lefevere has had his fair share of world-class riders under his management, many of whom have risen to stardom with his guidance. From the legendary Tom Boonen to the ever-impressive Remco Evenepoel, Lefevere has worked with an extensive roster of champions. However, one name that has notably eluded his grasp is Mathieu van der Poel – a rider Lefevere openly admits he would have loved to have on his team.

The Legacy of Patrick Lefevere

Lefevere’s influence in the cycling world cannot be overstated. After retiring from racing, he quickly transitioned to team management, and his strategic prowess soon made him one of the most successful and respected sports directors in the business. Under his leadership, Soudal Quick-Step has grown into a powerhouse, earning countless victories in races across the globe, including the prestigious Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, and various one-day classics.

What makes Lefevere’s approach to team management so remarkable is his ability to cultivate talent and turn riders into champions. He is known for his meticulous planning, an eye for detail, and most importantly, his ability to foster a winning mentality in his riders. Throughout his time at Quick-Step, he’s worked with riders like Tom Boonen, the Belgian legend who became one of the most decorated classics riders of all time.

Then there’s Remco Evenepoel, a rider whose rise to prominence has been nothing short of extraordinary. Under Lefevere’s guidance, Evenepoel has become one of the brightest stars in cycling, clinching major titles like the Vuelta a España and the World Championships, not to mention his ability to perform in both stage races and one-day events. Tim Merlier is another standout, making his mark as one of the best sprinters in the peloton in recent years. The list of Lefevere’s top-tier riders goes on, each having contributed to his legacy as a mastermind in cycling management.

But among all these high-profile talents, one name stands apart in Lefevere’s mind: Mathieu van der Poel.

The Missing Piece: Mathieu van der Poel

Van der Poel, the Dutch phenomenon, is considered by many to be one of the most complete riders in the sport. His ability to excel in multiple disciplines—from cyclo-cross to road racing and even mountain biking—sets him apart from the competition. He has been a regular contender in some of the sport’s most prestigious races, from the cobbled classics like the Tour of Flanders to the unpredictable challenges of the Giro d’Italia. His talent and versatility have earned him legions of fans, but it is his personality and racing style that truly makes him a unique figure in cycling.

Lefevere, while not having the privilege of managing Van der Poel, has often spoken highly of the Dutchman. “I would have loved to have him,” Lefevere has said, expressing his admiration for Van der Poel’s multifaceted abilities and his fierce competitive spirit. It is easy to see why Lefevere would feel this way. Van der Poel’s combination of power, technique, and racecraft makes him a rider who could fit into almost any team, bringing with him an aura of winning potential.

In fact, Lefevere’s admiration for Van der Poel runs deep. In various interviews, he has discussed how he sees the Dutchman as the ultimate all-rounder—capable of competing across different types of races with equal success. Whether it’s the brutal climbs of the Tour de France or the fast-paced sprints of the spring classics, Van der Poel seems to excel at it all. His performances at the Tour of Flanders, in particular, have cemented his reputation as one of the most exciting riders to watch, especially when he unleashes one of his signature attacks on the cobbled hills.

Yet, despite this admiration, Van der Poel has never ridden for Lefevere. The reasons for this are multifaceted, but one key factor lies in the fact that Van der Poel’s team, Alpecin-Deceuninck, has been his home for the majority of his career. Alpecin has provided the perfect environment for him to develop as a rider, offering him the freedom to race across disciplines while also supporting his ambitions in the most important road races. However, the thought of what could have been—if Lefevere had managed to bring him into the fold—has been a topic of speculation for many cycling fans and insiders.

Van der Poel’s Unique Path

While Lefevere might have had his eye on Van der Poel, it is also clear that Van der Poel has followed a path that was suited to his needs as a rider. His family background in cycling (his father, Adrie van der Poel, and grandfather, Raymond Poulidor, were both renowned cyclists) meant that he was always destined for greatness. His early years in cyclo-cross and mountain biking allowed him to build a broad set of skills that would later serve him well on the road. His ability to race in various disciplines also meant that he wasn’t confined to one niche in the sport, making him a more flexible rider in terms of the types of races he could excel in.

Moreover, Van der Poel’s approach to cycling has always been one of free-spirited ambition. He races with a sense of adventure, attacking with aggression and going for wins rather than focusing solely on stages or overall classifications. This attitude has earned him admiration, and his performances at key races like the Tour of Flanders, Milan-San Remo, and the World Championships have only amplified his legend.

It is this free-spirited nature that may have made it difficult for Lefevere to bring him on board. Lefevere’s structured and calculated approach to team management might not have fully aligned with Van der Poel’s more spontaneous, instinctive style of racing. Lefevere has often spoken about the importance of teamwork, discipline, and following a clear plan, whereas Van der Poel’s approach is often more unpredictable, relying on instinct and flair.

A Lost Opportunity?

Would Mathieu van der Poel have fit into Soudal Quick-Step? It’s an interesting question. Lefevere has built his team around strong leadership and a well-defined structure, where each rider knows their role and responsibilities. His success with riders like Boonen, Evenepoel, and Merlier has come from this strong tactical framework. Van der Poel, on the other hand, often thrives in situations where he can act with more freedom, attacking on his terms rather than adhering to a rigid plan.

But despite these potential differences, Lefevere’s admiration for Van der Poel remains unshaken. The cycling world could have been treated to even more exhilarating races, especially in the classics, if the two had been able to collaborate. The thought of Van der Poel riding for Lefevere, with his unparalleled skill set and Lefevere’s tactical genius, is enough to make any cycling fan dream of what could have been.

Looking Ahead

As the years go by, both Lefevere and Van der Poel will continue to write their respective legacies in cycling history. Lefevere will remain one of the most influential team directors, guiding his riders to victory and continuing to build on his team’s success. Meanwhile, Van der Poel will continue to chase greatness in his own right, winning races and captivating audiences with his unpredictable, fearless racing style.

While they may never have worked together, there is no doubt that both Lefevere and Van der Poel will continue to be cornerstones in the world of professional cycling. And while Lefevere will forever wonder what it might have been like to have Van der Poel in his team, the sport will always be better for having both of them in the fold, pushing each other to greater heights.