Lefevere not very happy with Evenepoel's choice for Switzerland: "Purely a sport-related choice that he made"

Patrick Lefevere isn't necessarily overjoyed that Remco Evenepoel will be returning in the Tour of Switzerland after his COVID-19 infection in the Giro d'Italia. In a column for Het Nieuwsblad, the team manager of Soudal-Quick Step writes that the choice for Switzerland is understandable from a sporting perspective but not ideal in terms of other peripheral matters.

"Remco is going back to the Tour of Switzerland. In all honesty, that is purely a sporting choice by himself and trainer Koen Pelgrim. There are two time trials in Switzerland, measuring 12.7 and 25.7 kilometers long, respectively, and that is the best possible preparation for the upcoming championships," Lefevere says, referring to the Belgian National Championship and the World Championship, where Evenepoel will compete in both the road race and time trial this summer.

If it were up to Lefevere, however, Evenepoel would have started in the Baloise Belgium Tour. "I can tell you that I have exchanged messages with Christophe Impens of Golazo, and they are willing to 'make an effort' for the Tour of Belgium. But now and then, as a CEO, I am also just the king of Belgium. A ceremonial head of state without executive power. For the record, this doesn't happen too often."

Lefevere sees Tour of Switzerland pay minimum amount

In short, Lefevere has to accept that Evenepoel made his own choice. Financially, all parties involved are not necessarily benefiting from it. "The Tour of Switzerland does not make any effort for Evenepoel. They used to pay well, but when they became part of the WorldTour, it all went downhill. Just like in so many races. The WorldTour imposes a minimum fee of 8,500 euros on the organizers, but in practice, Switzerland - and all other races - see that as a standard rate that they never exceed. Imagine trying to cover the costs of eight days of racing in Switzerland, with Swiss prices at the pump and in the shops, with 8,500 euros."