Velochimp: Astrochimp on Cycling

Seven classics victories in twelve months, the Squadrone of Patrick Lefevre showed incredible domination in the Tour of Flanders. World Champion Tom Boonen had Belgian champ Serge Baguet, Olympic Champion Paolo Bettini and Milan San Remo winner Fillipo Pozzato guiding the elite riders in the final kilometers of the Tour of Flanders. The control that Quick Step took of the race mad eother teams seem to forget about even attacking the Boonen-Hoste race winning break. What is most amamzing about Quick Step is that all of these top class riders can co-exist and even sacrifice themselves for each other.

(Photo by Graham Watson)
It is no surprise that Patrick Lefevre is the Director Sportif, he was behind the juggernaut Mapei squad of the 90s which dominated several classics. The most memorable of which was the 1996 Paris-Roubaix which resulted in a top three Mapei sweep. The finish was contreversial since Mapei team owner Giorgio Squinzi was asked which of the trio of riders should win. Squinzi picked Musseeuw, who many thought would have won the race anyway.

This time Patrick Lefevre does not have to deal with an imposing boss, as no one can really name who is the CEO of Quick Step. Plus, it looks like that Lefevre is content to let the riders decide the victory for themselves. Pozzato’s win at Milan San Remo caused just as much joy for Boonen as it did for Pozzato.

When Pippo Pozzato was show the above photo in a recent interview, he was so honored with Boonen total joy at his win that he pledged to help the World Champ win at Flanders. So what did you see this Sunday? Pozzato was at the front pacing the Dream Team to another victory.

Up next Ghent Wevelgem and Paris-Roubaix will provide more chances for the dominating Quick Step team to flex their muscles. The only question is just which Quick Stepper will take the win.