Two days ago Etixx-QuickStep manager Patrick Lefevere, BMC’s Greg Van Avermaet, Eddy Planckaert and Karl Vannieuwkerke waved goodbye to the cycling year 2015 in the Belgian TV show Extra Time Koers. Below you can find some of the most remarkable quotes.

Boasson Hagen 

One of the subjects of discussion was of course the World Championships. What would have happened if Boasson Hagen had worked with Van Avermaet in pursuit of Sagan?

"Afterwards, I met Boasson Hagen at the airport but he looked the other way," said Van Avermaet. And then he got serious again: "At that time you should just ride for the world title."

Sagan

Peter Sagan also got some attention missed. Is he really so spontaneous? "When he was 17, we tested him and then he said nothing," said Lefevere. "He has clearly worked on that. There's a communications company behind him. But he's always been spontaneous."

"I found it inappropriate that he was shooting with his trophy after the Tour in Paris," Van Avermaet said. "I guess that the communications company said:" Isn’t it time to give something back?" His speech after the Worlds win was an obvious chance.”

Van Avermaet at Etixx-QuickStep?

When Lefevere was asked whether he would ever have Van Avermaet, he replied: "Why not?" But the choice between Van Avermaet and Sagan is difficult. "I want them both," he said. "Yes, but I'm cheap," added Van Avermaet.

Stybar

It appears that Van Avermaet in the spring will again have to share the leadership with Philippe Gilbert. Lefevere has experience in working with several top riders.

"For us the problem is now between Terpstra and Stybar. Stybar had received a proposal from Cannondale to be leader. I told Styby: “Where are you going to drop Degenkolb and Kristoff ? And where are you going to beat them in a sprint? " It will work for you once, but if you have the combination of Terpstra and Stybar and even Boonen, then you can win more than if you are on your own."

Abu Dhabi Tour

The international cycling season had a festive conclusion with the Abu Dhabi Tour. It was a great initiative, but by the scorching heat received much criticism. "I've been saying for years that we have to ride where the money is," said Lefevere. "For me it was too little, 40 000 euros, but I had to be there in solidarity.

"What could I have done? Take the team of the start list to make a statement? They would be glad if they finally get rid of me.”