Patrick Lefevere has secured a new title sponsor for his Quick-Step Floors team next season in the form of Belgian PVC manufacturer, Decueninck Plastics. The team will change its name to Deceuninck-Quick Step with the deal guaranteeing the team's future in professional cycling.
Team manager Lefevere announced the news at a press conference confirming a three-year partnership with the Belgian company.
Quick-Step Floors will remain as a secondary sponsor alongside German supermarket giant Lidl. This new sponsorship deal is also expected to cover the wage bill needed to retain the services of Fernando Gaviria and Enric Mas at the team.
Lefevere commented on the deal at the press conference.
'It gives me great pleasure to welcome Deceuninck on board for the next seasons,' he said. 'Thanks to their commitment and that of the other partners, the team can think of the future and build on what we have achieved during this outstanding season.
'Over the years, we’ve shown that we are one of the major players in the sport and our results guarantee both exposure and international visibility.
'Last but not least, the structure and services we provide to our partners help them create a strong marketing platform so they can give their customers a complete and exclusive experience.
'I’m delighted to have such an international company, with whom we share so many values, by our side and I am sure that together we will achieve our goals.'
This ends the speculation regarding the future of the most successful team in the WorldTour this season. Despite a grand total of 69 victories so far, the team was actively hunting a replacement to current title sponsor Quick-Step Floors.
The flooring company will retain its connection with the team for 2019 however not in the primary role therefore also reducing its financial input.
This led Lefevere to explore the market for replacements commenting that he was happy to take investment from outside of Belgium stating 'I do not have that main sponsor yet.'
He added, 'I do not really care where the sponsor comes from. That may well be China or Mongolia. As long as they bring real money and not Monopoly money.'
However, the concerns have been quashed as it was confirmed that Deceuninck had come on as a replacement.
The company specialises in the use of PVC in windows, doors and cladding operating internationally across 75 countries. The company is listed to have had 2,800 employees with sales of €700 million.