Once again this summer, the splendid seaside home in Puglia belonging to Thomas Siffer becomes a meeting point for prominent Belgian personalities. The former journalist and director of numerous publications, now 62 years old, has welcomed among his guests Patrick Lefevere and his wife Patricia Vercamer, who chose Southern Italy to enjoy a few days of relaxation. After officially stepping down from the direction of important newspapers, Siffer has decided to spend considerable time in Italy, also purchasing an ancient farmhouse in the Alps, in the Val di Togno. The Fleming periodically hosts many important figures from the world of entertainment, sports, and politics at his Puglia home, and it is during his dinners that some of his most interesting articles now emerge.

Among those who ended up at Thomas Siffer's splendid villa is Lefevere, 71 years old, one of the most influential figures in the history of modern cycling. A former professional cyclist, team manager, and executive, under his leadership Soudal Quick-Step has achieved nearly a thousand victories. After leaving his role as CEO of the team in 2024, he continues to be one of the most authoritative voices in cycling thanks to the weekly column he writes for the Belgian daily newspaper Het Nieuwsblad.

Accompanying him is his wife Patricia Vercamer, 60 years old, who for many years oversaw all the administration and accounting management of Quick-Step's sponsor relationships.

The couple's arrival in Puglia did not go unnoticed. Patrick displays his classic summer style: white shorts, white linen shirt, short white socks, white Skechers sneakers, and a gray and white woven hat. With them also two large purple suitcases, a sign that their stay in Italy will be a proper vacation.

Behind the smile, however, lies a personal story marked by extremely difficult trials. Lefevere himself recounts how, during his life, he has come close to death on three separate occasions.

«Last November, for the third time, my life almost ended», he recounts. «In 2000 I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and managed to save myself by a hair's breadth. Twenty years later I was among the first patients struck by Covid and came within a step of the worst.»

The latest episode occurred just a few months ago. «I slipped on the stairs of my waterfront home after spilling water on them myself. I fell backward down eighteen steps. Ambulance, hospital. I broke three ribs and developed double pneumonia, a condition that alone can be fatal.»

But the complications were not over. «In the hospital I suffered two septic shocks, two acute and potentially fatal episodes of septicemia. In the end the doctors also discovered a large liver abscess.»

A powerful testimony that recounts the extraordinary resilience of one of the most successful managers in cycling history, now determined to leave behind the most difficult moments and enjoy a few weeks of peace in Puglia, guest of his friend Thomas Siffer, with his gaze turned toward the sea.