The magnificent victories, exceptional lead-outs and team performances to achieve the various goals were countless. Sports manager Marc Sergeant and André Greipel himself look back to this remarkable episode with great satisfaction. 
Marc Sergeant: “I think we can describe our many years of collaboration in a simple way: Omega Pharma Lotto, Lotto Belisol and Lotto Soudal successively owe a great deal to André Greipel, just as André owes a lot to us. I’ve never had any similar bond with a rider like the one I had with André. A collaboration that was marked by dialogue, patience, trust, and, above all, respect. The many achievements are a logical result of this collaboration.
“Everyone in this team – each rider and staff member – knew André as a gentleman. No emotional tweet directed to Sagan or Démare affects that perception. André was awed by each newcomer – young or famed. He gained respect for his personality, and of course for his achievements, not for empty words. He made a big evolution since 2011; at the beginning he was mainly a sprinter, but through the years he evolved into a real leader. He called us his family, and he meant it.”
“The choice to end this chapter is obviously a tough one. As a team you are constantly reflecting upon the choices you have to make to secure the best possible future. In the final stage of the negotiations, it became clear that there would be no further collaboration possible. Nonetheless, the mutual respect continues, undoubtedly.”
André Greipel: “At the end of 2011, I transferred from HTC, since there were many strong riders in the team and I was looking for a team in which I could go for stage victories myself. Besides the fact that I already knew guys like Philippe Gilbert and Jürgen Roelandts, a couple of other riders of HTC made the transition as well. In the first year at Omega Pharma-Lotto, Gilbert had his magical year, one of many consecutive successes, and our paths crossed regularly. Nevertheless, I was very happy to, among others, ride my first Tour and to take my first stage win: a true salvation.”
“Greg Henderson joined the team in 2012 and turned out to be the missing link to establish the world’s best lead-out, together with Marcel Sieberg and Jürgen Roelandts; the red train. The establishment of this project was a true challenge, but also a big success. I could sum up many highlights during my time at the team, but the trust from the riders in each other and of the team in the riders makes it one big highlight. You can put it all on paper, but you also have to execute it on the road, during the many races.”
“I definitely see the two victories on the Champs Elysées in 2015 and 2016 as the icing on the cake for all of the team’s efforts. Inevitably, during the past 8 years, I’ve had some difficult moments, but never encountered any pressure of the team nor felt the need to perform. Together, we have created an environment, which made it possible to perform – an entirely different approach. I’m looking forward to racing with everyone of the team until the end of this season.”
“To all the staff members and riders who were part of all the special moments together: thank you!”
