“No longer conclude contracts in euphoria” Lefévère turns on Alaphilippe (again) and tackles his salary

In difficulty in his performances, Julian Alaphilippe was once again criticized by his sports director Patrick Lefévère.

For several months, the sports director of Soudal-Quick Step Patrick Lefévère has got us used to it. &agrav; statements that are more than critical to with regard to French runner Julian Alaphilippe. The double world champion 2020 and 2021 no longer has the form of a few years ago, after a 2022 season marked by numerous falls and serious injuries.

Never tender with his former leader, Patrick Lefévère has once again expressed himself after the GP E3 classic, which was held on Friday March 22. In his weekly column for the Flemish newspaper Het Nieuwsblad, the historic sports director of Soudal-Quick Step questioned the level of its leaders Julian Alaphilippe, Yves Lampaert and Kasper Asgreen, the best of whom on this race Yves Lampaert ranked 29th. Lefévère qualifiedé this collective result of "well below average."

In this column in the form of a false mea culpa, he explains his mistake of having “concluded contracts in euphoria”, pointing out quite clearly the extension of Julian Alaphilippe in 2020, some months after his first world champion title. These repeated attacks against the French champion have already been repeated. worth &agrav; Lefévè a sanction from the committeeé ethics of the International Cycling Union. He had in fact called into question the preparation and personal life of Alaphilippe, believing that there was "too much partying and' alcohol." He also took it directly into account. Alaphilippe's companion, provoking the reaction of the president of the professional cyclists' union.

After the E3 GP, Alaphilippe missed out last weekend on Ghent-Wevelgem. On the other hand, he will be present on "Across Flanders" this Wednesday March 27, and especially on the Tour of Flanders Sunday March 31. If he is not favorite in the "Ronde" face &agrav; Mathieu van der Poel, Wout van Aert or Mads Petersen, he hopes for a good result in a classic which has never succeeded for him, with at best a 42nd place in 2021. He should also participate in the Ardennes classics & starting in April, with races that have historically been successful for him, notably the Fleche Wallonne, which he won. three times.