On Monday, Switzerland-based ProTeam Tudor Pro Cycling revealed that Julian Alaphilippe will join their team next year on a three-year contract. The French cyclist, a two-time world champion, has spent the past 11 years with Soudal-Quick Step. Fabian Cancellara, who acquired the Swiss Racing Academy in 2022, secured sponsorship from the Swiss watchmaker Tudor.
In an interview with Het Laatste Nieuws, team boss Patrick Lefevere spoke about Alaphilippe’s departure.
“As in any relationship, we have had our ups and downs, but I’m glad we had another good talk. A few weeks ago, he visited Wevelgem, and we were able to talk one-on-one. We are leaving with a positive feeling,” Lefevere said. “And I certainly am. I think he is too. So, I think his heart is still with us.”
Alaphilippe’s impressive palmares includes three La Flèche Wallonne titles, victories in the 2019 Milan-San Remo and Strade Bianche, and the 2018 Tour de France polka dot jersey. In Grand Tours, he has secured six stage wins at the Tour de France, along with one stage each at the Vuelta a España and the Giro d’Italia, the latter of which he won this year. Most recently, he finished as runner-up to Hirschi at the San Sebastian Klasikoa, a race he previously won in 2018.
“Julian is a really good guy. I have been tough on him, but I can also say that I have done a lot for him, including privately, when his dad died and so on. That’s why I’m glad our relationship remains cordial.”
Lefevere has been outspoken about the French rider several times, saying that Alaphilippe hadn’t delivered for the amount of money he was paid. However, 2024 saw a resurgence for Alaphilippe when he won a Giro stage.
“Julian had two very weak years, 2022 and 2023, and I didn’t want to pay that money anymore. He was not a rider racing for a minimum wage. You can speak of the end of an era, both for him and for us.”
The 69-year-old said he will miss Alaphilippe despite the ups and downs of their long relationship.
“We have a very long history together. Julian came to us very young. We had a lot of work, but we also had a lot of fun together. So, it still hurts to see him leave. He was not just a rider; Julian is like a child of your family that you’re giving up.”
Alaphilippe’s next race is the WorldTour Bretagne Classic-Ouest-France on Sunday.
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