It will be a must-have for Julian Alaphilippe (31) in the coming months. After two bad years, Soudal Quick-Step's big French earner should make a comeback in the spring, according to his big boss Patrick Lefebvre. “If you make another mistake, I'll fire you immediately,” you said, sounding sharp. Homo.
“Will we see the best of Julian Alaphilippe again this spring?”
This has to be one of the most frequently asked questions in the many previews in the run-up to Omloop, the start of the Spring Classic. After two lean years, the two-time world champion must prove he still belongs at the top of the world. And he deserves his beautiful contract, which expires at the end of this year with Soudal Quick Step. Isn't it, Patrick Lefebvre?
“Julian is a good guy, but after he signed his huge contract, he no longer performs,” said the team's CEO in a dual interview with José De Cauer in HUMO. “I love cyclists, but it has to remain fair. As you get older, you have to care more, you have to train harder and you can't throw your hat on that. Now he has to click and fight for it.
When asked about the reasons for Alaphilippe's poor performance, Lefebvre was clear. “There's a lot of partying, a lot of alcohol… Julian is under the spell of Marion (Ross, Alaphilippe's partner, editor). Maybe too much. Julian is a little dog full of energy – you should let him out in the yard every now and then. And you should also say : This is far and not farther. There is still brave Little man in it.”
“I spoke to him in November last year, in the presence of Marion and his manager Dries Smits. I said: 'It can't go on like this. If you mess up again, I'll fire you immediately.' The message got through. He's back together.”
Alaphilippe could immediately show evidence of that at Omloop on Saturday.
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