Rousse – Alaphilippe: He sends a new tackle!

Holder of a Master’s degree in international law, I realized at the end of my university career that it was important to evolve in a field that you appreciate. Overnight, I decided to put an end to my parents’ dream, who saw in me a future lawyer, to make a living from my passion: sport. Since then, I have covered transfer windows and sports news, trying to keep readers informed as best as possible.

Making clear progress during the last Milan-San Remo, Julian Alaphilippe appeared out of shape during the E3 Saxo Classic played on Friday. The Soudal Quick-Step rider was unable to join the fight for victory and finished more than four minutes behind the winner Mathieu van der Poel. A result that Patrick Lefevere, the boss of the Belgian team, deplores.

After his top 10 during Milan-San Remo (9 days), Julian Alaphilippe hoped to continue on the roads of E3 Saxo Classica dress rehearsal before the Tour of Flanders. Victory went to the world champion Mathieu van der Poel, who stood alone in Harelbeke. Alaphilippe finished beyond 50th place, more than four minutes behind the Dutch rider. A disappointment for Patrick Lefeverewhose team has become accustomed to performing well during this part of the season.

Cycling: Alaphilippe’s replacements already known? https://t.co/uiBEmHNgiG pic.twitter.com/mqTJtBX2Vi

— le10sport (@le10sport) March 20, 2024

The Quick-Step sends a new tackle to Alaphilippe

During his column for le Het Nieuwsbald, the boss of the Soudal Quick-Step slipped a tackle to all of his runners, and therefore to Alaphilippe. « Let’s be honest: the way we rode as a team was terribly ordinary. I saw us at the head of the peloton 90 km from the finish and then: nothing. With riders like Julian Alaphilippe, Yves Lampaert and Kasper Asgreen, a significant part of the salary budget still goes to the leaders for Flemish work. A lesson for me: no longer sign contracts in euphoria, which perhaps happened too much with the aforementioned riders » he confided.

Pinned by the UCI, Lefevere laughs yellow

But this time, Lefevere monitored his language, he who had been singled out by the UCI after his controversial outing on Julian Alaphilippe and his companion Marion Rousse. “I weigh my words – after all, the UCI ethics committee reads us – but it is very insufficient” confided the Belgian boss.