Will the French public have the chance to see Julian Alaphilippe on the roads of the Tour de France 2024 (June 29-July 21)? Nothing is less sure. Patrick Lefévère, the general manager of Soudal Quick-Step, did not rule out this hypothesis, but he set certain conditions for the former yellow jersey to be selected.
Questioned by RMC Sport this Monday, the manager warned the rider with whom he has been in conflict for several months: “He will first have to fulfill the objectives set for him. And in particular that he is very good in the Tour of Italy.” What does the Belgian mean by “meeting your objectives”? Mystery. Lefévère did not wish to expand on the subject. The Frenchman has never participated in the Tour of Italy in the past.
“The selection is made at the end of June. Of course, if they are healthy, there will be Evenepoel, Landa, Cattaneo and Van Wilder. That still leaves a few places to be taken,” simply clarified the team boss, who once again scratched the double world champion who he accuses of not being efficient enough.
“Julian is a good guy. But after signing his mega contract, we didn’t see him anymore (…) I think that at home, there were too many parties and too much alcohol. Julian is under the control of Marion (Rousse, his partner),” Lefévère said at the end of February. These comments provoked the anger of Marion Rousse, who deemed this media outing “unacceptable.”
The 31-year-old Habs, who finished 33rd in the last Tour de France, however has an ace up his sleeve to be in the game during the 111th edition. Remco Evenepoel, the team leader, said on Sunday that he was counting on the presence of his teammate at the end of Paris-Nice to help him get a good result.
“The team did a great job here. For the Tour de France, there will still be (Mikel) Landa in addition and perhaps a Julian (Alaphilippe) who I would like to have with me in the selection,” declared the Fleming, second in the event. Support which could weigh in the balance when the selection of the eight riders falls.