PROFESSIONALS | 04/06/2024 | 08:20
by Francesca Monzone
Julian Alaphilippe confirms that he will not be alongside Remco Evenepoel at the next Tour de Franc: the two-time world champion decided not to participate in the Grande Boucle to prepare for the Olympics.
After being at the center of many controversies, also fueled by Patrick Lefévère who had criticized him for his lifestyle and for the too much money he earned in the face of a lack of results, Alaphilippe made headlines again at the Giro d’Italia. The Frenchman was the winner of a stage and also on other days of racing he was often part of the day’s breakaway, so much so that he earned the most combative rider award at the end of the race. Just during the Giro, Lou Lou’s name had begun to become more and more insistent for the Tour de France is exactly Lefevere would have wanted him alongside Evenepoel, which will make its debut in the yellow race this year. Alaphilippe has made it known, however, that he wants to carry forward the programs that were decided last December, so he will skip the Tour, to be admitted to the French selection that will participate in the Paris Games.
The technical commissioner of the French national team Voeckler did not want to reveal the names of the riders who will wear the national team jersey, but he had expressed himself negatively on Alaphilippe’s possible participation in the Tour after having already tackled the Tour of Italy. «We cannot consider the Olympics as an objective after having raced such a grueling Giro – explained Voeckler – Julian was in the lead almost every day and then should follow the Tour de France in the service of a leader (Evenepoel) who will race for the general classification, with all the physical and mental expense that comes with it. We can only say that it is possible to go to the Games only if we consider them an objective in themselves. Or even do the Tour by managing the race according to his needs, but this couldn’t happen because it would be at Evenepoel’s service.”
Alaphilippe’s decision is not yet official, so we are awaiting communication from Soudal-Quick Step, with the names of the riders who will be at the start of the Tour. Lefevere said he is available and wants to respect the Frenchman’s wishes: The official news should arrive in a few days, which will reassure both Alaphilippe and Voeckler.
Copyright © TBW
