Julian Alaphilippe was quietly finishing his preparation before the start of his first race in Europe on Saturday, the Het Nieuwsblad in Belgium, on the occasion of what will be his last season with his long-time team, Soudal Quick-Step.
But Tuesday evening, the double world champion was stunned when he discovered the violent public outing of his boss Patrick Lefevere in the Belgian newspaper Humo.
In essence, Alaphilippe would have a deplorable lifestyle, spending too much time consuming alcohol and would be influenced by Marion Rousse, his partner and director of the Tour de France women.
Among other tackles on his own rider, Lefevere said: “Julian is a good guy, but after signing his mega contract
(a salary increase to 2.3 million euros annually)
in the spring of 2021, he no longer has does the job (…) Too many parties and too much alcohol… He is seriously under Marion's spell.
Perhaps too much (…) I spoke to him in November last year, in the presence of Marion and her manager Dries Smets.
I said:
This cannot continue like this.
If you mess up again, I'll fire you on the spot
.
I think he understood.
»
“To say he drinks during the season is disgusting”
Alaphilippe did not wish to respond and Marion Rousse finally reacted on Instagram: “Whatever Mr. Lefevere's feelings towards me, it is unacceptable to attack our private lives as he does.
So no, I don't drink alcohol, ever.
Missed for the holidays too because with a 3 year old, we prefer to be in shape in the morning.
You will not succeed either (…) in stopping me from working to keep myself busy and stay with Julian for the duration of his career.
»
“The missions I carry out fascinate me and know that I have lots of projects,” she continues.
But I tell you, under no circumstances will I allow you to talk about my private life.
Thank you now for stopping talking indiscriminately and showing more respect and… class.”
In Alaphilippe's entourage, others are more forthcoming.
They are already explaining that the famous November meeting, in fact, took place in November… 2022. The last meeting between Lefevere and Alaphilippe dates back to a few weeks ago and the Belgian boss was very friendly with the Frenchman. .
However, it is not a problem of date which irritates the Alaphilippe clan.
But the reputation as a party animal that Patrick Lefevere has just given him.
Of course, out of season like other riders, the double world champion sometimes indulged in some relaxation.
And on the evening of his second title in 2021, Alaphilippe didn't just drink water in Belgium.
“But to say that he drinks during the season is disgusting,” says a relative.
At home, with his little one, it's bedtime at 10 p.m.
»
“My words were intended to be less violent”
But, deep down, the best French cyclist for 20 years doesn't care what anyone thinks of him.
Even if the interest of this declaration, at the dawn of a final season, is incomprehensible.
But what Alaphilippe did not appreciate was seeing his partner Marion Rousse directly incriminated.
And he should have the opportunity to remind his boss of this in person…
While he was in Dubai, and aware of the extent of his remarks, Patrick Lefevere wanted to remind us immediately.
“Reading my words has a harshness that I didn’t want to convey,” he explains.
My words were intended to be less violent.
There is an expression among us which says “
to help a young dog, sometimes you have to pull on the rope.
» So I just wanted to say that at one point, we shouldn't go too far.
Sorry, but look at the hygiene of a Remco (Evenepoel) or a Jonas (Vingegaard).
They don't do anything excessive.
But Julian listened to me and I think he stopped drinking a long time ago.
Besides, I never said he drank all the time.
»
Concerning Marion Rousse, Lefevere nevertheless gives a little layer: “Julian is someone who can be impulsive and Marion controls him very strongly.
But hey, I have a lot of affection for him and am sure that Julian will have a very good season.
» Not sure, however, that a public label of a party animal under the influence, stuck on his bib, will help him ride faster...