Julian Alaphilippe not on his way to the exit at Soudal Quick-Step after all?

Julian Alaphilippe seemed to be on his way out of Soudal Quick-Step after several bad years, but team manager Patrick Lefevere does not rule out a longer stay for the two-time world champion. “He is part of our family,” says Lefevere at Global Cycling Network.

Everything seemed to indicate that Alaphilippe is in his last months at Soudal Quick-Step. The results have not been anything to write home about for two years and, moreover, the relationship with Lefevere – after a few riots in the media – seemed to cool down. TotalEnergies is looking for the services of the 31-year-old Frenchman and Cofidis is also looking at the current situation with interest, but Lefevere does not rule out that Alaphilippe will stay.

“Just before the Giro (where Alaphilippe makes his debut, ed.) We sit down together. It may be time for a new challenge for him, but there are always two of you at the table. I know his manager wants to talk. And talking costs nothing. I don’t think Julian wants to leave. I think he wants to stay. But I’m not going to speak out of turn before I say something that will be misinterpreted again.”

“Julian is part of our family,” Lefevere continues. “We sometimes have a discussion and it gets blown up, but that is also family. When you’re married, it’s not peace every day. In a team of 85 people, it is logical that there is sometimes some friction, but we are mature people. If you can sit at the table and talk it out in private, there is no problem,” says the big boss.