Lefevere says Alaphilippe drinks, parties too much, is “under spell” of partner

Patrick Lefevere has launched strong criticism at one of his star riders, Julian Alaphilippe, claiming he told the double world champion he would fire him on the spot if he makes missteps this spring.

The Soudal-QuickStep team boss also said Alaphilippe went to too many parties, drank alcohol too frequently and was under the influence of his partner Marion Rousse.

She is a former pro rider, and former French road race champion, who has worked in race management for some time and is currently director of Tour de France Femmes.

“Julian is a good guy, but after he signed his mega contract, he no longer performed,” Lefevere told José De Cauwer in HUMO. “I like my riders, but it must remain fair.

“As you get older, you have to take more care, you have to train harder and you can’t throw your hat at it. He now has to make the realisation and fight for it.”

Alaphilippe has had some very serious crashes in the last couple of years that have put a serious dent in his ability to perform.

He suffered multiple broken bones in an awful incident in Liège–Bastogne–Liège in 2022, when Romain Bardet had to go to his rescue. He also broke bones in his hand when he crashed at Tour of Flanders in 2020, when he hit a motorbike while in the breakaway.

However, when asked why Alaphilippe had not produced the goods as often as expected in recent seasons, Lefevere cited what he saw as lifestyle and influence issues.

“Too many parties, too much alcohol… Julian is seriously under the spell of Marion (Rousse), maybe too much. Julian is a young dog full of energy.

“You should let him cross in the yard every now and then. And you must also say: this far and no further. There is still a bad boy inside him.

“I spoke to him in November last year, in the presence of Marion and his manager Dries Smets. I said: ‘It cannot continue like this. If you mess up one more time, I’ll fire you on the spot.’ The message has arrived. He is getting back together.”

For his part, Alaphilippe said in a recent in-house Soudal-QuickStep podcast that he needed to improve on his performances of the last couple of seasons.

“I was always used to competing for victory,” he said in the podcast, which was recorded before Lefevere’s remarks to HUMO were published by the Belgian magazine.

“After the last two years I have lost that feeling somewhat. I want to become the best version of myself again, I believe that is possible. Now I just lack some self-confidence.”