"If you mess up again, I'll fire you": the party and alcohol would be behind Julian Alaphilippe's poor performance according to Lefevre

The director of Soudal Quick-Step, Patrick Lefevere, has once again managed to make a space among all the sports headlines this week. But this time he did it by harshly criticizing one of his stars, former world champion Julian Alaphilippe, just before his debut in the Omloop Het Niewsblad on Saturday and the Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne on Sunday.

Harsh words from Patrick Lefevere about former world champion Julian Alaphilippe

In a recent interview, Patrick Lefevere was asked about Julian Alaphilippe's poor performance in the last two seasons, and the director of Soudal Quick-Step held nothing back.

"Julian is a good guy, but after signing his mega contract, he has not been successful". "I like my riders, but you have to be fair. With age, you have to prepare more, train more, and not let yourself go. He has to click now and fight to get it."

RECOMENDADO

Black Friday Garmin 2025: the ultimate guide to choosing your GPS at the best price

Do you need suspension on your gravel bike?

How to save weight on your road bike

What is the winter bicycle and why is it disappearing

A real workout saver of only 56 min on the turbo trainer

Which profile wheels to choose according to the area where you live: mountain, flat or coast

And when asked about the reasons that could have affected his performance, he said: "Too many parties, too much alcohol... Julian is seriously under the control of Marion Rousse (his current partner). Maybe a little too much", "Julian is a young dog full of energy. You have to let him roam the yard from time to time, but you also have to tell him: this far and no further. There is still a villain in him."

"I spoke to him last November, in front of Marion and his manager Dries Smets. I told him: 'You can't continue like this. If you mess up again, I'll fire you. The message has sunk in. He is recovering."