Julian Alaphilippe’s future with Soudal-Quick-Step remains uncertain, despite his performances during the Giro d’Italia. According to team boss Patrick Lefevere, Alaphilippe’s agent has requested contract talks to potentially stay with the team. The Frenchman’s standout performance at the Giro has changed the market situation, making his future a topic of intrigue.
The Giro d’Italia saw Alaphilippe in his best form in years. He was frequently involved in breakaways and captured a solo victory on stage 12, a hilly day tailored for his abilities. This resurgence seemingly prompted his agent, Dries Smets, to push for a new conversation with the team. Lefevere shared in his regular Het Nieuwsblad column, “I have no idea whether that is out of politeness or out of genuine interest in staying.”
Lefevere hopes to sit down with Alaphilippe to discuss their future without agents or a negotiating agenda. Their relationship has been strained following Lefevere’s earlier comments about Alaphilippe’s wife, Marion Rousse, which drew public rebuke and a suspended fine from the UCI Ethics Committee. “I want to make sure that none of that sticks,” Lefevere remarked, acknowledging their long history together.
Paret-Peintre transfer leak frustrates Lefevere
In his column, Lefevere also expressed his disappointment over a potential leak within the team concerning interest in Giro d’Italia stage winner Valentin Paret-Peintre. Reports surfaced that the 23-year-old might join Soudal-Quick-Step, but Lefevere clarified that no agreement has been signed yet. “I haven’t even informed my team leaders yet, and Paret-Peintre’s transfer is already in the newspaper,” he said.
Lefevere noted the common issue of riders’ market values increasing after they perform well once linked to his team. Paret-Peintre’s stage win in the Giro’s tenth stage atop the Bocca della Selva further illustrates this point. “It’s almost unbelievable, but every rider we approach spontaneously starts winning races,” he noted, understanding the inevitable rise in asking prices.
Photo credits: Getty
