Following the confirmation of Julian Alaphilippeโs departure from Soudal-Quickstep, speculation has centred on his next team for 2025. Tudor Pro Cycling, backed by the Rolex group watch brand, is widely believed to be his next destination.
During the Giro dโItalia, La Gazzetta dello Sport first reported interest from the Swiss team in signing the French former World Champion. In recent days, multiple sources have indicated that a deal is imminent. *RMC* reported that although the deal has yet to be signed, Alaphilippe has said a decision has been made. โI canโt say more but I know a little more,โ Alaphilippe told the French sports channel ahead of San Sebastian, where he finished second. โMy decision is made and I will communicate soon on it. Nothing is signed but, in my mind, itโs done.โ
There has been no official comment from Tudor Pro Cycling, but Cyclingnews says that it understands that an announcement may come in a matter of days. Owned by Classics legend Fabian Cancellara, Tudor Pro Cycling entered the UCI Continental Tour in 2019, before moving up to UCI ProTeam level in 2023โjust a year after Cancellara took over ownership. Alaphilippe would be by far the teamโs most prominent signing, with Matteo Trentin currently being the top-ranked rider by UCI points.
Tensions have risen between Alaphilippe and Soudal Quickstepโs manager Patrick Lefevere, following several public statements that critiqued the riderโs performance and even targeted his wife, the Tour de France Femmes director Marion Rousse, as a bad influence. Despite this, Lefevere has expressed a desire to keep Alaphilippe in the squad for 2025. However, Tudor Pro Cycling is one of several teams known to be making substantial bids for the rider, with Total Energies also trying to sign the Frenchman.
Alongside Alaphilippe, Marc Hirschi from UAE Team Emirates is also believed to be a prime target for Tudor Pro Cycling. The two finished 1-2 at the Donostia San Sebastiรกn Klasikoa on Saturday and could form a formidable Classics duo for Tudor if both join the team for 2025.
If the Frenchman signs with the Swiss team, it is likely to secure a wild card spot for Tudor Pro Cycling at the 2025 Tour de France, no doubt a significant consideration for both parties in agreeing a deal.
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