Cycling: Julian Alaphilippe leaves his long-standing team Soudal-Quick-Step and joins the Swiss team Tudor Pro Cycling

Julian Alaphilippe avait porté le maillot jaune durant 14 jours sur le Tour de France 2019. Midi Libre – RICHARD DE HULLESSEN

Le double champion du monde français (2020, 2021) va quitter son équipe de Soudal-Quick Step à la fin de la saison. Il rejoint l’équipe Tudor Pro Cycling pour au moins trois saisons.

After more than ten years of living together with the Belgian team Quick Step (he began his professional career with the Etixx-iHNed reserve), Julian Alaphilippe will experience another professional team. He signed for three seasons under the colors of Tudor, the Swiss team led by former cycling legend Fabien Cancellara.

Loulou or Juju, call him as you wish! But get ready to see @alafpolak1 with the TUD jersey from 2025 onwards.🤩

Read the news: https://t.co/JQuOEBswUs#TudorProCycling #BornToDare pic.twitter.com/tenxAegJok

— Tudor Pro Cycling Team (@TudorProCycling) August 19, 2024

A career on the downward slope

The 32-year-old puncher wants to give his career a new lease of life. His two world champion titles (won in 2020 and 2021) are not new, and the French rider has not managed to regain his former glory. Between a 2022 filled with injuries and mixed successes, Alaphilippe is no longer shining as before on the grand tours.

This season, he has one stage victory on the Giro, one on the Tour of Slovakia and a frustrating second place on the Clasica San Sebastian. For a long time the headliner of the Belgian team, he gradually moved into a supporting role with the emergence of the phenomenon Remco Evenepoel (double Olympic champion at the 2024 Paris Olympics).

Strained relations with his manager

Another reason for his departure would be the complicated relationship with the manager of Soudal-Quick Step, Patrick Lefevere. Several times, the former cyclist criticized his player in a very virulent manner, even accusing Alaphilippe's festive lifestyle or the behavior of his wife, Marion Rousse, of being the cause of his poor form. The financial aspect also came into play for Lefevere, who is thus getting rid of a significant salary burden with the departure of Alaphilippe.

pic.twitter.com/gL6GLQEa0Q

— Marion Rousse (@Roussemarion) February 21, 2024

By joining the Tudor Pro Cycling team, the Frenchman hopes to return to the forefront next season. He explains in a press release that "I liked the Tudor Pro Cycling project from the start. I have seen the team come and develop, and I also know some of the riders and staff members. What better way to mark a turning point in my career than with a new ambitious project ?".