25/05/2024

After TotalEnergies and Cofidis... A new team enters the fight for Julian Alaphilippe's signing

For a few years already, Julian Alaphilippe has met criticism within Soudal - Quick-Step as Patrick Lefevere has not been easy on the words. A departure from the Belgian team always looked certain, but the Frenchman will reach the end of his contract. Today, a new team enters the negotiations with the former World Champion.

Alaphilippe, World Champion in 2020 and 2021, managed to get a high-value contract into the coming seasons but from 2022 onwards he suffered with a series of illnesses and injuries that often prevented him from being at his best level. Although taking occasional wins, he was not consistent and not at the level of the new best classics riders in the world such as Mathieu van der Poel and Tadej Pogacar.

Bombshell! Jhonatan Narváez set leave INEOS Grenadiers and join Tadej Pogacar at UAE Team Emirates

Often, there was a lot of speculation that he would break his contract early due to Lefevere's words, but this was not the case and seemingly Alaphilippe enjoys the presence of his teammates. His teammates do so as well, as is reported by Remco Evenepoel's bid to convince Alaphilippe and the team for him to race the Tour de France.

Still, his contract ends in 2024 and it is already known that French teams such as Cofidis and TotalEnergies have the interest in Alaphilippe. However there is caution, following the long-term signings of former stars such as Chris Froome and Peter Sagan who were beyond the peak of their career and, with new teams, struggled to reach a competitive level in the big races.

PREVIEW | Giro d'Italia 2024 stage 19 - Will Tadej Pogacar want to spoil the fun on expected breakaway day?

However Alaphilippe, after another unlucky spring, went on to light this Giro d'Italia on many occasions with his constantly offensive way of racing and stage win on the 12th day of the race. A much needed and very popular win, even if race circumstances benefited him. At the Giro there are plenty talks within the peloton regarding possible transfers and he is one of the riders that has been circulating.

Gazzetta dello Sport's Ciro Scognamiglio reports that Tudor Pro Cycling will try to sign Alaphilippe. The Swiss team is actively trying to sign a top classics riders and Alaphilippe could be joining Marc Hirschi if the team's plans go right.