In response to this though, Soudal - Quick-Step boss and outspoken critic of Julian Alaphilippe,
Patrick Lefevere was doubtful. "The selection is made at the end of June. Of course, if they are in good health, there will be Evenepoel, Landa, Cattaneo and Van Wilder. That still leaves a few places to be taken,” Lefevere explains to RMC Sport.
"Julian Alaphilippe? He will first have to fulfil the objectives set for him. And in particular he'll have to be very good in the Giro d'Italia," Lefevere concludes. With the French former World Champion in the last year of his contract and the relationship between him and Lefevere more strained than ever, this could be Alaphilippe's last campaign with Soudal - Quick-Step.