"I gave everything. Every day, every season, every year" - Julian Alaphilippe reflects on highs and lows of Soudal - Quick-Step career

For the first time in his illustrious career, Julian Alaphilippe rides in the colours of a team other than Soudal - Quick-Step in 2025 as the French, 2-time world champion departs for a new challenge at the Tudor Pro Cycling Team.

"I've had difficult years, but I don't regret anything. I gave everything. Every day, every season, every year," Alaphilippe reflects in conversation with HLN. "I will keep good memories of the team until the end of my career, and actually for the rest of my life. I am very proud of what we have achieved together and the path we have taken."

As touched upon by Alaphilippe there, it hasn't been all plain sailing for the Frenchman at Soudal - Quick-Step, especially in recent seasons as injury and bad luck continuously disrupted his campaigns, leading controversial team boss Patrick Lefevere to repeatedly criticise Alaphilippe via his news column. Despite this however, Alaphilippe himself insists there is no lingering bad blood or ill feeling.

"As a rider, but also in my private life, the team has guided me and helped me to become the rider I am today," he insists. "I am happy to be able to leave in this way: on good terms with the staff and the teammates. I wanted to see what I could still do in another team. A new environment can make you better."

In recent seasons, Alaphilippe has also seen his status as the 'face of the team' usurped by Remco Evenepoel. "My departure has nothing to do with that. We have always been able to work well together. We have had so many champions in the team, that has never been a problem. On the contrary, it is a luxury problem: it helps you further," he concludes magnanimously. "We all know his talent. It was nice to see how he came along as a young guy: so ambitious. He developed very quickly, he was immediately among the best. I don't remember one race or one victory. I remember his trajectory, the road he has travelled, but especially his grit. The duels with him can be fun, yes. But I'm afraid we are not in the same category."