Julian Alaphilippe confirmed to start 2024 season at Tour Down Under - "I remember doing my first race with the team there ten years ago"

Back where it all started. In 2014, Julian Alaphilippe's first race with Soudal - Quick-Step was at the Tour Down Under and he has since never returned. That changes now as the Frenchman will begin his 2024 campaign in Australia.

“I’m very happy to start my season in the Tour Down Under," Alaphilippe announced in a press release shared by the Belgian team. "I remember doing my first race with the team there ten years ago, when I was just a neo-pro. I have many nice memories about the race, the incredible fans and the great weather, and I look forward to returning at the start and meeting again our many supporters there."

Alaphilippe endured another difficult year, the 2023 season was planned out to be one where he'd aim for success in the cobbled classics, Tour de France and World Championships. He has taken a couple of wins throughout the year but did not perform in his main goal. The inconsistency was present once again, not to the delight of Patrick Lefevere. Alaphilippe's coach and cousin Franck was not renewed for the upcoming season.

Alaphilippe was quick to announce his goals for the upcoming spring, the Tour of Flanders will be the main objective of the spring once again. As Remco Evenepoel performs at Liège-Bastogne-Liège the former World Champion focuses on the cobbles where the team has been struggling throughout the pat few years.