Julian Alaphilippe on Lefevere. "The statements that Patrick has made will not change my way of working"

Soudal - Quick-Step continued united, despite the recent comments of Patrick Lefevere on Julian Alaphilippe. The World Champion assured the dialogue isn't uncommon, but simultaneously insists he will not feel pressured from the boss' statements.

"Patrick and I have always been very transparent with each other. That has been the case from the beginning," Alaphilippe said in a recent interview. "That was the case when things went well and it is now also the case when things go a little less. The statements that Patrick has made will not change my way of working and my motivation."

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After a difficult year crowded with illnesses and crashes, Lefevere has felt disappointed by the lack of results of the former World Champion, and has often mentioned his salary as a justification for his need to perform despite all the adversity.

"I want to do everything I can to put everything right again. But that does not mean that I feel extra pressure," Alaphilippe states. "I have never even started a season so relaxed and liberated." The Frenchman is starting out his year in Mallorca with a set of hilly classics where he's looking to take his first win.

"In the winter I was able to forget about cycling for a while. I spent time with my family to find myself again. I don't know if it's because I don't wear the rainbow jersey anymore or because I have such a good winter behind me, but I don't feel any pressure at all. I'm just super motivated," he concluded.