Patrick Lefevere reveals that Julian Alaphilippe is not part of preliminary Tour de France lineup: "I think the Giro suits his racing style more"

French cyclist Julian Alaphilippe likely won't line up for the next Tour de France, said the Belgian team's sporting director Patrick Lefevere this Wednesday. Soudal - Quick-Step's strategy should be centered around Remco Evenepoel, who will ride his first Tour de France in 2024, leaving too little room for the Frenchman.

"A priori no, because seeing Julian as a 100% domestic of Remco Evenepoel, I don’t like that idea," declared Lefevere on the sidelines of his team’s presentation about the former double world champion whose contract expires at the end of the year.

Alaphilippe, who is currently in Australia where he will compete in the Tour Down Under for the first time in ten years next week, is expected to start at the Giro d'Italia. "I think the Giro suits his style of attackive rider, not always intelligent but who people like," said Lefevere.

Asked about the Frenchman's reaction to his likely non-selection for the Tour, he said: "A disgruntled rider in a team is useless. He had the opportunity to leave because several teams sought to recruit him. I had discussions with him, but the year before, not last year. I said the things I wanted to say but I'm not someone who repeats himself. We reached an agreement. He said: 'Patrick, give me one more winter'. It's up to him now to prove it."