Julian Alaphilippe, after a notable absence in 2022, will not participate in the Tour de France in 2024.He told me that he imagined that people would think of him for the Tour but that he didn’t want to do it because he had other goals in mind. […] I understand above all that Julian already has Paris in mind, it will perhaps be his last chance to experience the Olympic Games, especially at home”explained Patrick Lefévère, the boss of the Soudal-Quick Step team.
The world champion will be able to count on the unfailing support of his partner Marion Rousse, sports analyst for France Télévisions and above all a former professional cyclist, during this historic competition.
Julian Alaphilippe and Marion Rousse: a divisive couple
In recent years, on social networks, many have castigated the disdainful attitude of the woman who retired from sport in 2015. And for good reason, the young woman managed the feat of not mentioning once the exceptional performance of
her ex Tony Gallopin. “It’s becoming uncomfortable the silences of Marion Rousse in relation to Tony Gallopin. France Télévisions, he also had a great race. You know that he will be on the Tour this year”had notably deplored a Twitter user.
When she is not giving of herself in public service, Marion Rousse is fortunately much less shakenThe sportswoman found her peace of mind in Massana, Andorra. It is in this small tax haven that she lives year-round with her partner and child.
crédit photo : shutterstock
Marion Rousse and Julian Alaphilippe: their little paradise in Andorra
It was on the advice of Patrick Lefèvre that the duo decided to settle down at the foot of the Pyrenees. While Remco Evenepoel, a Belgian cyclist, was visiting apartments in Monaco, his colleague reminded him of the benefits of sleep at altitude : “If you live 1800 meters away, no need to do internships!”
It is not without reason that the couple opted for Andorra and its ideal configuration for the aces of the little queen. La Massana, in the northwest of the principality, has, among others, famous ramps to climb.
Andorra, a tax haven with many advantages
Andorra, an independent principality in the Pyrenees, is as much known for its ski resorts as for its reputation as a tax havenVAT is set there at 4.5% and income tax at a maximum of 10%.
However, the champion refuses to assert the “taxes” argument in his decision to leave France.
“First of all, it’s a magnificent place”he explained to the
Parisianin July 2021. Before adding: “I found peace there. And it’s an excellent playground. It’s not for nothing that so many of us settle there. There are a lot of passes. […] “Talking only about tax havens is nonsense.”
