When taking stock of the year 2024, Thomas Voeckler mentioned the multiple attacks to which Julian Alaphilippe was the subject from Patrick Lefevere.
“What saddens me for him is especially the way he finished his 2024 season.”
Invited by Cyclism'Actu to take stock of the past year, Thomas Voeckler regretted the fall suffered by Julian Alaphilippe during the world championships, “on a road, along a field in Zurich after 60 kilometers. »
Alaphilippe was the leader of the French team in this race, and everything stopped a little quickly for him. “He probably wouldn't have beaten Pogacar, but he could have ended his season differently than like that”confides the coach of the Blues.
Voeckler then spoke about the transfer of Alaphilippe, who left Soudal-Quick Step to join Swiss Tudor. “What happens next will tell. I don't necessarily have an opinion to give, it's not up to me to judge, commented the former French champion. I think he is sufficiently surrounded, with experience. My opinion is that he chose well, even if my opinion counts for little. »
“That said, if we look concretely, with the year he had experienced according to the declarations of his boss (Patrick Lefevere, editor's note) – who has also handed over a little within the structure to which he belonged – there is no point in anticipating. We'll see, he has to work hard, and we know he's a hard worker. Beyond talking about a team change, we must above all remember the level to which Julian returned this year compared to 2023 and 2022.”
Alaphilippe, Voeckler does not forget the attacks
We understood that Thomas Voeckler had not really enjoyed the multiple tackles made by Patrick Lefevere against Julian Alaphilippe. The Blues coach gave a little insight when he was questioned about the emblematic manager of Quick-Step, who decided to leave his post at the end of the season.
“I took pleasure in greeting him when I saw him, says Voeckler about Lefevere. I don't forget that he was very nice when Julian was in his prime and when I was in contact with him for the France team. Then, with the advent of Remco Evenepoel, I don't forget these last years and his misplaced statements… There you go, I have no relationship other than that, so it doesn't mean anything to me. But I like the guy, he makes me smile, we'll say that. »
France
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