The violent criticism formulated by Patrick Lefevere with regard to Julian Alaphilippe is proof that there is “a concern”, according to Cyrille Guimard.
Ninth in his return race to the Balearic Islands in January, Julian Alaphilippe went back to the Canary Islands to refine his preparation. The Frenchman now has an appointment on February 25 and 26 between Drôme and Ardèche for the Faun Classic and the double tricolor world champion will already be particularly expected there. Consequence of the comments made by Patrick Lefevere about him during the offseason.
“I told him that I was not happy at all. I understand his illnesses and his falls, but you can’t keep hiding behind this. It was the cold truth,” notably kicked off the Quick-Step boss, adding: “Last year he won twice, previous years three and four times. I didn’t take him on the team for that. »
When there is a problem, he solves it…
And according to Cyrille Guimard, his words are indicative of a malaise. “There is also a concern there, it exists. And when you know Lefevere well, you know that when there is a problem, he solves it… and in his own way. And she’s still doing quite well, just look at her team’s record.”confided the former tricolor coach to Cyclism’actu, convinced that his attacks are not free: “When you see them in the race, you feel in the runners the dynamics, the motivation, the fraternity, the happiness… So when he tickles a little, even a lot, Julian (Alaphilippe), I don’t think it’s to kill him, but rather to put him back in the direction of travel. »
“Is poking Alaphilippe’s pride going to work? It often works. Julian is anything but a runner who fucks up (sic) in a team, he continued. He is more of a unifier, who brings everyone forward in joy and pleasure. I don’t see him tomorrow becoming grumpy all day, that’s not his personality and his desire to live. So it should be fine. Let’s let the thing live and don’t make it grow for our personal pleasure, it will partly deflate over the weeks. »
