More in the odor of sanctity at Quick-Step, Julian Alaphilippe should animate the transfer market. A market where Arkea-Samsic training has strong ambitions.
Julian Alaphilippe is under pressure. Consequence of a very sluggish first half of the season. The tricolor rider will inevitably be eagerly awaited on the Tour de France. Annoyed by the lack of results from the double world champion, Patrick Lefevere has let his exasperation filter for several months, pointing to his XXL salary. And this while the boss of the Quick-Step must build around Remco Evenepoel a team capable of winning the Tour.
After nearly a decade at Quick-Step, Julian Alaphilippe could leave the Belgian team despite a contract that runs until 2024. The native of Saint-Amand-Montrond will in any case not be retained if a team hits at his door. Several teams would have ticked his name on their tablets, including Israel-Premier Tech, AG2R or Arkea-Samsic. Welcomed in the World Tour this year, the Breton team does not lack ambition. Evidenced by his interest recently revealed by Le Télégramme for Benoît Cosnefroy, one of the most courted French riders.
Following the non-extension of Nairo Quintana, Arkea-Samsic has the financial latitude to strike a blow on the transfer market. And Julian Alaphilippe is clearly one of the coveted riders. The boss of the French team, Emmanuel Hubert made no secret of it in Bistrot Vélo at the start of the season. “Could I take an option on Julian if he were released? Why not, after he is under contract until 2024. I am very interested in Julian because on the one hand, he is a very, very likeable boy. Besides, he came here at home. He’s a very endearing person. he confided. He is still a double world champion and has worn the yellow jersey several times on the Tour de France in a memorable and remarkable way. »
“We had spoken but he was not necessarily wired to return to a French team at that time. We are in cycling, we have two wheels and it turns. Would I call him back if he was wired to come back to a French team? Exactly “, he continued. Four months after these remarks, Julian Alaphilippe has never seemed so ready to live a new adventure.
