“It is unacceptable to attack our private life”, Marion Rousse responds to Patrick Lefevere after his attacks on Julian Alaphilippe

The director of the Tour de France women, and companion of the Frenchman, responded to Alaphilippe’s manager, whom he once again attacked in the press on Monday.

Julian Alaphilippe would undoubtedly have preferred better weather to really launch his season, Saturday February 24, on the Belgian classic Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. Already criticized several times in the press by his manager Patrick Lefevere, the puncher from the Soudal-Quick Step team once again took it for his stride, before his partner Marion Rousse reacted immediately, Wednesday February 21.

In a cross-interview with former runner José De Cauwer, published Monday February 19 in Humo [article en flamand, payant]the 69-year-old boss once again put pressure on the double world champion. “Julian is a good guy, but after signing his mega contract, we didn’t see him anymore. I love my riders, but it has to be fair”launched Lefevere towards his rider, who has experienced several falls and injuries since his second world title in Louvain in 2021.

“Too many parties, too much alcohol”

The one who has led the Belgian structure since its creation in 2003 had this time tackled the lifestyle of the Habs, who have only won four times since the start of the 2022 season but who had started well at the Tour Down Under in January (6th ). “Too many parties, too much alcohol… As you get older, you have to be more careful, train harder,” continued the Belgian.

Marion Rousse, also targeted by Patrick Lefevere, who estimated that the puncher would be “under the spell of Marion, perhaps too much”, reacted. “Whatever Mr. Lefevere’s feelings towards me, it is unacceptable to attack our private life as he does,” began the director of Tour de France Femmes.

“So no, I don’t drink alcohol, ever. Missed for parties too because with a three-year-old, we prefer to be in good shape in the morning. You will also not succeed, as you have already told me, in stopping me from working to keep myself busy and stay with Julian for the duration of his career. Please now stop talking indiscriminately and show more respect and… class.” she concluded.

For two years, Patrick Lefevere had already criticized his runner’s performance several times. “Julian has a champion’s salary but he must confirm that he is still one. he said in 2022. Last January, it was said that the Frenchman had a “impulsive runner style, not always smart, but that people like” to justify Alaphilippe’s participation in the Tour of Italy and not the Tour de France in 2024.