This is not the first time that Julian Alaphilippe is in the crosshairs of his manager, but this time, the cup seems full… In an interview given to the Flemish media Humo, Patrick Lefevere once again attacked the performances of the world champion, which had been declining for two seasons, and which he did not hesitate to attribute to his wife Marion Rousse. The manager went very far in his accusations, not hesitating to assure that the cyclist and his wife were partying too much…and drinking too much alcohol !
“Julian is a good guy. But after he signed his mega contract, we didn’t see him anymore. As you get older, you have to take care of yourself more. You have to train harder. I think there are too many parties and too much alcohol at his house.” shot the man who was, in the past, the manager of other monsters of European cycling, such as Richard Virenque and Paolo Bettini. More vengeful than ever, the businessman did not hesitate to attack Marion Rousse, the wife of Julian Alaphilippe, that he accuses of exploiting the player, to the point of leading him to his downfall : “Julian is under (his) control. I spoke to him (about it) in November. We were with Marion, and his manager Dries Smets. I said: It can’t continue like this. If you do anything again bad, I’ll fire you immediately.”
“I don’t allow you to talk about my private life”
On Instagram, this Wednesday February 21, 2024, the professional cyclist, in a relationship with Julian Alaphilippe for four years, was quick to react and contest all of the 69-year-old man’s accusations: “Whatever Mr. Lefevere’s feelings towards me, it is unacceptable to attack our private lives as he is doing. So no, I don’t drink alcohol, ever. Missed for the holidays too, because with a three year old, we prefer to be in 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. The missions I carry out fascinate me, and know that I have lots of projects. But I tell you, under no circumstances do I allow you to talk about my private life. Please now stop talking indiscriminately and show more respect and… class.”
He also accuses him of spending his 2.3 million euros annually
Julian Alaphilippe and Patrick Lefevere have been at loggerheads for several months already, but the contract between them will not end until the end of the season. If nothing suggests at this stage that it will not be renewed, the comments that the manager regularly makes towards his foal seem to seal the near end of their collaboration. A few months ago, Patrick Lefevere also attacked the athlete’s lifestyle, which he considered exorbitant given the astronomical sums he spent: “It eats up a large part of its budget”. According to BFMTV, Julian Alaphilippe is one of the best-off European cyclists, with 2.3 million euros per season.