Patrick Lefevere slams Julian Alaphilippe for "too many parties and too much alcohol"
Soudal-QuickStep manager Patrick Lefevere has once again issued bracing public criticism of Julian Alaphilippe, saying the two-time world champion drinks and parties too much.
Lefevere's comments come after Alaphilippe was dropped from the Tour de France team earlier this month. The Frenchman was initially included in the squad, but was later replaced by Tim Merlier.
In an interview with Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad, Lefevere said: "Julian is a great rider, but he needs to be more professional. He drinks too much and parties too much. He's not always in the best shape for racing.
Lefevere added that he has spoken to Alaphilippe about his concerns, but the rider has not changed his ways. "I've told him that he needs to change, but he doesn't listen. He thinks he's above the rules.
Alaphilippe has not yet responded to Lefevere's criticism. However, the rider's agent, Giovanni Lombardi, has defended his client, saying that Alaphilippe is a "hard worker" who is "always trying to improve.
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