Patrick Lefevere, the team boss at Soudal-QuickStep, has said while losing Julian Alaphilippe - after 12 years - was the end of an era for both but he had to consider the commercial realities after the French rider has had some poor seasons.
"Julian had two very weak years, 2022 and 2023, and I didn't want to pay that money anymore. He wasn't a guy who raced for a minimum wage," said Lefevere of losing the two-time world champion to Tudor Pro Cycling.
Lefevere has confirmed he tried to keep Alaphilippe by offering him a lower salary, but with a higher bonus structure, which the rider rejected.
"His full right," said Lefevere. "But 'business wise' I also have to make certain choices. We have a very long history together. That guy came to us very young.
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"We had a lot of work with him, but we also had a lot of fun together. It still hurts to see him go: he was not just a rider, Julian is like a child of the family that you give up.”
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Earlier this year an interview with Lefevere was published in Belgium in which he said Alaphilippe went to "too many parties" with "too much alcohol" adding "Julian is seriously under the spell of Marion (Rousse), maybe too much".
However, Lefevere has now insisted he has cleared the air with Alaphilippe, now that he is leaving the team, and has also said he accepts some of his comments about the French rider and his partner were unwise.
"I have to admit that I have been a bit naughty now and then and that I have made a stupid statement, but some things have also been misinterpreted. Like about Marion: I just meant that it is a good thing that she keeps him on a leash, because that is necessary with Julian.
“As in every relationship, we have had our dips and 'downs', but I am glad that we still had a good talk. A few weeks ago he was in Wevelgem and we were able to talk one on one. We are parting with a positive feeling. I certainly do, and I think he does too.
"Julian is a really good guy. I have been strict with him, but I can also say that I have done a lot for him, also privately, when his dad died and so on. That is why I am glad that our relationship remains cordial.”
