Julien Alaphilippe is leaving Sourdal Quickstep after the 2024 season.

Speaking to Het Nieuwsblad, Lefebvre said, "Julien Alaphilippe called me himself this week to inform me that he was leaving. Despite the war of words between the two men over the past few months and the rumors of this move, Lefebvre said the Frenchman had sleepless nights over the decision.

Lefebvre's criticism of Alaphilippe is well known, and in an interview he attributed Alaphilippe's poor performance in recent seasons to "partying too much, drinking too much alcohol ......."

Lefebvre's assertion to Marion Luce, Alaphilippe's wife and race director of the Tour de France Femme, that "Julien is under serious Marion Luce influence," drew heavy criticism from commentators.

Not only did his remarks attract widespread criticism from commentators and a public rebuttal from Rousset, but the UCI sanctioned the team director for his "misogynistic" comments.

Despite the atmosphere between the athletes and the coach, a contract was negotiated for Alaphilippe to continue running for Sourdal-Quickstep in 2025.

Lefebvre revealed that after Alaphilippe's success at the Giro d'Italia, his agent, Dries Smets, contacted him in June to negotiate a contract, and Lefebvre several times He confirmed.

Alaphilippe will be a player of great value in the transfer market for the 2025 season, with Q36.5, Cofidis, and Total Energy reportedly interested.

Alaphilippe is currently competing in the Sourdal Quickstep on Saturday in Donostia San Sebastián Classicoa.