The French superstar has signed a three-year agreement with Tudor Pro Cycling, opening a new chapter for the Team and for himself.
19.08.2024
Tudor Pro Cycling confirms the arrival of two-time World Champion Julian Alaphilippe. After more than a decade racing for the same team, the Frenchman is looking forward to a new challenge.
“After more than ten years with the same team, it was time for a change,” he explains. “I liked the Tudor Pro Cycling project from the beginning. I saw the team arrive and develop, and I also know a few of the riders and staff members. What better way to mark a turning point in my career than with a new and ambitious project?”
It is the biggest change since the start of my career. It is the first time I will be riding in another team, and I think it's good to have a change of scenery after so many years. The team makes me want to be part of it. I want to play my part as a leader, to guide the youngsters, even though I'm not very old yet (laughs). But I've got a lot of experience and that can be important for the young people in the team. It's a great motivation to bring what I know and my way of being on and off the bike. It really motivates me to win races and develop at the highest level, both personally and with the team.”
The enthusiasm is shared by the Team. “We are super happy to have Julian joining the Team,” said Fabian Cancellara. “He is a great rider who perfectly embodies our #BornToDare attitude. He still has the fire needed to perform at the highest level and he will bring stability and experience to the team. He is a smart rider but also a good guy, with a good sense of humor, professionalism and a daring attitude.”
“It is an honor to catch the interest of a rider like Julian,” continues Raphael Meyer, CEO of the Team. “He is a human being who understands and appreciates the values we stand for and want to have in our team. So, we quickly understood that it could be a match.”
A shared leadership role
Strong of six Tour de France stage wins, three Flèche Wallonne victories, and wins in races such as Milano-Sanremo, Strade Bianche and Donostia San Sebastian Klasikoa, the 32 year-old will be one of the team leaders. “But I won’t be the only one and I think it is a good thing."
“Having Julian and Marc Hirschi as two leaders is an opportunity,” explains Fabian Cancellara. “They will take pressure off of each other but also make each other stronger. Julian brings panache, Marc brings coolness. Both can win at the highest level and will embody our racing spirit, which will have us taking on responsibility in some of the biggest races.”
Julian is already looking forward to his new challenge: “I want to perform at the highest level and see the group develop. I dream of returning to the roads of the Tour de France with the team one day, but important races like the Classics come first. It's a big change but getting back on the winning path with the team will be a great satisfaction and I hope it is the beginning of great things.”
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