‘Negotiations have started’ between Julian Alaphilippe and TotalEnergies

Out of contract with Soudal-Quick Step at the end of this year, Julian Alaphilippe has reportedly begun negotiations with TotalEnergies around securing his services for the coming seasons.

The French team have long appeared to be the likely candidate to sign Alaphilippe, having made their interest clear as early as last summer, but the process looks to be moving ahead properly now.

Speaking to Ouest-France, TotalEnergies team boss Jean-René Bernaudeau confirmed that the contract conversation had begun.

“Negotiations have started,” Bernaudeau said.

“We met with him and Benoît Genauzeau [TotalEnergies sports director] last week. We’re doing our job, we are discussing with him, as with others, in order to move our project forward. Today, we are where we should be, but to continue we must present our plans.”

As well as being a big French star who would be a big signing for the domestic ProTeam, Bernaudeau praised the qualities the former world champion would bring to the squad.

“I like his state of mind, his desire. He doesn't make noise, works a lot,” Bernaudeau added. “He is disappointed to have had this fibula injury which did not allow him to express himself as he would have wanted during the start of the season.”

Read more: Julian Alaphilippe raced Spring Classics campaign with fracture, fearing criticism

Alaphilippe could also be a similar replacement for Peter Sagan, who left TotalEnergies at the end of 2023 and left the team without a key talisman. Bernaudeau did confirm that the team is also talking to other riders as they look to build their next roster.

Whilst his next team may not be confirmed, and won’t be made official before 1 August, it seems certain that Alaphilippe will not renew with Soudal Quick-Step, with retirement also an option he alluded to earlier this year.

As his results have waned in the last few seasons for several reasons, and the team move more towards Grand Tour ambitions with Remco Evenepoel, the Frenchman’s relationship with the team and team boss Patrick Lefevere has become strained.

Lefevere has been loudly and publicly critical of his once-star rider, even commenting on his partner Marion Rousse.

Read more: Marion Rousse rejects Patrick Lefevere’s criticism of Julian Alaphilippe

Most recently, Alaphilippe revealed how he rode much of the spring Classics with a fracture in his fibula, not wishing to speak out about his injury publicly for fear of criticism.

At a French team like TotalEnergies – he has never ridden for a French team as a professional – Alaphilippe may find a more fitting home as he approaches the final phase of his career.

For the latest news, interviews and analysis from the world of professional cycling, be sure to check out the Racing tab on the GCN website and visit our essential guide to the Spring Classics to stay up to date with all of the action from cycling's most exciting season.