Tour, Lefevere closes the door to Cavendish: “It is not part of our future plans”

by our correspondent Ciro Scognamiglio

July 11
– MORZINE (France)

An important day, that of the second rest of the Tour, for the Quick-Step Alpha Vynil. First of all because the new name for 2023 has been announced – Soudal-Quick Step, an agreement for 5 years with the incoming sponsor – and the jersey for next season has already been presented well in advance: to wear it Yves Lampaert, the first leader of this edition of the Tour. Then the team manager Patrick Lefevere detailed Julian Alaphilippe’s program: the two-time world champion, who fell disastrously at Liège, had to skip the Tour and is now training in Italy, in Livigno. He will return to the Tour of Wallonia, from 23 to 27 July, and then after San Sebastian and Tour de l’Ain he will be at the Vuelta.

CAV IF IT GOES

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Finally, the Cavendish theme. Not selected for the Tour, contract expiring, 37 years old. Can the team that relaunched him stay at Quick Step? In this sense, Lefevere’s words to the Gazzetta were clear: “He will not stay, I think not, it is not possible. It hurts my heart, I would like … but every now and then the time comes to say thank you for everything he has done for the team and I hope vice versa. I know he wants to race for another two years… but it is not part of our project “.