Just days before the Tre Valli Varesine 2025, the cycling world was stunned when French superstar Julian Alaphilippe confirmed that he and his wife had officially separated. The news came during a tense press conference in Lombardy, where the 32-year-old spoke openly for the first time about the end of his marriage — a topic that had been whispered about for months within the cycling community.
“We need some space to focus on ourselves and our children,” Alaphilippe said, his voice heavy with emotion. “It’s been a difficult period for both of us. I’m proud of everything we built together, but right now, this is what’s best.”
Inside sources close to the team revealed that Alaphilippe had been struggling emotionally during the recent European cycling circuit. “He’s been quieter than usual, more withdrawn,” one teammate said anonymously. “But when he’s on the bike, he still rides like a man possessed. Maybe the pain fuels him.”
Adding fuel to the fire, several French tabloids hinted that “a third person” might have been involved. While no names were confirmed, online detectives quickly began connecting dots, pointing to a female journalist who had been seen frequently at Soudal–Quick-Step team events over the past few months. Neither Alaphilippe nor his management commented on those claims, but the silence only intensified public curiosity.
The real shock, however, came later that evening when Alaphilippe’s ex-wife posted a cryptic message on Instagram: “Fame changes everything — even love.” The post, accompanied by a broken heart emoji, was deleted just 20 minutes later, but not before thousands of screenshots spread across Twitter and Reddit. Many interpreted the message as a direct response to Julian’s statement, sparking a heated debate between fans who sympathized with her and others who defended the cyclist’s right to privacy.
His statement immediately set social media ablaze. Fans flooded comment sections with support, but many couldn’t ignore the timing — just before one of his most important races of the year. Some wondered whether the personal turmoil would affect his performance, while others speculated that the split had been long in the making, fueled by the relentless spotlight of fame.
Despite the emotional turmoil, Alaphilippe remains scheduled to compete at Tre Valli Varesine. His team has expressed full support, emphasizing that “Julian remains focused and committed.” Still, journalists noted the noticeable absence of his wife and children at the team hotel — a stark contrast to past seasons, where they were fixtures at the finish line.
This breakup marks a somber chapter for one of France’s most charismatic athletes. Once hailed as cycling’s golden couple, Alaphilippe and his wife had captured the hearts of fans worldwide with their public displays of affection and shared dedication to sport and family. Now, that fairytale image has shattered, replaced by a cloud of speculation and sadness.
As the Tre Valli Varesine approaches, all eyes will be on Julian Alaphilippe — not just to see how he rides, but how he rises. Will heartbreak crush his spirit, or will it become the fire that drives him to one of the greatest performances of his career? The answer, as always with Alaphilippe, will come on the road.
