Double world champion Julian Alaphilippe and sprint ace Mark Cavendish will not be on the starting line when the Tour de France kicks off in Copenhagen on Friday.
Alaphilippe hasn’t recovered enough in the two months since his horrific crash at Liège-Bastogne-Liège, his Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl team revealed as they unveiled their list of eight riders for the most prestigious cycling race.
Cavendish, who rides for the same team and last year equaled Eddy Merckx’s all-time Tour record of 34 stage wins, could not secure his place. He was named first reserve despite winning the British national title at the weekend.
“Regarding our reserves, we must emphasize that they have shown great professionalism, continued training and have remained focused over the past few weeks,” said Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl sporting director Tom Steels.
Another sprinter, Fabio Jakobsen, who has won 10 times this season, will lead the Belgian team.
Multiple fractures and lung collapse
Alaphilippe only resumed racing last weekend during the French championships.
He was forced to retire from the Belgian classic in April after being involved in a mass crash and hitting a tree at high speed. Alaphilippe fractured a shoulder blade and two ribs, and suffered a collapsed lung.
“To miss another opportunity to wear my beautiful rainbow jersey in my home country is very sad for me, and I knew this decision would be difficult for the team to make,” said Alaphilippe. At the same time, I totally understand that, because I too don’t want to be at the start if I can’t be at my best level. »
With his unpredictable tactics and taste for spectacular attacks, Alaphilippe is a fan favourite. He has won Tour stages in the past four editions and wore the race leader’s yellow jersey for 14 days in 2019.
Steels said the decision to leave Alaphilippe at home was “a very difficult decision because he is one of the most iconic riders on the team and we have written so many great moments together on the Tour”.