Seven months of hardship which may be coming to an end. This is the goal of Julian Alaphilippe when approaching the home stretch of his season. The cyclist from Saint-Amand-Montrond (Cher) wants to move on, after several falls, injuries and a week of absence due to Covid. He is at the start of the Tour of Spain this Friday. He will then target the Worlds, with a status of double reigning champion.
“Taking volleys with the world champion’s jersey on less raised races, these are more complicated moments”concedes the Berrichon. “But morale, I never lost it”, he added at a press conference. On the Tour de l’Ain last week, he did not win despite attacks during the three stages. Nothing to frustrate him, despite all the expectations of the public “who expects me to win right away when I get back on the bike”.
During these three weeks of racing, Julian Alaphilippe will be able to confirm his best physical feelings. He will be able to join in the fight for stage victories. He will serve his team and its leader, the Belgian Remco Evenpoel. “I still have a lot of grinta to shine at the end of the season. I have a completely different state of mind compared to the last few weeks, it will still improve and I want to do my best on this Tour from Spain”concludes the cyclist who would like to add beautiful lines to an already exceptional record.