It’s a real race against time Julian Alaphilippe since his terrible fall at the end of April during the classic Liège-Bastogne-Liège. Result, two broken ribs, a fracture of the scapula and pneumothorax for the companion of Marion Rousse, who came close to the drama. He is doing miraculously well and after long days of immobilization, he can finally get back on the bike and then begins rehabilitation with one goal in mind: to be ready for the first stage of the Tour de France 2022 which will take place this Friday. near Copenhagen, Denmark.
If his team was pessimistic about his chances of participating a few weeks ago, the signals have been very encouraging in recent days and he was even able to participate in the French Cycling Championships this Sunday. The father of little Nino therefore legitimately hoped to be able to be on the Grande Boucle this year, but obviously he is still too physically fit to his team, the Quick-Step, which decided not to select him for the Tour de France 2022. It is L’Équipe which has just released the information, confirming the words of the Dutch newspaper Het Nieuwsblad.
His coach already had serious doubts
Despite the positive signals sent in recent days, Julian Alaphilippe will therefore stay at home since his team doubts that he can hold up physically during a competition known to be extremely difficult and which lasts three weeks. “The crucial question is: will the Tour help him to progress or will it be counterproductive for Julian? Above all, we don’t want to be stupid by selecting it if its condition is not sufficient”said his trainer and cousin, Franck Alaphilippe this Sunday.
Obviously, it was still a bit early for the double road cycling world champion, forced to rest. A news that may hurt his many supporters …