And three for Julian Alaphilippe?
After two masterpieces by the 30-year-old cyclist, France is aiming for a third consecutive world title on Sunday in Wollongong, Australia. The double defending champion is in uncertain form, but the Blues have other assets to play another bad trick on the Belgian favorites. By its distance (266.9 km) and its elevation gain (3,945 m), the race, which will first run along the sublime beaches of the Pacific before making a loop in the hinterland and entering a circuit in the city center, seems promised to a strong man of the peloton. And France has no shortage of them.
There is Julian Alaphilippe of course, who would have been a natural favorite on this rugged course, tailor-made for his punching qualities, if he had not crashed and left the Tour of Spain at the end of August with a dislocated shoulder. But despite the many hard knocks, Julian Alaphilippe is there and can count on the infallible support of his companion Marion Rousse, mother of his son Nino.
This Saturday, a few hours before the race, the former cycling champion who became a consultant for France Télévisions, sent a beautiful declaration of love to her man. It is on Instagram that she chose to share it. “2 years. 2 years of ups and downs, there were these falls and disappointments – others would have given up for less than that – not you. You held on, you didn’t give up, and here you are in Australia with the France teamready to fight for a world title again!“, begins Marion Rousse, drawing a contrasting assessment of the last months of her companion who has been able to remain a fighter.We don’t know what this Sunday has in store for us – but I do know one thing for sure; that you will give everything as you always do and that you can be proud of these two years – On Monday, our little Nino will be waiting for his parents with that beautiful smile that never leaves him. Isn’t that the most beautiful thing in life anyway? Good race to all the French team“, she concludes. Touched in the heart by these words, Julian Alaphilippe responded with a red heart.