Definitely, the year 2022 does not smile on Julian Alaphilippe. After his heavy fall in Liège-Bastogne-Liège in April and his long recovery, it was the Covid that once again stopped the native runner from Saint-Amand-Montrond (Cher). The double world champion tested positive for Covid during the Tour de Wallonie at the end of July.
Two days away from getting back on the bike to the start of the Tour de Louvain in Belgium Sunday, August 7, the cyclist gives his news. “I’m not going there to think about a performance, but to have fun and see how I feel after the Covid”, explained Julian Alaphilippe during a press conference this Friday. He says he feels “still a bit tired”.
This year, I feel like I don’t have much wind at my back
“I was really flat”, adds Julian Alaphilippe. Weakened by his impressive fall in April and his injuries (a hemopneumothorax, a fractured scapula and two broken ribs), the original Berrichon had to give up participating in the Tour de France this year. He was still able to take the start of the Tour de Wallonie, of which he won the first stage, before having to give up two days later because of the Covid.
A third world champion title as a goal?
After the Tour de Louvain this Sunday, the Quick-Step rider will participate in the Tour de l’Ain between August 9 and 11, a race he won in 2014. Julian Alaphilippe hopes to be “actor” of the Vuelta, which will start on August 19. “The goal is to regain good healthhe believes. This year, I feel like I don’t have much wind at my back.”.
Despite recent training “not incredible”, the native of Saint-Amand-Montrond hopes well defend your rainbow jersey at the Worlds in Australia at the end of September. “It’s something that is part of my end-of-season objectives”he assures, without “think of the triple”.