After his return to competition at the Grand-Prix de Plouay, the two great classics contested in Quebec last weekend herald the best for Julian Alaphilippe. Today, the context appears to be ripe for the Frenchman to really be able to play for victory during the Tour of Lombardy. Explanation.
After the first of the two great classics contested in Quebec, the Grand-Prix de Québec, Julian Alaphilippe, who aims to achieve a great end to the season to launch his preparation in the best possible way to return to his top level in 2024, was satisfied with his race, he who had just finished in 9th place, competing in the sprint for victory within the group of 40 for the win. He notably declared, in comments reported by cyclismactu.net : « It was a very fast race and very nervous in terms of positioning. I think we did our best, but it’s a shame that Ilan (Van Wilder) was involved in that crash and had to spend a lot of energy to come back. The team worked hard to be well placed in the key moments of the race and I gave my all in the sprint, but it was difficult to do more against the very fast men in the peloton. This top 10 is a good result before Sunday, where the race should be more difficult ».
Cycling: Alaphilippe-Evenepoel, the consequences of the Vuelta https://t.co/HXitQt1jhb pic.twitter.com/Wec3rBslRo
— le10sport (@le10sport) September 12, 2023
Very encouraging signals in Quebec
In the process, Alaphilippe had confirmed during the Montreal Grand Prix, a race just as tough at the world level but even more demanding in terms of the course, by losing contact three kilometers from the finish, while he still belonged to the group of 12 playing for the win, ultimately finishing 12th, 38 seconds behind the winner Adam Yates. Not only did his performance prove convincing, but it is even more so when we know that – following a racing incident – the Frenchman had previously had to lead an intense chase over several kilometers to get back into the group of leaders, then still composed of forty runners, right at the moment when the intensity of the race had become maximum, 30 kilometers from the finish.
Alaphilippe will arrive in Lombardy in full rise where others will be tired
All this tends to indicate that the Frenchman could well have an excellent surprise in store by the end of the season. With a new increase in pressure during the Tour of Luxembourg, the hypothesis that he will be able to really fight for victory at the Tour of Lombardy appears credible today, especially since he will be gaining strength there where many will be on the downward phase. The context makes it possible to believe in an exploit of Julian Alaphilippe at the Tour of Lombardy.
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