Julian Alaphilippe (Saint Amand Montrond, 29 years old) is one of the main figures of the international squad. Winner of a stage in Tour y Vuelta, of pedigree classics and of a monument, the San Remo… but, above all, double world champion. The Frenchman talks to AS about his successes and his goals for the future.
His first campaign as world champion was completed with a successful defense of the rainbow in Belgium, hostile territory and the cradle of legends.
(Laughs). When I was shooting for victory, the audience would tell me to slow down so that Van Aert would catch me from behind. Beyond that situation, there are few more sacred places in cycling to win a World Cup, even if any are good. After the podium ceremony, I celebrated the title with the fans, who showed me their appreciation. I compete for a team from Belgium, the Deceuninck, and I love the flamenco classics. You could say that I consider myself a bit Belgian.
Was it really France’s tactic to attack 60 and 20 km from the goal?
Things did not go to detail as we planned, of course (smile with intention). But when you notice that you have full strength, you must try it. In my case, I like to run offensively and let myself be advised by the sensations, not thinking so much about the watts. Although Thomas (Voeckler, the French coach) did not recommend the strategy, the final result mattered more.
In 2020, at his debut for the arcobaleno jersey in Liège, he celebrated early against Primoz Roglic and was later relegated for illegal maneuvering.
Surely, the biggest failure of my sporting career. When you wear this sweater you have an extra responsibility, you have to do things well to convey a positive message. However, it also causes some anxiety to show it off and show off. There I made a serious mistake.
Too much pressure?
Probably. People expect more from you, and you want to please them. That is why you must learn to wear this jersey without complexes, but with humility, so as not to disappoint the fans, the squad or yourself.
Does fame overwhelm?
Sometimes, although I try to manage my day to day normally, as a father and professional of the bicycle.
How is life with your first child, Nino?
It costs to leave homeresides in Andorra), because also Marion (Rousse, his partner) has many duties as a commentator and director of the Women’s Tour. I’m proud of her, and I want my family and my child to feel the same way about my on and off-road performances.
And your goals for 2022?
Phew, I still have a lot of races to win. I would like to conquer Liege, another World Cup, Flanders, Lombardy … I don’t know the Giro and the challenge of adding stages in the big three motivates me. The work accumulates, but for this I compete: try to win as much as possible.
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