With his goatee and dashing brilliance, Julian Alaphilippe is France’s new musketeer, stealing hearts and putting his rivals to the sword, writes Pete Cossins
French former riders Sylvain Chavanel and Thomas Voeckler’s long-time team manager Jean-René Bernaudeau once said that if he could marry the natural talent of the former with the ferocious determination and tactical nous of the latter, he would have a world-beater. In essence, he would have created Julian Alaphilippe, cycling’s number one rider, who cemented his unquestioned position as the darling of French fans during the Tour de France’s opening week with a show of flair that both underlined his qualities as one of the sport’s greatest entertainers and once again suggested that the Deceuninck-Quick Step rider is perhaps the long-awaited successor to Bernard Hinault as the race’s champion.
Watching the irrepressible Alaphilippe in full flow, eyes flashing, feet dancing, tongue lolling as he squeezes every last physical resource out of his body, the comparison with Voeckler, whose two long stints in the yellow jersey anointed him as France’s chouchou for a decade, is obvious. However, it is the differences between the pair that make Alaphilippe remarkable. He is more talented in almost every aspect of racing. What’s more, while Voeckler’s showiness often appeared forced and even an act, his 27-year-old compatriot is, insist those who know him well, completely authentic in his emotions. Seeing him break down when he was attempting to describe the feeling of having the maillot jaune on his shoulders for the first time behind the podium in Epernay was one of the race’s most defining moments, and one that captured better than anything the grail-like status of the 100-year-old jersey.
Bu hikaye CYCLING WEEKLY dergisinin July 18, 2019 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye CYCLING WEEKLY dergisinin July 18, 2019 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
CLASSIC BIKE COLNAGO SUPER
A trailblazing bike immortalised by Merckx and Saronni
"Strava activities are the only way I know some of my friends are still alive"
...or that Bernard is doing his weekly shop
AN EXPERT'S TAKE ON... SADDLE SELECTION
Crucial advice to guide your next purchase
JUST A NUMB#R?
Approaching a landmark birthday, Charlie Graham-Dixon explores how ageing affects cycling performance and what can be done to stay ahead of the curve
RURAL PERIL
More UK cyclists are killed on rural lanes than on busy city streets. Rob Kemp investigates why and what can be done to keep us safe while riding in the countryside
A BLESSED RIDE THROUGH THE FOREST OF BOWLAND
Forgoing cloak, cassock and cross, Trevor Ward goes in search of the holy roads that helped make a Tour winner
Dame Sarah Storey claims road and 19th gold double
More success for Team GB's Paralympians in Paris, but Storey slams women's time trial course
Roglič matches Vuelta win record
Slovenian takes fourth Tour of Spain title after hunting down O'Connor's lead, writes Adam Becket
Williams crowned Tour of Britain champion
Welshman leads home resurgence at the stage race to crown an Israel-Premier Tech clean sweep, reports Tom Davidson in Felixstowe
CLASSIC BIKE CLAUD BUTLER OLYMPIC ROAD
Iconic British brand's Holdsworth-era road bike