Correspondent
The punctuality of the champion. Julian Alaphilippe expected, had announced that the profile of the 2nd stage traced around Nice (186 km) suited him and that if the legs were there he would seek to shine. He responded this Sunday. With brilliance. He ignited the spark with 13 km from the finish, before winning with a breath ahead of Swiss Marc Hirschi and Briton Adam Yates. Excerpts from his press conference.
The bouquet : “Winning on the Tour is always a great moment. It's my 5th stage victory, each time it's a different feeling. I felt that I was getting better and better these last weeks. I ran as if the finish was at the top. I had nothing to lose. We had to dig deep. ”
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The tribute : “This is a special year. I haven't won a race since the start of the season, I worked hard, I remained serious despite the hard times, I dedicate this victory to my dad (who died in June). It's a victory that means a lot. I had promised myself to win for him. And for the team. We've been out of luck for a while. I am very proud, very happy. ”
The final : "I asked my team to harden the final, there were not many people left on the last ascent, I produced my effort (13 km from the finish), I did not ask myself Questions. I gave it my all, I had nothing to lose. They were a little hard on my nerves (Swiss Marc Hirschi and Briton Adam Yates) but in the end Yates worked well. I wanted it to hold on until the red flame, after that there was a headwind… The sign? I'm a bit used to it, making it happen feels good. I missed victory. ”
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The sprint : “I felt good all day long, Kasper (Asgreen) was in the break, it was a good situation for us. On the circuit Dries (Devenyns) climbed the Col d'Eze with a tempo that hurt his legs and on the last climb Bob (Jungels) put everyone in the red, after I knew I could produce my effort. Fortunately I was joined by two riders, with the headwind in the last kilometers, only that would have been impossible. On the Promenade, with the head wind, the return of the peloton, it was the perfect scenario. ”
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Orcières-Merlette, finish of the 4th stage, Tuesday : “We'll see tomorrow (Monday). I will see from day to day. This does not change today with the victory. The yellow jersey, we'll see… ”
The yellow jersey : “When you have the yellow jersey, you have to respect the race jersey, the greatest race in the world. It's always special to be in yellow. Tomorrow (Monday) will normally be a sprint, we will be working for Sam (Bennett). I came for a stage victory. The yellow jersey is a bonus. I will have fun in the next few days. ”
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