He had not been seen since his fall during the last Tour of Flanders, on October 18, which had ended his season prematurely.
In training in Spain with his team Deceuninck-Quick-Step, the world champion Julian Alaphilippe discussed, this Wednesday, his ambitions for the 2021 season.
What is your state of mind as you enter a full season with the rainbow jersey?
JULIAN ALAPHILIPPE.
Frankly, I feel really good and my motivation will be as great this year as the previous ones.
I don't change my goals too much.
On the Tour de France, I will absolutely not aim for the general classification despite the pleasant surprise of 2019 (
Editor's note: 5th
).
In the meantime, I will start again with the Tour de la Provence from February 11 to 13 before thinking, later, of Liège-Bastogne-Liège.
Later, I do not yet know my program precisely.
Maybe Tirreno-Adriatico (March 10-16), but it's not certain yet.
How is your fractured hand during the Tour of Flanders?
Better and better, even if it is not yet 100%.
I can already see an improvement compared to the last team stage in December.
I can exercise, but not yet sprint.
I still need a few weeks.
I'll be ready.
Why did you choose to start with the Tour de la Provence?
It's good to show my rainbow jersey to the French public.
It is a race that I had competed in a few years ago and that I like.
It's a good option for me.
I hope there will be a crowd, because it's really sad cycling without an audience.
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PODCAST. Julian Alaphilippe, a Tour in the name of the father
Do you feel more pressure with your status as world champion?
Not at all.
I might be even more motivated.
We often talk about a curse of the world champion who wins nothing the following year.
Are you afraid of her?
(
Close
) No!
You will be at the end of your contract in December.
When will you decide your future?
Frankly, I'm not thinking about it at the moment and I'm focusing on my start to the season.
But at some point, I should sit down and make the right decision.
This year again, you will not compete in the most famous French classic, Paris-Roubaix.
Do you plan to run it one day?
Yes.
I will play Paris-Roubaix one day.
I want to try it by the end of my career.
I don't know if this is a good thing for me, but I want to try.
