The golden ambitions of the France team at the Tokyo Olympics have just taken a big hit.
Fourth in Rio in 2016, Julian Alaphilippe announced on his social networks that he was not a candidate for a place in the selection for the online race, scheduled for July 24, the day after the opening ceremony.
"In agreement with the coach of the France team and my Deceuninck-Quick Step team, I am announcing that I am not a candidate for selection for the next Tokyo Olympics," wrote the Montluçonnais.
It's a personal and well-considered decision. ”
The birth of his first child, whom he is expecting with his partner Marion Rousse in June, is the main explanation.
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A post shared by Julian Alaphilippe (@alafpolak)
“End-of-season objectives have been defined and in this sense choices must be made”, continues the leader of the France team, who had nevertheless ticked the Olympic gold medal as one of the major objectives of his career.
The 28-year-old runner will therefore not attempt the double world champion-Olympic champion.
The proximity (six days) between the last stage of the Tour de France (June 26-July 18) and the online race of the Games did not help anything.
According to
L'Equipe
, Alaphilippe would have even considered giving up the Grand Boucle in order to be available for the birth of his child, before being convinced to appear there by his manager Patrick Lefévère.
Bardet leader of the France team?
"I would be very proud to wear the jersey of the France team for the next world championships, assures Alaphilippe. I obviously wish the best for the team which will be aligned on this occasion."
A team in which Romain Bardet, who has made an Olympic medal one of his main objectives, could take on the costume of leader.
With the uncertainties linked to Thibaut Pinot's state of health, it is a new puzzle that looms for coach Thomas Voeckler, who nevertheless benefits from a pool of talent that has little equal in the rest of the circuit.
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