The comparison is tempting but superficial. Last year, at the same time of the season, Julian Alaphilippe already had four successes. Which already announced its fiery spring and golden summer. This year, Alaphilippe has so far done no better than a second place in a stage of the Tour of Colombia. To deduce that the hero of the last Tour de France, in view in particular of his first part of the race on Paris-Nice, is less good than in 2019 would however be a sham. Alaphilippe, after having shone so much, felt the need for a long break and resumed training at the end of the year with less intensity.
And in Colombia, where he returned for the third time in a row, he had decided on his own to shine less by discovering the route: many passes over 3300 meters above sea level were on the program and he even had to sleep at 2500 meters. Under these conditions, he knew that he risked complicating the rest of his preparation if he forced too much. As for his poor performance during the Ardèche Drôme diptych (drop out and 17th place) in early March, they were explained by a tenacious cold fifteen days earlier and which considerably hampered his preparation.
His spring running program also requires him to postpone his peak form. He asked to compete in the Tour of Flanders on April 5 at the expense of Milan-San Remo (before his postponement due to coronavirus). Patrick Lefévère, his boss at Deceuninck-Quick Step, accepted on condition that he was also able to win Liège-Bastogne-Liège on April 26. As a result, Alaphilippe has postponed its rise.
"If I want, I can surpass myself"
On this Paris-Nice, before its puncture on Monday when he was managing the borders perfectly, Alaphilippe has nevertheless demonstrated that he was in net regain of form. Sunday morning, when he set off from Plaisir, he had concocted himself as a secret ambition to be in a position to take the leader's jersey after this Wednesday's time trial, on his land in Saint-Amand- Montrond. The puncture removed the dream of yellow but not necessarily that of stage victory.
Since Pau's 2019 Tour time, which he won to everyone's surprise, it would be very unwise not to rate him on the favorites list. Especially since the complicated route can suit him. "He just had three difficult days for everyone," said Tom Steels, his sports director. Its preparation was more complicated than expected. But he knows the 15 km by heart. Julian, in a good atmosphere, he can be very strong. "
The interested party said nothing else: "I know these roads that I used when I was young or when I came to see Franck my cousin (Editor's note: and coach) . It is a complicated circuit with two bumps, a false flat and a descent where you have to give the maximum. The end is less hard with straight ends. I think it suits me well. If I want, I can outdo myself. ” And Alaphilippe really wants to shine in front of his supporters even if they will not have the right to see him at the start and at the finish.