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Tour de France 2020: ambitions, preparation, private life ... Alaphilippe has changed a lot

2020-08-29T05:07:13.653Z


Public darling in 2019 after spending 14 days in yellow, Julian Alaphilippe is not a candidate for the final victory. The number 1 fran


Fourteen days in yellow, an incredible euphoria in July and an entry through the front door into the hearts of the French: Julian Alaphilippe, who arrived 5th in Paris, had marked the Tour de France 2019. But that was in the world of before and everything has changed so much in the past year for the leader of the Deceuninck-Quick Step. The 28-year-old Julian Alaphilippe who shows up in Nice (Alpes-Maritimes) this weekend is no longer (totally) the one who left Brussels fourteen months ago.

His status, his place in the peloton and his private life have evolved… “I don't know if you can say that I have changed. I may be in a different state of mind, but still with the same motivation to run, to seek victory, ”he promises so as not to dwell on the subject. Alaphilippe, who had the pain of losing his father Jacques at the end of June and to whom he will dedicate his first victory of the season, has become a people character.

His relationship with France TV consultant Marion Rousse, formalized in full confinement, took him out of the strict framework of cycling. A glamorous couple who no longer want to bring up the subject: "In life, the priority is to be happy, we are, that's all I can say," said the former French champion in April. and ex-wife of Tony Gallopin (AG2R- La Mondiale), absent on this Tour.

By his side, the polka dot jersey of the 2018 edition also now has his long-time trainer, his cousin Franck who joined the staff of the Quick Step. For emotional and professional stability, there is nothing better.

His approach to the Grande Boucle is also different. In 2019, it was the culmination of a fantastic season. Today is almost a start. Alaphilippe plans to shine later on the Ardennes classics, which have become autumn by force of circumstances. He also wants to wear the rainbow jersey of world champion in the wake of the Tour. To achieve this, he will not have to return to Paris flushed out like a year ago. The podium on the Champs is not his objective: “I did not come for the general classification, affirms the Montluçonnais installed in Andorra. I don't think I was made to aim for a three-week race, although last year I didn't go far. "

He still hasn't raised his arms

On the Côte d'Azur, the world number 3 arrives especially with less certainty. A year ago, the Frenchman raised his arms nine times, notably on Milan-San Remo and the Flèche Wallonne. He arrives this time with a virgin 2020 prize list. Often placed (2nd in Milan-San Remo, 3rd in the French Championship), he has not triumphed since the Pau stopwatch on the Tour in 2019 all dressed in gold.

Is he weaker than at the time? The first days and in particular the stage of this Sunday with the Turini pass will provide a first element of response. “He can shake the coconut palm (sic) and take the yellow jersey, thinks Richard Virenque, the former public darling and consultant for Europe 1. His ambition will be to be in action to be able to win a stage already. He will win the Tour one day because he is in the panache, like me I was. Not this year ? We can't say it's impossible! "

Source: leparis

All sports articles on 2020-08-29

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