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Julian Alaphilippe is the new world champion
Photo: JENNIFER LORENZINI / REUTERS
Road bike world champion Julian Alaphilippe had his Imola coup firmly in his sights during the Tour de France.
This is what the Frenchman, decorated with a rainbow jersey and gold medal, said on the podium on Sunday evening.
"During the tour I already focused on the World Cup. Today a dream came true," said the 28-year-old Alaphilippe.
After a stage win and the conquest of the yellow jersey in Nice, the French star had taken it surprisingly slow in the final week - this Sunday, however, he left the entire competition on the 258.2 kilometers around Imola.
Even all-rounder Wout van Aert from Belgium and the Swiss Marc Hirschi were left behind against the French.
"Winning the world title was the greatest goal of my career. I was very motivated, we drove a great race. It's very difficult to describe this feeling," said Alaphilippe, who visibly wept with tears at the award ceremony had to fight.
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