One man warns is worth two.
The proverb almost failed to be verified on Wednesday.
Three days after being beaten in the Liège-Bastogne-Liège race, the French world champion, Julian Alaphilippe, almost lived the same scenario on Wednesday.
Like Sunday, the Deceuninck-Quick Step rider slipped into the right places.
Like Sunday, he mastered the final sprint perfectly, jumping into the last few meters.
But, unlike Sunday, Alaphilippe won this time.
However, it came to nothing.
Because, as in Liège, the ephemeral yellow jersey of the Tour 2020 was very imprudent to raise the arms before having crossed the finish line.
Sunday, it played a nasty trick to him having his hair cut on the wire by Primoz Roglic (before being downgraded for an irregular sprint).
Not this Wednesday, even if it took a few centimeters for Mathieu van der Poel to steal the victory.
This is Julian Alaphilippe's first success with his world champion's jersey on his shoulders, tunic unhooked on September 27 in Imola (Italy).
"It's a great feeling to put on this jersey"
After the race, the French champion did not hide his joy: “I was not expected to come to this race.
I ran like I like to do.
We had fun by hurting each other.
In the end, I told Benoît Cosnefroy that I was on the limit.
Compared to Liège-Bastogne-Liège, there is no revenge.
I am happy to have done honor to my world champion jersey.
It's a great feeling to put on this jersey.
It is fabulous.
"
Besides the 3rd place precisely for Benoît Cosnefroy (AG2R La Mondiale), two other French people complete the honor roll with 5th place for Warren Barguil (Team Arkéa Samsic) and 8th place for Anthony Turgis (Total Direct Energie).
