You always have to be wary when Julian Alaphilippe declares that he lines up just to test himself and especially not to win.
Because he often does the opposite and a rainbow outfit isn't going to change him.
For his first race of the season, at the Tour de La Provence this Thursday, the world champion came close to perfect.
In a peloton still in a logical search for sensations, he has shown that his cycling instinctively remains the most beautiful to watch.
During this first stage, he was the only one to follow the attack of the Italian duo Gianni Moscon (Ineos) - Giulio Ciccone (Trek).
Together, the three men counted nearly 1'30 "in advance and held out until 1.8 km from the finish. Alaphilippe then turned into a launching pad for his sprinter, Davide Ballerini who s' is imposed ahead of Arnaud Démare (Groupama-FDJ) and Nacer Bouhanni (Arkea).
"An exceptional form for the start of the season"
“The objective is already fulfilled with the victory of Davide, he relishes.
I managed to do a good job and it's a great start and a great day for us.
As often with him, the usual words bloomed again in front of the microphones on arrival.
“I tried and gave everything,” he continues.
I left on instinct to please myself.
With the strong side wind, it was better to stay ahead, especially since there was Davide
(Editor's note: Ballerini)
for the sprint.
"
Even if it was officially forbidden to land in front of the roads or at the finish line, hundreds of spectators were present on the seafront of the Var seaside resort of Six-Fours-les-Plages to applaud their champion.
“I heard a lot of encouragement and it was nice, he relishes.
Can't wait for tomorrow.
"
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Officially, Alaphilippe is not interested in the general classification.
He won't find anyone to believe him.
Especially not Thomas Voeckler, the coach of the France team.
“His form is exceptional for the start of the season,” he admires.
Julian is a runner, except last year, who used to be very strong from his first race
(Editor's note: 2 stages of the Tour of San Juan in 2019 and one stage of the Tour of Colombia in 2018)
.
Yes, he can win the Tour de La Provence.
On Saturday, the ascent of Mont Ventoux to Chalet Reynard is in its ropes, especially when you see its condition.
"