Two hours after his triumph, the protocols and other obligations fulfilled, he returned to the international media on his double, the first for a French rider since the creation of the Worlds in 1927: "These are memories that I will be happy to tell to my little boy, ”he smiled when he learned the statistic.
Read also 2021 Worlds: first Frenchman to keep his title, Alaphilippe makes history
What is the difference compared to your victory last year?
Julian Alaphilippe:
Last year, I had done everything for the championship which was my main goal, I was ready to win. The year with this world champion's jersey was special. To be honest, I was thinking about next week when I wouldn't have it. But I've worked really hard the last few weeks and today we had a very strong team, with a great mindset, which had a great race.
Did you stick to the tactical plan?
We had a plan but we could modify it according to the race.
I was in a free role, I could attack, accompany the attacks.
If there was a sprint, it was for Florian (Sénéchal).
I felt good all day.
I had to go on the attack, I wasn't going to wait for the sprint.
It was not necessary to focus on a single rider, on Wout van Aert, he was not the only opponent, there were also riders like Colbrelli and van der Poel.
In the back of my mind, I wanted to do well, to assume my status
Julian Alaphilippe
We have felt almost resigned these last few days. Was it a bluff?
No, there was some truth to it. Last year, it was an incredible emotion to win the world championship, to wear the jersey for a year. I was keen to make it shine, to make myself happy but also to live up to this jersey, it took a lot of energy. Before arriving here, I was almost happy that the year has passed even though I found it to have passed quickly. I was ready to go on new goals, to go on something else. But, in the back of my mind, I wanted to do well, to assume my status. This is what I did but I'm going to need some time to realize. Arriving here I dohad not imagined that I would leave with the jersey.
Interview at a press conference