It is the Cycling Monument that makes him dream the most.
Even if he has already won Milan - San Remo in 2019, a victory over Liège-Bastogne-Liège, the oldest of the Classics, would be of another ilk for Julian Alaphilippe.
The double world champion, second last year because beaten in the sprint by a more cunning Tadej Pogacar, does not approach the race with maximum serenity.
His violent fall during the Flèche Brabançonne then his fourth place on the Flèche Wallonne, a race won three times, on Wednesday suggests that he will not start this Sunday at the peak of his form.
But Alaphilippe nevertheless remains as determined as ever.
Under what conditions will you approach the 2022 edition of Liège-Bastogne-Liège?
Julian Alaphilippe
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I tried to recover as best I could after my fall on the Flèche Brabançonne.
And compared to last year when I was the main favorite, it will be a little different.
In addition, the route will not be the same as in 2021. The end will be very quick from what I was able to see during the reconnaissance.
Your fourth place only on Wednesday during the Flèche Wallonne, your favorite race, does it worry you?
Not at all.
I've had things in mind for some time in relation to this Sunday's race where I will be very motivated.
Do you still feel pressure?
Not at all.
I had some before the Flèche Wallonne.
Because if I had won, everyone would have said it was just normal.
I knew that if I did less than second place, a lot of people were going to say “it sucks”.
But now that this race is over, all that personal pressure is behind me.
Why is Liège-Bastogne-Liège so attractive to you?
It's one of the most beautiful of the year!
It's a Cycling Monument and everyone knows that I want to win more after Milan - San Remo three years ago.
This race is the common thread of my first part of the season.
Here, I have always been an actor but I miss the victory.
Everyone has respect for this race and dreams of winning it.
I approach it with positive pressure.
How do you judge your start to the season?
I haven't had much luck though.
I was ill and had several falls.
I still had a better start than this year.
