Julian Alaphilippe was already thinking about the World Championships during the Tour. Photo: dpa
Imola (dpa) - Road cycling world champion Julian Alaphilippe has already set his sights firmly on his Imola coup during the Tour de France. The Frenchman, decorated with the rainbow jersey and gold medal, said this on the podium.
"I was already focussing on the World Championships during the Tour. Today was a dream come true," said the 28-year-old Alaphilippe. After winning a stage and taking the yellow jersey in Nice, France's star had taken things surprisingly slowly in the final week - but then he blew away the entire competition on the 258.2 kilometres around Imola.
Even all-rounder Wout van Aert from Belgium and Switzerland's Marc Hirschi were beaten by the Frenchman. "Winning the world title was the biggest goal of my career. I was very motivated, we rode a great race. It's very difficult to describe this feeling," said Alaphilippe, who was visibly fighting back tears at the podium ceremony.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:200927-99-732107/3
