Clasica San Sebastian - Julian Alaphilippe: I made my effort at the right time
Aug 05 2018 06:53 am CET
Photo of Julian Alaphilippe by Jonathan Roorda / CyclingPub.com
Julian Alaphilippe (Quick-Step Floors) has finished this part of his season with the victory at the Clasica San Sebastian.
The rider attacked at the last climb with Bauke Mollema and beat the Dutchman to the finish line after leaving all the other competitors behind. Alaphilippe showed a strong shape after finishing in the lead of the mountain classification of the Tour de France.
"I knew that the race suited my characteristics, but I honestly didn’t expect to win today," said the Frenchman at the end of the race. "I didn’t feel very good, as I was tired after a long and hard Tour de France, but stayed focused in the final and made my effort at the right time, using the last climb as a launch pad.
"I want to say a big thank you to my teammates, who protected and helped me throughout the day, believing in my chances. I am very happy after this win because San Sebastian is a special race which I like a lot and it means a lot to conclude this part of the season with another beautiful victory."
In addition to the Polka Dot Jersey, Alaphilippe won two stages of the Vuelta al Pais Vasco and the Fleche Wallone in the first part of his 2018 season.
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