Tour de France - Julian Alaphilippe: I never imagined that I could win here
Jul 20 2019 03:49 am CET
Photo of Julian Alaphilippe © Mary Cárdenas / CyclingPub.com
Deceuninck-Quick-Step's Julian Alaphilippe has extended his lead in the General Classification after the Individual Time Trial of the Tour de France.
The Frenchman surprised at the individual fight against the clock of La Grande Boucle by not only defending the Yellow Jersey but by also winning the stage. He completed the 27.2-kilometre course in 35 minutes, being 14 seconds faster than Ineos' Geraint Thomas and extending his overall lead by a few seconds.
"It's incredible, I can't tell you how happy I am!" Alaphilippe said at the finish line. "I knew I could do a good ride on this course, but I didn't think I could win. The first part suited me and so I rode full gas, but I surprised myself in the second part. I pushed my limits and with the help of the public, I gave everything until the line. I can't believe it.
"I am happy that I am still in yellow! Every day is a bonus and to wear this legendary jersey on its 100th birthday is fantastic! I knew the course and was focused on myself and on what I had to do today while being supported by this superb crowds. I came very motivated to the start, but I never imagined that I could win here. Now the plan is to take it day after day and see how things go. On Saturday we have a very hard summit finish on the Tourmalet and I will give it my all to stay in the main group for as long as possible, but I want to stress out that our GC rider remains Enric, who did a great time trial today, for which I congratulate him."
Tour de France - Julian Alaphilippe: I never imagined that I could win here https://t.co/ekefp7pESO |@deceuninck_qst @alafpolak1#TDF2019
— CyclingPub (@CyclingPub) July 19, 2019
? ©Tim De Waele/ Getty Images pic.twitter.com/kExMG33Wum
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