Julian Alaphilippe beats Primoz Roglic in Fleche Wallonne: I gave everything when it mattered
Apr 22 2021 01:17 am CET
Photo of Julian Alaphilippe (c) Wout Beel
Julian Alaphilippe (Deceuninck-Quick-Step) has become the first rider since 2010 to win La Fleche Wallonne wearing the Rainbow jersey.
The World Champion was at the start line of the 85th edition of the Belgian race -193.6 kilometres long- as one of the favourites to take the title. Deceuninck-Quick-Step was one of the teams to control the pace of the pack and every movement and on the last ascent of the day to the Mur de Huy, Alaphilippe followed the attack of Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma) and at the last metres of the race he made an acceleration that the Slovenian could match.
"I was very motivated and wanted to show today that I had a strong head, so I gave everything when it mattered," Alaphilippe. "Since the start of the season I haven't won a lot and even though that didn't stop me from having fun, I really wanted to raise my arms again. The fact that it happened at this great race, more than one month after my Tirreno win, makes it even more beautiful.
"The team did a great job today, working tirelessly and protecting me, and I'm really proud of them. I had huge confidence in the guys and was well placed thanks to them when I needed to be. Mikkel dropped me off at the bottom of the Mur in the first positions, and in the end, I knew what I had to do. It's the legs that make the difference on this hard climb. It wasn't easy with Roglic out front and Valverde on my wheel, who were both very strong, but I managed to pull it off. Winning in this jersey gives me an amazing feeling, and at the same time, a huge confidence boost. I'm really happy."
Julian Alaphilippe beats Primoz Roglic in Fleche Wallonne: I gave everything when it mattered https://t.co/KzwxhgJpS0#FlecheWallonne
— CyclingPub (@CyclingPub) April 21, 2021
? ©Luc Claessen / Getty Images pic.twitter.com/UclkKRJ40i
SUBSCRIBE TO RSS FEEDS