The reigning world champion, seriously injured two months ago on Liège-Bastogne-Liège, is not among the eight runners selected by Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl. Neither Florian Sénéchal, the champion of France.
Le Monde
It was “the” question that agitated French cycling enthusiasts as the Tour de France approaches: was Julian Alaphilippe to be? The reigning world champion will not participate in the 109
The native of Saint-Amand-Montrond (Cher) had returned to competition on Sunday at the French championships (13
“One of the most emblematic runners”
In a press release, Tom Steels, sports director of Quick-Step, underlines that “the decision to leave Julian at home was very difficult since he is one of the most emblematic runners of the team”.
“Julian worked hard to get back in shape after what happened to him in Liège, but it is estimated for a runner like him that he is always important to be at the top of his art and to be able To fight with the best runners of the peloton (…) That’s why we decided to leave him more time to recover. “
Since 2018, the Frenchman has shone with each edition of the Tour. Especially in 2019 when he had won two stages and worn the yellow jersey for fourteen days before finally taking fifth place.
His compatriot and teammate, Florian Sénéchal, who offered himself the title of national champion in Cholet, is not in the group of eight runners retained by the Quick-Step. The team also decided to do without the British Mark Cavendish, who equaled the record for stage victories last summer in the Tour of Eddy Merckx (34) and won the title of Great Britain on Sunday.