Less than a month from the Tour de France, from July 1 to 23, this victory feels good. Monday June 5, Julian Alaphilippe offered himself, in the sprint, the second stage of the Critérium du Dauphiné, at La Chaise-Dieu (Haute-Loire).
The former double world champion emerged at the last moment to claim his second victory of the season after a final stretch on a false rising flat. The Soudal-Quick Step runner is ahead of Ecuadorian Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPost) and Ethiopian Natnael Tesfatsion (Trek-Segafredo).
Victorious in the inaugural stage on Sunday, Christophe Laporte (Jumbo-Visma), 4th of the day, retains the leader’s yellow jersey.
“The last few months have been long”
These last times have been difficult for Julian Alaphilippe, who has multiplied falls and illnesses, under the increasingly critical gaze of his boss, Patrick Lefevere. hard. Then you have to win. It’s done and it feels good,” admitted the 30-year-old runner after his success.
“Doubts of course I had. But I knew how to question myself and I never stopped believing in it. Otherwise I wouldn’t have won today. It shows that I have a hard head, “added the puncher, who was betting on this Dauphiné to start a virtuous circle for the Tour de France where he should be the leader of his team.
Asked if his victory announced a radiant month of July, he however temporized: “I hope. We can’t predict anything. I got used to adapting in the last few months. »
