Julian Alaphilippe plays down Ardennes Classics breakthrough

Despite two runners-up spots at Flèche Wallonne and Liege-Bastogne-Liege, Frenchman Julian Alaphilippe says his performances weren't exceptional

Julian Alaphilippe and Bernard Hinault at the 2015 Liege-Bastogne-Liege (Watson)

(Image credit: Watson)

With two second-place finishes, Julian Alaphilippe was one of the standout performers of the Ardennes Classics, but the 22-year-old is playing down his performances.

The Frenchman, the latest prodigy off the Etixx-Quick-Step production line, was runner-up to Alejandro Valverde at both Flèche Wallonne and Liege-Bastogne-Liege.

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Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters.