‘A little tension can’t hurt’ says Julian Alaphilippe after almost missing out on Brabantse Pijl after celebrating too early again 

The world champion continues to deliver the drama this season

(Image credit: Yuzuru SUNADA)

Julian Alaphilippe never fails to deliver drama and the 2020 Brabantse Pijl was no exception.

The newly-crowned world champion was the most aggressive rider on the day and forced the elite three-up group, including Mathieu van der Poel and Benoit Cosnefroy, that went to the line.

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Alex Ballinger

Alex Ballinger is editor of BikeBiz magazine, the leading publication for the UK cycle industry, and is the former digital news editor for CyclingWeekly.com. After gaining experience in local newsrooms, national newspapers and in digital journalism, Alex found his calling in cycling, first as a reporter, then as news editor responsible for Cycling Weekly's online news output, and now as the editor of BikeBiz. Since pro cycling first captured his heart during the 2010 Tour de France (specifically the Contador-Schleck battle) Alex covered three Tours de France, multiple editions of the Tour of Britain, and the World Championships, while both writing and video presenting for Cycling Weekly. He also specialises in fitness writing, often throwing himself into the deep end to help readers improve their own power numbers.  Away from the desk, Alex can be found racing time trials, riding BMX and mountain bikes, or exploring off-road on his gravel bike. He’s also an avid gamer, and can usually be found buried in an eclectic selection of books.