‘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
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

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.
But Alaphilippe almost repeated his disastrous mistake from Liège-Bastone-Liège last weekend, raising his hands too early as a rival surged from behind.
Luckily for Alaphilippe, Mathieu van der Poel had mis-timed his sprint and wasn’t quite able to steal the victory, but it was still too close for comfort for Alaphilippe.
Speaking to Wielerflits (opens in new tab) after the finish, the Deceuninck - Quick-Step rider said: “I have to admit that I was satisfied that the line was getting closer quickly.
“A little tension can't hurt, right? That way people don't get bored. But Mathieu was indeed still strong.”
Alaphilippe has now taken his first win since becoming world champion, after a shocking display in the final of Liège-Bastogne-Liège.
The 28-year-old came to the finish of Liège with a five-rider group and looked to be the favourite, but things when south when he veered off his sprinting line and almost took out Marc Hirschi (Sunweb), before he then raised his arms too early to allow Primož Roglič (Jumbo-Visma) to pass him at the line.
Alaphilippe was relegated to fifth place in the group for his dangerous sprint and later apologised to Hirschi.
You’d think the Frenchman would have played it safe in Brabantsje Pijl, particularly with world-class rider Van der Poel on his wheel.
But after a tactical masterclass on the final straight from Alaphilippe, blocking in Van der Poel and leaving his sprint late, Alaphilippe almost threw away the victory by raising his arms before the line.
He said: “This win makes me happy as it came at the right moment after the disappointment of last Sunday. I took some time to think about what happened there and I arrived here without any pressure, just to have fun and enjoy the experience.
“In the final I took the responsibility and attacked several times to make the difference. Going into the last kilometre, I had some pain in the legs, but gave my best, and although it was really close again, I’m delighted that I came out on top. I didn’t expect to win today, but I believed in my chances and I couldn’t be happier with this victory.”
>>> Five talking points from stage five of the Giro d’Italia 2020
Alaphilippe’s next target is the Tour of Flanders on October 18, where he is now among the favourites after his outstanding autumn so far.
Thank you for reading 10 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
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.
-
-
Adrie van der Poel reveals banter exchanged with Mathieu before CX World Championships
Van der Poel senior says that his sons cyclo-cross season has been ‘perfect’ preparation for a strong start to the cobbled classics
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
'They come to my country and kill kids': UCI's decision to allow Russian riders at World Championships draws passionate reaction
There has been a mixed response to the UCI's decision to allow Russian and Belarusian riders the opportunity to return to the international stage.
By Chris Marshall-Bell • Published
-
Milan-San Remo winner Matej Mohorič: 'Tom Pidcock is a better descender than me'
Slovenian plays down his own descending skills as he reflects on 2022 Milan-San Remo victory
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
Julian Alaphilippe: ‘I want to be 100% for the Tour of Flanders’
The Frenchman has said the Monument is his “big goal” for next season.
By Tom Davidson • Published
-
Remco Evenepoel should ignore Ineos Grenadiers' overtures and stay put at Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl
Interest from a Grand Tour winning machine like Ineos Grenadiers is flattering, but it's not sure to realise the World Champion’s massive potential
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
Pogačar still reigns, and farewell to Valverde and Nibali: Five talking points from Il Lombardia
The final WorldTour race of the season saw Enric Mas come close once again, and Julian Alaphilippe disappoint
By Stephen Puddicombe • Published
-
Julian Alaphilippe says he is 'not the sole leader' for France in the World Championships road race
The Frenchman played down his form in an interview with L'Équipe
By Tom Davidson • Published
-
Julian Alaphilippe dislocates shoulder in Vuelta a España crash
World champion was taken away in an ambulance on stage 11 in huge blow for race leader Remco Evenepoel
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
‘Pray for me’ jokes Julian Alaphilippe ahead of opening Vuelta a España stage
Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl targeting opening day success in team time trial
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
Julian Alaphilippe positive for Covid after celebrating comeback win
World Champion wins again on Mur de Huy at Tour de Wallonie before positive result rules him out of racing
By Tom Thewlis • Published