‘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

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 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.
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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.
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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.