Julian Alaphilippe will be on the hunt for another Monument next season as he makes his debut in the Tour of Flanders.
After an astonishing 2019 season, which included countless major victories and two weeks in the yellow jersey at the Tour de France, Alaphilippe says he is looking for a new challenge.
The Frenchman has never ridden the cobbled Classics but plans to try his luck on the sharp Belgian climbs of Flanders in the first week of April.
Deceuninck – Quick-Step rider Alaphilippe told French newspaper L’Equipe (opens in new tab): “I’m going to see what it’s all about. I need new challenges.”
Alaphilippe has always focussed on the Ardennes Classics later in the spring where he has been a consistent protagonist, winning two editions of Flèche Wallone and finishing second in Liège-Bastogne-Liège in 2015.
While he will be making his debut on the cobbles, Alaphilippe will still be focussed on the Ardennes week.
He said: “I’m an important leader for the Ardennes but Patrick [Lefevere, Quick-Step team boss) knows if I’m not too bad at Flanders I’ll be important for the team.
“Patrick said ‘we are okay with you doing the Tour of Flanders but do not make it your number one objective, because if it doesn’t work out we still need you at Liège.”
Quick-Step are consistently the stand-out stars of the spring Classics, this year winning Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne, Le Samyn, Paris-Roubaix, Strade Bianche, and Milan-San Remo (the latter two won by Alaphilippe).
>>> Philippe Gilbert thought Remco Evenepoel was ‘arrogant’ at first and didn’t take him seriously
Alaphilippe’s early racing schedule is starting to fill out already, as he is expected to race the Tour Colombia and Paris-Nice before he heads to Flanders.
He will then take on Amstel Gold Race, Flèche Wallone and Liège before turning his attention to the Tour de France.
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
-
-
Toyota launches its first electric cargo bike - but it’s only available in France
Available through 300 car dealerships, the bike can carry loads of up to 100kg with a stated range of 60 miles
-
Jonathan Milan 'super happy' after leaving Dylan Groenewegen's crosswinds plan in tatters at Saudi Tour
Jayco AlUla were one of the chief architects of the split, but its Dutch sprinter could not deliver on his team's work
-
Tadej Pogačar eyes Tour of Flanders revenge in 2023
The UAE Team Emirates rider hopes to add to his Monuments collection next season
-
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.
-
‘Those climber guys can ride over the cobbles these days’ - Fabian Cancellara predicts a fast paced opening week at the Tour de France
Cancellara has won the opening stage of the Tour de France five times and knows the importance of a strong opening week
-
Mark Cavendish wants to continue for 'at least' two more years
Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl sprinter turns 37 this weekend
-
From the cobbles to the race track: Tom Boonen is living his best life
Classic legend Tom Boonen on race car driving, Mathieu van der Poel and modern cycling
-
Tadej Pogačar apologised to Dylan van Baarle after Tour of Flanders frustration
Video shows Slovenian angry at Dutchman following Sunday's sprint
-
The day the crowds returned: From viking horns to the smell of beer at the Tour of Flanders
Crowds packed the start, the finish, and every key climb to catch a glimpse of the Ronde
-
'I hope this will get a lot of young riders on their bikes' — Lotte Kopecky on her huge Tour of Flanders win
Belgian champion hopes to drive girls to cycling with victory
