Julian Alaphillipe says ‘I don’t know if I can make it’ in Flèche Wallonne
Is the world champion bluffing ahead of the tough hilly Classic?
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Julian Alaphilippe says he doesn’t know if he can make it to compete in the final of Flèche Wallonne (opens in new tab), as he chases a third victory in the race.
The Deceuninck - Quick-Step star is continuing his Classics campaign in the Ardennes, having competed on the cobbles of Belgium earlier this season.
Alaphillipe has yet to take a Classics victory this year, as his best finish came in Strade Bianche where he finished second behind Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Fenix).
Speaking ahead of the race, reigning world champion Alaphilippe downplayed his chances in Flèche Wallonne on Wednesday (April 21), saying he hopes his motivation can make up for his lack of form.
Alaphilippe said in a Zoom press conference on the eve of the race: “I really love this race and it’s a good final for me, that’s for sure, but in the end you need really strong legs. This year I don’t know if I can make it, but I’m sure with my motivation, the condition I’m missing is here, so I will give everything.”
The Frenchman already has two Flèche Wallonne titles to his name, having won back-to-back in 2018 and 2019.
Last year’s race went to Marc Hirschi, who will not be racing in 2021 after his UAE Team Emirates squad were forced to pulled out of the event due to coronavirus positives within the team.
Alaphilippe’s last race was Amstel Gold Race last weekend, where he had to settle for sixth place, finishing in the second group on the road, three seconds behind the winner Wout van Aert (Jumbo-Visma).
>>> UAE Team Emirates pull out of Flèche Wallonne after two Covid-19 positives
Alaphilippe said: “For sure I’m not especially in the same shape like last time in Flèche.
“I did Flanders and some Flemish classics so it’s completely different, the preparation. A lot of guys came from the Basque Country. I try to manage my shape as best as I can. I was not disappointed after Amstel because I gave everything. In the end the strongest riders were in front.”
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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.
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