'I always want more': Julian Alaphilippe coy on defence of yellow jersey
After last year, the Frenchman will not be allowed, by rivals or the media, to surreptitiously wander into yellow jersey contention
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

"You said you wouldn't race for the overall but I'm looking at the roadbook and I don't see where it will be too difficult for you? Does this mean you will be in yellow until the Alps?"
"I recce'd the Alpine stages and it will be really difficult, tomorrow I do my best to defend the yellow jersey. I'm proud to wear it, it’s a huge happiness that I feel, so I will give it my all to keep it. If I keep it, it will be another bonus. Every day is just a bonus."
If Julian Alaphilippe loses the yellow jersey on tomorrow's stage four summit finish, the press room is going to need to come up with entirely new questions. If not, they'll keep asking him how long he'll keep the yellow jersey every day until he no longer owns it. But how many "bonus" days count as such, until once again he becomes a serious GC contender.
The category one ascent to Orcières-Merlette is 7.1km long at 6.7 per cent will be the first test on his GC lead, and this year he currently only has a four-second advantage over Adam Yates (Mitchelton-Scott) to protect.
>>> Tour de France diary: After the storm comes the calm, and a pair of yellow shorts
"I've only heard it’s a difficult stage but I haven't studied the race profile yet, but again we will control the race and the legs will do the talking," Alaphilippe, already asking on day three for an acquiescence from the media, admitting he is feeling the pressure more this year.
"The feeling is different, really different from last year," the Frenchman said. "The feeling to get the yellow jersey this time was a relief, I feel much more relaxed after I won yesterday. I was missing a win and I did it in style.
"Tomorrow will be a difficult stage and just thinking I have to fight gives me a lot of motivation."
"Are you satisfied with what you have so far or do you want more?" comes the final question.
"I always want more," replies Alaphilippe.
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
Hi. I'm Cycling Weekly's Weekend Editor. I like writing offbeat features and eating too much bread when working out on the road at bike races.
Before joining Cycling Weekly I worked at The Tab and I've also written for Vice, Time Out, and worked freelance for The Telegraph (I know, but I needed the money at the time so let me live).
I also worked for ITV Cycling between 2011-2018 on their Tour de France and Vuelta a España coverage. Sometimes I'd be helping the producers make the programme and other times I'd be getting the lunches. Just in case you were wondering - Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen had the same ham sandwich every day, it was great.
-
-
Inspired by bikepacking events overseas, Rapha introduces the Rapha Yomp Rally
Rapha today announced the launch of the inaugural Rapha Yomp Rally, a five-day 375-mile adventure across some of the most stunning mixed-terrain roads California has to offer.
By Anne-Marije Rook • Published
-
From false promises and heartbreak to hope - How Heidi Franz is bouncing back from the last-minute collapse of B&B Hotels
Mind games, false promises and a life left in limbo. How American Heidi Franz navigated the B&B Hotels demise and found a kickstart to her new European life
By Anne-Marije Rook • 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