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

Julian Alaphilippe in world champion jersey 2022
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Julian Alaphilippe has said that he will share leadership within the French team in the men's elite road race at the World Championships this Sunday. 

Speaking to L’Équipe on Wednesday, the defending world champion said: “I’m not at 100%, but I’m there to go deep and give my best. We all have the profiles in this team to respond to the tough course, even if we’re perhaps less of the favourites than in previous years.

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Tom Davidson
Senior News Writer

Tom joined Cycling Weekly as a news and features writer in the summer of 2022, having previously contributed as a freelancer. He is the host of The TT Podcast, which covers both the men's and women's pelotons and has featured a number of prominent British riders. 


An enthusiastic cyclist himself, Tom likes it most when the road goes uphill and actively seeks out double-figure gradients on his rides. 


He's also fluent in French and Spanish and holds a master's degree in International Journalism.