In professional cycling, athletes strive for victory, fighting against uncertainties. Amid the competitive scenario, Julian Alaphilippe emerges as a fascinating figure who has been rewriting the narrative. He rode into the Tour Down Under with two pronounced veins on display. This did not happen because of stress. Instead, it was a result of his lean physique. Because of this, the Soudal-Quick Step leader carried the weight of anticipation for a defining 2024.

Alaphilippe’s unconventional approach to the European winter became the centerpiece of his cycling journey. Distancing himself from extraordinary and extravagant tactics, he has returned to basics. He is opting for simple but effective training sessions to build a solid foundation to face the upcoming challenges.

Julian Alaphilippe’s 2024 quest and contract conundrum

Stuart O’Grady, the race director, also noticed that Alaphilippe appeared fit and healthy during the men’s World Tour Race. During winter, Alaphilippe has been preparing for a defining career in 2024 and following his regular regime. During a conversation with the media, Alaphilippe shared, “I did nothing crazy this winter, just normal training, no big hours, no crazy intensity because the most important [thing] for me was to build a good base and to improve from now to my goals.” He did not change his training schedule or any other habits. He tried to keep it simple, as he has always been doing, as he thought it would be an excellent base to improve. 

The former World Champion returned this year after 2014 in the Tour Down Under. But this year was not about clinching victory; things were approached from a different light. He stayed in the “red zone” during the crucial hilly stages.

In the fifth stage in Willunga Hill, Alaphilippe finished in the fourth position, and in stage 6, Mount Lofty, he finished in the sixth. Overall, in Tour Down Under, he concluded by finishing off in the sixth position, similar to Adam Yates from Jayco AIUIa. Shedding light on his Tour Down Under journey, he shared, “Maybe for a lot of people it can be a disappointment but for me I take it like a really big thing.” The French cyclist still falls under the list of the most celebrated winners in the sport, and his journey in the Tour Down Under made it clear that Alaphilippe had not lost his vigor and spark.

The 31-year-old cyclist shared that he was focusing more on staying in the red zone and on the efforts that he put forward to compete on such a stage after a long time. He added, “I know myself, like, one year ago, for sure in this situation, I would feel directly that I cannot win, and I will attack or do two or three big efforts and explode and drop. I used to destroy myself.”

Alaphilippe’s enigmatic ride into the future

While talking about Stage 5 of Tour Down Under on Willunga Hill, he was in a mood to fight to enter the red zone and continue there. He knew it would be tough for him to win because other cyclists have been taking up hard training sessions throughout the winter. “I was really motivated to give my best and see how I feel, I was surprised that I could fight with the best guys until the top of the climb. It’s a good surprise to be honest,” said Alaphilippe. 

Read More: Oscar Onley Bags First Professional Cycling Win at Willunga Hill, Setting Up A Dramatic Finish for the Tour Down Under

After the Tour Down Under, the fact that he is still one of the most respected riders in the sport was loud and clear. Amidst all the whispers of contract uncertainties and team dynamics, Alaphilippe’s unwavering resilience and focus on the present moment unveil a rider navigating his career’s twists and turns with determination and enigma.

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