He leaves the world of cycling with the recognition of his peers. Double world champion, winner of Milan San Remo in 2019, multiple stage winner on the Grand Tours, and wearer of the yellow jersey on several occasions, Julian Alaphilippe announced that he would end his career on Friday August 21. On social networks, many riders in the peloton reacted with sadness, gratitude and thanks.
“You are one of the runners who inspired me the most, you can be proud of your incredible career,” commented Mathieu van der Poel, also road world champion in 2023, on Instagram. Alejandro Valverde, wearing the same rainbow jersey during the 2019 season, sent “his recognition for his fantastic career and legacy” to “one of (his) main rivals for many years”, in a message posted on X.
Facetious, smiling, offensive, and not calculating, Julian Alaphilippe will leave an excellent image to the runners who were able to share the road with him. On Instagram, Isaac Del Toro, third in the last Tour de France, calls him a “boss”. Jasper Philipsen, winner of 11 stages on the Grande Boucle, sends his hats off to him. And Paul Seixas, who will surely take his place as the new darling of the French, writes to him “Thank you for everything”, followed by a teary emoji. The emotion goes beyond the borders of the men's peloton, since Demi Vollering, last winner of the Women's Tour de France, also thanks the Frenchman for "all the incredible races and the show" he gave.
Julian Alaphilippe, undisputed member of the French team, of which he was sometimes the leader, during world championships or the Olympic Games, also receives thanks from Valentin Madouas, silver medalist in the road race for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The double world champion had worked so that his compatriot could get on the podium. “Thank you for everything you have given me, a great inspiration,” wrote the Olympic vice-champion.
“Panache, great character and crazy legs”
Other runners of Julian Alaphilippe's generation took up their pens to send him slightly longer messages on social networks. “We will have shared quite a few kilometers on the road, always smiling, friendly, in a good mood and ready to make the gallery laugh,” writes Warren Barguil, who preceded “Alaf” on the polka dot jersey list of the Tour de France, in 2017. You have a track record that everyone would dream of having: two world champion titles, and above all the most beautiful jersey. These last kilometers in Alpe d’Huez were full of emotions… and ultimately, it was your last. You will remain the champion that everyone knew, with panache, great character and crazy legs. The two men, in difficulty during the last Tour de France, had climbed the bends of Alpe d'Huez together, many minutes behind the winner.
Lilian Calmejane, France TV Sport consultant, from the same 1992 generation as Julian Alaphilippe, knew the rider from Saint-Amand-Montrond from the junior categories, then witnessed his rise. "From your beginnings among the pros, you have splashed the world of cycling with your talent, your class, your smile, your sharp attacks. Accessible, laughing, caring. Some have described you as a partygoer? They have not understood that you love life with a capital T, friendships, lightness, the present moment".
Julian Alaphilippe, who has always remained humble despite his record, will perhaps have difficulty accepting all the praise from his peers, who will miss him. But he assures, in an interview conducted by his last team, Tudor, that the “camaraderie moments with these guys” are what he will also miss the most.
