After a long and difficult spring, it was finally a perfect race for Julian Alaphilippe last Wednesday in Fleche Wallonne where the world champion broke the record time on the Mur de Huy.
“The big goal has always been Liège-Bastogne-Liège, a race that is close to my heart. After the Tour of Flanders I was tired, I took a rest and then completed a good training block. I didn’t do an altitude training, but I did a lot of long training sessions with a lot of short slopes. Exactly what we expect in Liège”, says Alaphilippe.
“After my victory in the Flèche Wallonne I will start without stress, but of course I also want to show my rainbow jersey on Sunday.”
The French rider finished second on his debut in Liège, in 2015. Last year, he lost the race because he celebrated too early but was also stripped of his podium place for dangerous sprinting.
“I admit that the earlier arrival was more tailored to me,” he says. “Although I have also proven in the past editions that I can handle the new final well. I am very motivated.”
“For me he [Roglic] is now the man to beat, the big favorite. He won last year and is now also very strong. His attack on the Mur de Huy was punishing and Roglic was also impressive in the Tour of the Basque Country. We should definitely keep an eye on him, although he’s not alone. In any case, I am happy with my fitness and I look forward to Sunday.”
