{"id":2106185,"date":"2026-08-22T09:32:33","date_gmt":"2026-08-22T06:32:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2106185"},"modified":"2026-08-22T09:32:33","modified_gmt":"2026-08-22T06:32:33","slug":"julian-alaphilippe-had-more-than-panache-he-was-a-conjuror-who-was-greater-than-the-sum-of-his-watts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2106185","title":{"rendered":"Julian Alaphilippe had more than panache \u2013 he was a conjuror who was greater than the sum of his watts"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FTQqNwtKiSNxSX9AHvcUDA-2560-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/preyXU8URFip5kJRmtcp5W-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/preyXU8URFip5kJRmtcp5W-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-4 h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">1<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    Julian Alaphilippe has reportedly called an early end to his professional racing career\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 2 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    &#8216;I gave everything I had, and cycling gave me everything in return&#8217; \u2013 Julian Alaphilippe confirms his career is over\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 3 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3vF5NknHVws8fn9VjciytP-160-80.png.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3vF5NknHVws8fn9VjciytP-80-80.png.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    &#8216;Belgians love underdogs&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert&#8217;s enduring popularity has its roots in cyclo-cross, but it&#8217;s got much bigger since then, writes Thomas De Gendt\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nJulian Alaphilippe\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Julian Alaphilippe had more than panache \u2013 he was a conjuror who was greater than the sum of his watts<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>Features<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nPatrick Fletcher <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-22T09:32:33Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n22 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">The Frenchman departs from the sport having left a mark on fans, teammates, and rivals like few before him<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FTQqNwtKiSNxSX9AHvcUDA-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FTQqNwtKiSNxSX9AHvcUDA-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FTQqNwtKiSNxSX9AHvcUDA-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FTQqNwtKiSNxSX9AHvcUDA-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FTQqNwtKiSNxSX9AHvcUDA-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FTQqNwtKiSNxSX9AHvcUDA-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FTQqNwtKiSNxSX9AHvcUDA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FTQqNwtKiSNxSX9AHvcUDA-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FTQqNwtKiSNxSX9AHvcUDA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-39010d06-9e08-11f1-a38f-2741611aea81\">Four weeks ago, Julian Alaphilippe flopped to the tarmac just by my feet at the top of Alpe d\u2019Huez. The Frenchman wasn\u2019t high up my list of people to speak to at the finish line of the penultimate stage of the Tour de France, but it soon became clear he couldn\u2019t be ignored.<\/p>\n<p>With his arms stretched out behind him, and the media swarming the new French hope Paul Seixas in front of him, Alaphilippe sat staring into the middle distance.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-39010d06-9e08-11f1-a38f-2741611aea81-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It was a loaded moment, and one that makes even more sense in the light of the news of his sudden retirement from the sport.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">When Alaphilippe, still sitting on the tarmac, finally spoke to the media, he sounded like a man not long for this sport. &#8220;I\u2019m not thinking about tomorrow. I\u2019m thinking about nothing at all. All I really want is to hold my son in my arms,&#8221; he said quietly.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He suggested, repeatedly and with varying levels of ambiguity, that this would be his final Tour de France. And he went on to make a comment that was telling at the time and even more so in hindsight.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I gave everything I had, and cycling gave me everything in return&#8217; \u2013 Julian Alaphilippe confirms his career is over<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2kg2xC9diwF9XNFXFsPXp7-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2kg2xC9diwF9XNFXFsPXp7-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">\u2018There\u2019s no enjoyment anymore\u2019 &#8211;  Julian Alaphilippe says this is his final Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/preyXU8URFip5kJRmtcp5W-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/preyXU8URFip5kJRmtcp5W-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Julian Alaphilippe has reportedly called an early end to his professional racing career<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;No, no. There is no enjoyment there anymore,&#8221; he said of his experience at this year\u2019s Tour. &#8220;It\u2019s OK, it\u2019s over. It\u2019s time to stop when there is no more enjoyment.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That last line could, of course, be taken out of context. In actual fact, Alaphilippe was referring to the interview, standing up as he very subtly declared the exchange over. But he knew what he was doing; there was a mischievous twinkle in his eye as he delivered the double entendre.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-hZ9preHkWhsJxAtSfwtwmZ\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-hZ9preHkWhsJxAtSfwtwmZ slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-679ca7e8-9e0c-11f1-9756-9324122164ec\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QVfwCcJE5xypH5dKwjmqNg-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QVfwCcJE5xypH5dKwjmqNg-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QVfwCcJE5xypH5dKwjmqNg-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QVfwCcJE5xypH5dKwjmqNg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QVfwCcJE5xypH5dKwjmqNg-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QVfwCcJE5xypH5dKwjmqNg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Alaphilippe waved goodbye to the Tour de France earlier this year <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-39010e14-9e08-11f1-b015-43e2449afee1\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">My gut instinct at that moment was that Alaphilippe was as good as done with cycling. But then again, I also suspected that the emotion of the moment was taking over and, in the cold light of day, when this dispiriting Tour de France was in the rearview mirror, he may well take stock and feel differently about 2027.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It wasn\u2019t to be. Julian Alaphilippe is done. Time waits for no man, and one of the great careers of the 21st century is boxed up and packaged away.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In the 24 hours that separated the reports of Alaphilippe\u2019s retirement and his announcement, social media had been flooded with tributes, not just from fans but from race organisers, broadcasters, and fellow riders. The news was not even confirmed at that point, but seemingly no one could hold back in pouring out their respects and admiration for a rider who captured the imagination like few others.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DkoaGgKDwYT5hKHZR63vsC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DkoaGgKDwYT5hKHZR63vsC-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;It&#8217;s as if he only has one or two rounds left&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Tudor left without answers for Julian Alaphilippe&#8217;s Tour de France struggles<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tyz3yibsnQmf4ub7JimxgW-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tyz3yibsnQmf4ub7JimxgW-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">From glory to futility \u2013 What version of Paul Seixas will rise from the ashes of his torched Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes?<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E8AXPMkLUfaHVjKmSX5ZWg-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E8AXPMkLUfaHVjKmSX5ZWg-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;It didn&#8217;t even cross my mind to continue&#8217; racing after 2025 crash, says  recently retired Chris Froome<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">If there was such an overwhelming response to Alaphilippe\u2019s exit, then it\u2019s probably because of the way he made you feel.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Yes, there was panache, of course there was \u2013 buckets of the stuff. But it was something more than that.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Alaphilippe was pure electricity. And like lightning in a charged sky, he connected in bright, powerful flashes. In fact, I struggle to think of another rider who has connected with fans on quite the same visceral level. He didn\u2019t so much put you on the edge of your seat as reach through the television and pull you into the race.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There are many entries on the Alaphilippe highlights reel, from the way he lit up the 2019 Tour de France with that 14-day stint in yellow, all the way down to the less favourable moments such as the Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge he threw away in 2020.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-679ca86a-9e0c-11f1-b8b7-7f9cff84c004\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6xA2rK8y3TMVHve2mJeCzV-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6xA2rK8y3TMVHve2mJeCzV-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6xA2rK8y3TMVHve2mJeCzV-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6xA2rK8y3TMVHve2mJeCzV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6xA2rK8y3TMVHve2mJeCzV-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6xA2rK8y3TMVHve2mJeCzV-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Alaphilippe amid an iconic time trial win and stint in yellow at the 2019 Tour <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-b290839c-9e06-11f1-b718-7d7ab59d3a41\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But for me, his second World Championship title in Leuven in 2021 was the pinnacle \u2013 his magnum opus, and the embodiment of Julian Alaphilippe.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He came into that title defence without great form or hope \u2013 and he later revealed that on some level he\u2019d be happy to have the weight of the rainbow jersey off his shoulders. But from somewhere he summoned one of the greatest performances the Worlds has seen.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He threw caution to the wind, he attacked again and again, and he held off the chasers on a nail-biting final lap, all while pulling faces to the TV cameras and whipping up the crowds.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It was heavy metal cycling from a master showman. But this was also a conjuror at work, producing something \u2013 through instinct, inspiration, and sheer heart \u2013 that was greater than the sum of its watts. It was a sort of magic.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Sitting in his post-race press conference in Leuven, Alaphilippe made a striking comment that has always stuck with me.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Since 2014, I\u2019m still the same rider, and I don\u2019t want to change anything,&#8221; he said. &#8220;I took a lot of pleasure in riding like this and for me it\u2019s really important to keep this pleasure, because cycling is a hard sport, and I don\u2019t want to become a robot.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-679ca8d8-9e0c-11f1-b34b-d398ca4fff34\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Smw75EvmdncRYtYdjkkjbR-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Smw75EvmdncRYtYdjkkjbR-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Smw75EvmdncRYtYdjkkjbR-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Smw75EvmdncRYtYdjkkjbR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Smw75EvmdncRYtYdjkkjbR-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Smw75EvmdncRYtYdjkkjbR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Alaphilippe on the attack in Leuven <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-679ca93c-9e0c-11f1-9394-d5c58ebb43c5\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Alaphilippe turned professional in 2014 in the middle of the Team Sky era, when the British team rode with such control and precision that their riders were widely referred to as &#8216;Skybots&#8217;. He retires in an era where, even if panache is in safe hands with the likes of Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel, the life of a pro cyclist is marinated in data and increasingly mapped out by artificial intelligence.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In between, Alaphilippe carved out a space where emotional energy was the guiding force, where he could fail spectacularly but win even more so, and where you never quite knew what was going to happen next.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In the end, cycling caught up with Alaphilippe, and left him behind. Not that he didn\u2019t rage against the dying of the light. His Giro d\u2019Italia stage win in 2024 \u2013 won via a 120-kilometre attack \u2013 was one of his most audacious exploits, and the 2025 Grand Prix de Qu\u00e9bec was taken out with an opportunistic heist. It would prove to be his final victory.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There were no such flickers of the old Alaphilippe in 2026, and the Tour de France turned out to be a struggle and little more. At Alpe d\u2019Huez he crossed the line arm in arm with Warren Barguil, a fellow declining Frenchman who days earlier had made headlines with his comments on cycling\u2019s new generation. &#8220;Before, if you did 6 watts per kilo, you were good,&#8221; Barguil said. &#8220;Now, you\u2019re a teammate.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Alaphilippe agreed. &#8220;Yes, yes. You feel that. And I think you see it too. The speeds are crazy,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Alaphilippe had one year left on his contract, but, as ever, his heart told him something different to the numbers. Perhaps he could have squeezed another season, but he\u2019d have been going through the motions, and that, ultimately, made no sense to him.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">And so Alaphilippe acted on instinct and improvised his own retirement \u2013 on-brand to the very last.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He leaves a legacy, with 45 professional victories, six Tour de France stages, and two world titles. But above all, he\u2019ll be remembered for the way he made you feel.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-679cab6c-9e0c-11f1-b53e-a3fc24f09f50\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You&#8217;ll get comprehensive race coverage of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go!<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>Join today<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-hZ9preHkWhsJxAtSfwtwmZ\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-hZ9preHkWhsJxAtSfwtwmZ slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Patrick Fletcher<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Deputy Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Patrick is an NCTJ-accredited journalist with a bachelor\u2019s degree in modern languages (French and Spanish) and a decade\u2019s experience in digital sports media, largely within the world of cycling. He re-joined Cyclingnews as Deputy Editor in February 2026, having previously spent eight years on staff between 2015 and 2023. In between, he was Deputy Editor at GCN and spent 18 months working across the sports portfolio at Future before returning to the cycling press pack. Patrick works across Cyclingnews\u2019 wide-ranging output, assisting the Editor in global content strategy, with a particular focus on shaping CN&#8217;s news operation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I gave everything I had, and cycling gave me everything in return&#8217; \u2013 Julian Alaphilippe confirms his career is over<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2kg2xC9diwF9XNFXFsPXp7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2kg2xC9diwF9XNFXFsPXp7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2kg2xC9diwF9XNFXFsPXp7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2kg2xC9diwF9XNFXFsPXp7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2kg2xC9diwF9XNFXFsPXp7-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">\u2018There\u2019s no enjoyment anymore\u2019 &#8211;  Julian Alaphilippe says this is his final Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/preyXU8URFip5kJRmtcp5W-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/preyXU8URFip5kJRmtcp5W-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/preyXU8URFip5kJRmtcp5W-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/preyXU8URFip5kJRmtcp5W-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/preyXU8URFip5kJRmtcp5W-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Julian Alaphilippe has reportedly called an early end to his professional racing career<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DkoaGgKDwYT5hKHZR63vsC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DkoaGgKDwYT5hKHZR63vsC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DkoaGgKDwYT5hKHZR63vsC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DkoaGgKDwYT5hKHZR63vsC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DkoaGgKDwYT5hKHZR63vsC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s as if he only has one or two rounds left&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Tudor left without answers for Julian Alaphilippe&#8217;s Tour de France struggles<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tyz3yibsnQmf4ub7JimxgW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tyz3yibsnQmf4ub7JimxgW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tyz3yibsnQmf4ub7JimxgW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tyz3yibsnQmf4ub7JimxgW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tyz3yibsnQmf4ub7JimxgW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">From glory to futility \u2013 What version of Paul Seixas will rise from the ashes of his torched Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E8AXPMkLUfaHVjKmSX5ZWg-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E8AXPMkLUfaHVjKmSX5ZWg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E8AXPMkLUfaHVjKmSX5ZWg-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E8AXPMkLUfaHVjKmSX5ZWg-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E8AXPMkLUfaHVjKmSX5ZWg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It didn&#8217;t even cross my mind to continue&#8217; racing after 2025 crash, says  recently retired Chris Froome<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A top 10 on GC isn&#8217;t as important as a stage win&#8217; \u2013 2023 Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a champion Sepp Kuss to make definitive decision on overall bid at end of first week<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I gave everything I had, and cycling gave me everything in return&#8217; \u2013 Julian Alaphilippe confirms his career is over<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5iGxHFxptE7DhftoYvHbsT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5iGxHFxptE7DhftoYvHbsT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5iGxHFxptE7DhftoYvHbsT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5iGxHFxptE7DhftoYvHbsT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5iGxHFxptE7DhftoYvHbsT-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We&#8217;re looking for the green jersey, but it&#8217;ll be difficult&#8217; &#8211; Kaden Groves tips Tadej Poga\u010dar as potential rival in hunt for Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a points classification<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aizS5Gy8F3BuEq2mG5fBMK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aizS5Gy8F3BuEq2mG5fBMK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aizS5Gy8F3BuEq2mG5fBMK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aizS5Gy8F3BuEq2mG5fBMK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aizS5Gy8F3BuEq2mG5fBMK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A bit of a rollercoaster of a season&#8217; \u2013 Ally Wollaston sets her sights on Track Worlds after going &#8216;back to the drawing board&#8217; at Tour of Britain Women<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iSijFQzPeQBT8U9pXGDkXW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iSijFQzPeQBT8U9pXGDkXW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iSijFQzPeQBT8U9pXGDkXW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iSijFQzPeQBT8U9pXGDkXW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iSijFQzPeQBT8U9pXGDkXW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I would love to get selection&#8217; \u2013 Lauren Dickson continues breakthrough season at Tour of Britain Women, aiming at a World Championships debut<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUkQUt9iBzjr2d4jmAyFQf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUkQUt9iBzjr2d4jmAyFQf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUkQUt9iBzjr2d4jmAyFQf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUkQUt9iBzjr2d4jmAyFQf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUkQUt9iBzjr2d4jmAyFQf-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A shame I wasn&#8217;t on Kim&#8217;s wheel in the final corner&#8217; \u2013 Liane Lippert second behind unstoppable Le Court-Pienaar on Tour of Britain Women queen stage<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Features<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xaPhNZ65Eb5A24MN8pQZC8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xaPhNZ65Eb5A24MN8pQZC8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xaPhNZ65Eb5A24MN8pQZC8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xaPhNZ65Eb5A24MN8pQZC8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xaPhNZ65Eb5A24MN8pQZC8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar could win the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a by 10 minutes but total domination is unlikely \u2013 Philippa York analysis<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YzNZ46ofevTyGMxGmJDE5Y-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YzNZ46ofevTyGMxGmJDE5Y-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YzNZ46ofevTyGMxGmJDE5Y-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YzNZ46ofevTyGMxGmJDE5Y-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YzNZ46ofevTyGMxGmJDE5Y-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Last chance saloon \u2013 The riders and teams who need to turn their season around at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NJ4BiB5vR77FkK9byLB3pN-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NJ4BiB5vR77FkK9byLB3pN-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NJ4BiB5vR77FkK9byLB3pN-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NJ4BiB5vR77FkK9byLB3pN-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NJ4BiB5vR77FkK9byLB3pN-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Kit &amp; Accessories<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Used bibs, \u00a32 jerseys, and fake Rapha wares \u2013 Inside the wild west of buying second-hand cycling kit<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QqaVxzjcE5LpMpbUNGnwuV-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QqaVxzjcE5LpMpbUNGnwuV-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QqaVxzjcE5LpMpbUNGnwuV-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QqaVxzjcE5LpMpbUNGnwuV-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QqaVxzjcE5LpMpbUNGnwuV-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The Vuelta is going to be arduous, even for Tadej&#8217; \u2013 UAE  performance head warns that nobody, not even Poga\u010dar, will have it easy this summer in Spain<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/didDWkuxCx3NhnzuvisdbR-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/didDWkuxCx3NhnzuvisdbR-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/didDWkuxCx3NhnzuvisdbR-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/didDWkuxCx3NhnzuvisdbR-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/didDWkuxCx3NhnzuvisdbR-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The Leadville nobody knew&#8217; \u2013 Revised course eliminates final &#8216;gut punch&#8217; of Powerline climb but Columbine and elevation keep you humble<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n5gj2MP4YAPCy7FjmBPdZE-600-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n5gj2MP4YAPCy7FjmBPdZE-600-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n5gj2MP4YAPCy7FjmBPdZE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n5gj2MP4YAPCy7FjmBPdZE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n5gj2MP4YAPCy7FjmBPdZE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Kit &amp; Accessories<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The Rapha Summer Sale now has as much as 60% off \u2013 but you&#8217;ll have to be quick to grab the &#8216;Final Markdown&#8217; discounts<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice\">\n<section class=\"popular-box\" data-component-name=\"Slice:PopularBox\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">\nLATEST ARTICLES\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;A top 10 on GC isn&#8217;t as important as a stage win&#8217; \u2013 2023 Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a champion Sepp Kuss to make definitive decision on overall bid at end of first week<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;A bit of a rollercoaster of a season&#8217; \u2013 Ally Wollaston sets her sights on Track Worlds after going &#8216;back to the drawing board&#8217; at Tour of Britain Women<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;I gave everything I had, and cycling gave me everything in return&#8217; \u2013 Julian Alaphilippe confirms his career is over<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;We&#8217;re looking for the green jersey, but it&#8217;ll be difficult&#8217; &#8211; Kaden Groves tips Tadej Poga\u010dar as potential rival in hunt for Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a points classification<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Kortijk Koerse: Sofie van Rooijen out-sprints Charlotte Kool for a second career victory in Belgian race<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nJulian Alaphilippe\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Julian Alaphilippe had more than panache \u2013 he was a conjuror who was greater than the sum of his watts<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>Features<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nPatrick Fletcher <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-22T09:32:33Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n22 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">The Frenchman departs from the sport having left a mark on fans, teammates, and rivals like few before him<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FTQqNwtKiSNxSX9AHvcUDA-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FTQqNwtKiSNxSX9AHvcUDA-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FTQqNwtKiSNxSX9AHvcUDA-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FTQqNwtKiSNxSX9AHvcUDA-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FTQqNwtKiSNxSX9AHvcUDA-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FTQqNwtKiSNxSX9AHvcUDA-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FTQqNwtKiSNxSX9AHvcUDA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FTQqNwtKiSNxSX9AHvcUDA-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FTQqNwtKiSNxSX9AHvcUDA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-39010d06-9e08-11f1-a38f-2741611aea81\">Four weeks ago, Julian Alaphilippe flopped to the tarmac just by my feet at the top of Alpe d\u2019Huez. The Frenchman wasn\u2019t high up my list of people to speak to at the finish line of the penultimate stage of the Tour de France, but it soon became clear he couldn\u2019t be ignored.<\/p>\n<p>With his arms stretched out behind him, and the media swarming the new French hope Paul Seixas in front of him, Alaphilippe sat staring into the middle distance.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-39010d06-9e08-11f1-a38f-2741611aea81-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It was a loaded moment, and one that makes even more sense in the light of the news of his sudden retirement from the sport.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">When Alaphilippe, still sitting on the tarmac, finally spoke to the media, he sounded like a man not long for this sport. &#8220;I\u2019m not thinking about tomorrow. I\u2019m thinking about nothing at all. All I really want is to hold my son in my arms,&#8221; he said quietly.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He suggested, repeatedly and with varying levels of ambiguity, that this would be his final Tour de France. And he went on to make a comment that was telling at the time and even more so in hindsight.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I gave everything I had, and cycling gave me everything in return&#8217; \u2013 Julian Alaphilippe confirms his career is over<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2kg2xC9diwF9XNFXFsPXp7-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2kg2xC9diwF9XNFXFsPXp7-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">\u2018There\u2019s no enjoyment anymore\u2019 &#8211;  Julian Alaphilippe says this is his final Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/preyXU8URFip5kJRmtcp5W-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/preyXU8URFip5kJRmtcp5W-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Julian Alaphilippe has reportedly called an early end to his professional racing career<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;No, no. There is no enjoyment there anymore,&#8221; he said of his experience at this year\u2019s Tour. &#8220;It\u2019s OK, it\u2019s over. It\u2019s time to stop when there is no more enjoyment.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That last line could, of course, be taken out of context. In actual fact, Alaphilippe was referring to the interview, standing up as he very subtly declared the exchange over. But he knew what he was doing; there was a mischievous twinkle in his eye as he delivered the double entendre.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-hZ9preHkWhsJxAtSfwtwmZ\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-hZ9preHkWhsJxAtSfwtwmZ slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-679ca7e8-9e0c-11f1-9756-9324122164ec\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QVfwCcJE5xypH5dKwjmqNg-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QVfwCcJE5xypH5dKwjmqNg-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QVfwCcJE5xypH5dKwjmqNg-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QVfwCcJE5xypH5dKwjmqNg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QVfwCcJE5xypH5dKwjmqNg-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QVfwCcJE5xypH5dKwjmqNg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Alaphilippe waved goodbye to the Tour de France earlier this year <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-39010e14-9e08-11f1-b015-43e2449afee1\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">My gut instinct at that moment was that Alaphilippe was as good as done with cycling. But then again, I also suspected that the emotion of the moment was taking over and, in the cold light of day, when this dispiriting Tour de France was in the rearview mirror, he may well take stock and feel differently about 2027.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It wasn\u2019t to be. Julian Alaphilippe is done. Time waits for no man, and one of the great careers of the 21st century is boxed up and packaged away.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In the 24 hours that separated the reports of Alaphilippe\u2019s retirement and his announcement, social media had been flooded with tributes, not just from fans but from race organisers, broadcasters, and fellow riders. The news was not even confirmed at that point, but seemingly no one could hold back in pouring out their respects and admiration for a rider who captured the imagination like few others.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DkoaGgKDwYT5hKHZR63vsC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DkoaGgKDwYT5hKHZR63vsC-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;It&#8217;s as if he only has one or two rounds left&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Tudor left without answers for Julian Alaphilippe&#8217;s Tour de France struggles<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tyz3yibsnQmf4ub7JimxgW-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tyz3yibsnQmf4ub7JimxgW-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">From glory to futility \u2013 What version of Paul Seixas will rise from the ashes of his torched Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes?<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E8AXPMkLUfaHVjKmSX5ZWg-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E8AXPMkLUfaHVjKmSX5ZWg-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;It didn&#8217;t even cross my mind to continue&#8217; racing after 2025 crash, says  recently retired Chris Froome<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">If there was such an overwhelming response to Alaphilippe\u2019s exit, then it\u2019s probably because of the way he made you feel.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Yes, there was panache, of course there was \u2013 buckets of the stuff. But it was something more than that.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Alaphilippe was pure electricity. And like lightning in a charged sky, he connected in bright, powerful flashes. In fact, I struggle to think of another rider who has connected with fans on quite the same visceral level. He didn\u2019t so much put you on the edge of your seat as reach through the television and pull you into the race.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There are many entries on the Alaphilippe highlights reel, from the way he lit up the 2019 Tour de France with that 14-day stint in yellow, all the way down to the less favourable moments such as the Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge he threw away in 2020.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-679ca86a-9e0c-11f1-b8b7-7f9cff84c004\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6xA2rK8y3TMVHve2mJeCzV-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6xA2rK8y3TMVHve2mJeCzV-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6xA2rK8y3TMVHve2mJeCzV-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6xA2rK8y3TMVHve2mJeCzV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6xA2rK8y3TMVHve2mJeCzV-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6xA2rK8y3TMVHve2mJeCzV-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Alaphilippe amid an iconic time trial win and stint in yellow at the 2019 Tour <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-b290839c-9e06-11f1-b718-7d7ab59d3a41\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But for me, his second World Championship title in Leuven in 2021 was the pinnacle \u2013 his magnum opus, and the embodiment of Julian Alaphilippe.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He came into that title defence without great form or hope \u2013 and he later revealed that on some level he\u2019d be happy to have the weight of the rainbow jersey off his shoulders. But from somewhere he summoned one of the greatest performances the Worlds has seen.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He threw caution to the wind, he attacked again and again, and he held off the chasers on a nail-biting final lap, all while pulling faces to the TV cameras and whipping up the crowds.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It was heavy metal cycling from a master showman. But this was also a conjuror at work, producing something \u2013 through instinct, inspiration, and sheer heart \u2013 that was greater than the sum of its watts. It was a sort of magic.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Sitting in his post-race press conference in Leuven, Alaphilippe made a striking comment that has always stuck with me.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Since 2014, I\u2019m still the same rider, and I don\u2019t want to change anything,&#8221; he said. &#8220;I took a lot of pleasure in riding like this and for me it\u2019s really important to keep this pleasure, because cycling is a hard sport, and I don\u2019t want to become a robot.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-679ca8d8-9e0c-11f1-b34b-d398ca4fff34\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Smw75EvmdncRYtYdjkkjbR-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Smw75EvmdncRYtYdjkkjbR-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Smw75EvmdncRYtYdjkkjbR-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Smw75EvmdncRYtYdjkkjbR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Smw75EvmdncRYtYdjkkjbR-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Smw75EvmdncRYtYdjkkjbR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Alaphilippe on the attack in Leuven <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-679ca93c-9e0c-11f1-9394-d5c58ebb43c5\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Alaphilippe turned professional in 2014 in the middle of the Team Sky era, when the British team rode with such control and precision that their riders were widely referred to as &#8216;Skybots&#8217;. He retires in an era where, even if panache is in safe hands with the likes of Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel, the life of a pro cyclist is marinated in data and increasingly mapped out by artificial intelligence.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In between, Alaphilippe carved out a space where emotional energy was the guiding force, where he could fail spectacularly but win even more so, and where you never quite knew what was going to happen next.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In the end, cycling caught up with Alaphilippe, and left him behind. Not that he didn\u2019t rage against the dying of the light. His Giro d\u2019Italia stage win in 2024 \u2013 won via a 120-kilometre attack \u2013 was one of his most audacious exploits, and the 2025 Grand Prix de Qu\u00e9bec was taken out with an opportunistic heist. It would prove to be his final victory.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There were no such flickers of the old Alaphilippe in 2026, and the Tour de France turned out to be a struggle and little more. At Alpe d\u2019Huez he crossed the line arm in arm with Warren Barguil, a fellow declining Frenchman who days earlier had made headlines with his comments on cycling\u2019s new generation. &#8220;Before, if you did 6 watts per kilo, you were good,&#8221; Barguil said. &#8220;Now, you\u2019re a teammate.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Alaphilippe agreed. &#8220;Yes, yes. You feel that. And I think you see it too. The speeds are crazy,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Alaphilippe had one year left on his contract, but, as ever, his heart told him something different to the numbers. Perhaps he could have squeezed another season, but he\u2019d have been going through the motions, and that, ultimately, made no sense to him.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">And so Alaphilippe acted on instinct and improvised his own retirement \u2013 on-brand to the very last.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He leaves a legacy, with 45 professional victories, six Tour de France stages, and two world titles. But above all, he\u2019ll be remembered for the way he made you feel.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-679cab6c-9e0c-11f1-b53e-a3fc24f09f50\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You&#8217;ll get comprehensive race coverage of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go!<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>Join today<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-hZ9preHkWhsJxAtSfwtwmZ\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-hZ9preHkWhsJxAtSfwtwmZ slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Patrick Fletcher<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Deputy Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Patrick is an NCTJ-accredited journalist with a bachelor\u2019s degree in modern languages (French and Spanish) and a decade\u2019s experience in digital sports media, largely within the world of cycling. He re-joined Cyclingnews as Deputy Editor in February 2026, having previously spent eight years on staff between 2015 and 2023. In between, he was Deputy Editor at GCN and spent 18 months working across the sports portfolio at Future before returning to the cycling press pack. Patrick works across Cyclingnews\u2019 wide-ranging output, assisting the Editor in global content strategy, with a particular focus on shaping CN&#8217;s news operation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I gave everything I had, and cycling gave me everything in return&#8217; \u2013 Julian Alaphilippe confirms his career is over<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2kg2xC9diwF9XNFXFsPXp7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2kg2xC9diwF9XNFXFsPXp7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2kg2xC9diwF9XNFXFsPXp7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2kg2xC9diwF9XNFXFsPXp7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2kg2xC9diwF9XNFXFsPXp7-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">\u2018There\u2019s no enjoyment anymore\u2019 &#8211;  Julian Alaphilippe says this is his final Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/preyXU8URFip5kJRmtcp5W-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/preyXU8URFip5kJRmtcp5W-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/preyXU8URFip5kJRmtcp5W-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/preyXU8URFip5kJRmtcp5W-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/preyXU8URFip5kJRmtcp5W-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Julian Alaphilippe has reportedly called an early end to his professional racing career<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DkoaGgKDwYT5hKHZR63vsC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DkoaGgKDwYT5hKHZR63vsC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DkoaGgKDwYT5hKHZR63vsC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DkoaGgKDwYT5hKHZR63vsC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DkoaGgKDwYT5hKHZR63vsC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s as if he only has one or two rounds left&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Tudor left without answers for Julian Alaphilippe&#8217;s Tour de France struggles<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tyz3yibsnQmf4ub7JimxgW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tyz3yibsnQmf4ub7JimxgW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tyz3yibsnQmf4ub7JimxgW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tyz3yibsnQmf4ub7JimxgW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tyz3yibsnQmf4ub7JimxgW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">From glory to futility \u2013 What version of Paul Seixas will rise from the ashes of his torched Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E8AXPMkLUfaHVjKmSX5ZWg-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E8AXPMkLUfaHVjKmSX5ZWg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E8AXPMkLUfaHVjKmSX5ZWg-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E8AXPMkLUfaHVjKmSX5ZWg-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E8AXPMkLUfaHVjKmSX5ZWg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It didn&#8217;t even cross my mind to continue&#8217; racing after 2025 crash, says  recently retired Chris Froome<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A top 10 on GC isn&#8217;t as important as a stage win&#8217; \u2013 2023 Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a champion Sepp Kuss to make definitive decision on overall bid at end of first week<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I gave everything I had, and cycling gave me everything in return&#8217; \u2013 Julian Alaphilippe confirms his career is over<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5iGxHFxptE7DhftoYvHbsT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5iGxHFxptE7DhftoYvHbsT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5iGxHFxptE7DhftoYvHbsT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5iGxHFxptE7DhftoYvHbsT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5iGxHFxptE7DhftoYvHbsT-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We&#8217;re looking for the green jersey, but it&#8217;ll be difficult&#8217; &#8211; Kaden Groves tips Tadej Poga\u010dar as potential rival in hunt for Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a points classification<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aizS5Gy8F3BuEq2mG5fBMK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aizS5Gy8F3BuEq2mG5fBMK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aizS5Gy8F3BuEq2mG5fBMK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aizS5Gy8F3BuEq2mG5fBMK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aizS5Gy8F3BuEq2mG5fBMK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A bit of a rollercoaster of a season&#8217; \u2013 Ally Wollaston sets her sights on Track Worlds after going &#8216;back to the drawing board&#8217; at Tour of Britain Women<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iSijFQzPeQBT8U9pXGDkXW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iSijFQzPeQBT8U9pXGDkXW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iSijFQzPeQBT8U9pXGDkXW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iSijFQzPeQBT8U9pXGDkXW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iSijFQzPeQBT8U9pXGDkXW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I would love to get selection&#8217; \u2013 Lauren Dickson continues breakthrough season at Tour of Britain Women, aiming at a World Championships debut<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUkQUt9iBzjr2d4jmAyFQf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUkQUt9iBzjr2d4jmAyFQf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUkQUt9iBzjr2d4jmAyFQf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUkQUt9iBzjr2d4jmAyFQf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NUkQUt9iBzjr2d4jmAyFQf-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A shame I wasn&#8217;t on Kim&#8217;s wheel in the final corner&#8217; \u2013 Liane Lippert second behind unstoppable Le Court-Pienaar on Tour of Britain Women queen stage<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Features<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xaPhNZ65Eb5A24MN8pQZC8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xaPhNZ65Eb5A24MN8pQZC8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xaPhNZ65Eb5A24MN8pQZC8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xaPhNZ65Eb5A24MN8pQZC8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xaPhNZ65Eb5A24MN8pQZC8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar could win the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a by 10 minutes but total domination is unlikely \u2013 Philippa York analysis<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YzNZ46ofevTyGMxGmJDE5Y-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YzNZ46ofevTyGMxGmJDE5Y-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YzNZ46ofevTyGMxGmJDE5Y-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YzNZ46ofevTyGMxGmJDE5Y-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YzNZ46ofevTyGMxGmJDE5Y-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Last chance saloon \u2013 The riders and teams who need to turn their season around at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NJ4BiB5vR77FkK9byLB3pN-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NJ4BiB5vR77FkK9byLB3pN-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NJ4BiB5vR77FkK9byLB3pN-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NJ4BiB5vR77FkK9byLB3pN-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NJ4BiB5vR77FkK9byLB3pN-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Kit &amp; Accessories<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Used bibs, \u00a32 jerseys, and fake Rapha wares \u2013 Inside the wild west of buying second-hand cycling kit<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QqaVxzjcE5LpMpbUNGnwuV-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QqaVxzjcE5LpMpbUNGnwuV-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QqaVxzjcE5LpMpbUNGnwuV-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QqaVxzjcE5LpMpbUNGnwuV-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QqaVxzjcE5LpMpbUNGnwuV-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The Vuelta is going to be arduous, even for Tadej&#8217; \u2013 UAE  performance head warns that nobody, not even Poga\u010dar, will have it easy this summer in Spain<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/didDWkuxCx3NhnzuvisdbR-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/didDWkuxCx3NhnzuvisdbR-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/didDWkuxCx3NhnzuvisdbR-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/didDWkuxCx3NhnzuvisdbR-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/didDWkuxCx3NhnzuvisdbR-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The Leadville nobody knew&#8217; \u2013 Revised course eliminates final &#8216;gut punch&#8217; of Powerline climb but Columbine and elevation keep you humble<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n5gj2MP4YAPCy7FjmBPdZE-600-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n5gj2MP4YAPCy7FjmBPdZE-600-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n5gj2MP4YAPCy7FjmBPdZE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n5gj2MP4YAPCy7FjmBPdZE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n5gj2MP4YAPCy7FjmBPdZE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Kit &amp; Accessories<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The Rapha Summer Sale now has as much as 60% off \u2013 but you&#8217;ll have to be quick to grab the &#8216;Final Markdown&#8217; discounts<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice\">\n<section class=\"popular-box\" data-component-name=\"Slice:PopularBox\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">\nLATEST ARTICLES\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;A top 10 on GC isn&#8217;t as important as a stage win&#8217; \u2013 2023 Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a champion Sepp Kuss to make definitive decision on overall bid at end of first week<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;A bit of a rollercoaster of a season&#8217; \u2013 Ally Wollaston sets her sights on Track Worlds after going &#8216;back to the drawing board&#8217; at Tour of Britain Women<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;I gave everything I had, and cycling gave me everything in return&#8217; \u2013 Julian Alaphilippe confirms his career is over<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;We&#8217;re looking for the green jersey, but it&#8217;ll be difficult&#8217; &#8211; Kaden Groves tips Tadej Poga\u010dar as potential rival in hunt for Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a points classification<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Kortijk Koerse: Sofie van Rooijen out-sprints Charlotte Kool for a second career victory in Belgian race<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nJulian Alaphilippe\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Julian Alaphilippe had more than panache \u2013 he was a conjuror who was greater than the sum of his watts<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>Features<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nPatrick Fletcher <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-22T09:32:33Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n22 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">The Frenchman departs from the sport having left a mark on fans, teammates, and rivals like few before him<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-39010d06-9e08-11f1-a38f-2741611aea81\">Four weeks ago, Julian Alaphilippe flopped to the tarmac just by my feet at the top of Alpe d\u2019Huez. The Frenchman wasn\u2019t high up my list of people to speak to at the finish line of the penultimate stage of the Tour de France, but it soon became clear he couldn\u2019t be ignored.<\/p>\n<p>With his arms stretched out behind him, and the media swarming the new French hope Paul Seixas in front of him, Alaphilippe sat staring into the middle distance.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-39010d06-9e08-11f1-a38f-2741611aea81-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It was a loaded moment, and one that makes even more sense in the light of the news of his sudden retirement from the sport.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">When Alaphilippe, still sitting on the tarmac, finally spoke to the media, he sounded like a man not long for this sport. &#8220;I\u2019m not thinking about tomorrow. I\u2019m thinking about nothing at all. All I really want is to hold my son in my arms,&#8221; he said quietly.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He suggested, repeatedly and with varying levels of ambiguity, that this would be his final Tour de France. And he went on to make a comment that was telling at the time and even more so in hindsight.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I gave everything I had, and cycling gave me everything in return&#8217; \u2013 Julian Alaphilippe confirms his career is over<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2kg2xC9diwF9XNFXFsPXp7-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2kg2xC9diwF9XNFXFsPXp7-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">\u2018There\u2019s no enjoyment anymore\u2019 &#8211;  Julian Alaphilippe says this is his final Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/preyXU8URFip5kJRmtcp5W-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/preyXU8URFip5kJRmtcp5W-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Julian Alaphilippe has reportedly called an early end to his professional racing career<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;No, no. There is no enjoyment there anymore,&#8221; he said of his experience at this year\u2019s Tour. &#8220;It\u2019s OK, it\u2019s over. It\u2019s time to stop when there is no more enjoyment.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That last line could, of course, be taken out of context. In actual fact, Alaphilippe was referring to the interview, standing up as he very subtly declared the exchange over. But he knew what he was doing; there was a mischievous twinkle in his eye as he delivered the double entendre.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-hZ9preHkWhsJxAtSfwtwmZ\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-hZ9preHkWhsJxAtSfwtwmZ slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-679ca7e8-9e0c-11f1-9756-9324122164ec\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QVfwCcJE5xypH5dKwjmqNg-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QVfwCcJE5xypH5dKwjmqNg-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QVfwCcJE5xypH5dKwjmqNg-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QVfwCcJE5xypH5dKwjmqNg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QVfwCcJE5xypH5dKwjmqNg-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QVfwCcJE5xypH5dKwjmqNg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Alaphilippe waved goodbye to the Tour de France earlier this year <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-39010e14-9e08-11f1-b015-43e2449afee1\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">My gut instinct at that moment was that Alaphilippe was as good as done with cycling. But then again, I also suspected that the emotion of the moment was taking over and, in the cold light of day, when this dispiriting Tour de France was in the rearview mirror, he may well take stock and feel differently about 2027.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It wasn\u2019t to be. Julian Alaphilippe is done. Time waits for no man, and one of the great careers of the 21st century is boxed up and packaged away.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In the 24 hours that separated the reports of Alaphilippe\u2019s retirement and his announcement, social media had been flooded with tributes, not just from fans but from race organisers, broadcasters, and fellow riders. The news was not even confirmed at that point, but seemingly no one could hold back in pouring out their respects and admiration for a rider who captured the imagination like few others.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DkoaGgKDwYT5hKHZR63vsC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DkoaGgKDwYT5hKHZR63vsC-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;It&#8217;s as if he only has one or two rounds left&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Tudor left without answers for Julian Alaphilippe&#8217;s Tour de France struggles<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tyz3yibsnQmf4ub7JimxgW-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tyz3yibsnQmf4ub7JimxgW-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">From glory to futility \u2013 What version of Paul Seixas will rise from the ashes of his torched Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes?<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E8AXPMkLUfaHVjKmSX5ZWg-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E8AXPMkLUfaHVjKmSX5ZWg-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;It didn&#8217;t even cross my mind to continue&#8217; racing after 2025 crash, says  recently retired Chris Froome<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">If there was such an overwhelming response to Alaphilippe\u2019s exit, then it\u2019s probably because of the way he made you feel.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Yes, there was panache, of course there was \u2013 buckets of the stuff. But it was something more than that.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Alaphilippe was pure electricity. And like lightning in a charged sky, he connected in bright, powerful flashes. In fact, I struggle to think of another rider who has connected with fans on quite the same visceral level. He didn\u2019t so much put you on the edge of your seat as reach through the television and pull you into the race.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There are many entries on the Alaphilippe highlights reel, from the way he lit up the 2019 Tour de France with that 14-day stint in yellow, all the way down to the less favourable moments such as the Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge he threw away in 2020.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-679ca86a-9e0c-11f1-b8b7-7f9cff84c004\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6xA2rK8y3TMVHve2mJeCzV-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6xA2rK8y3TMVHve2mJeCzV-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6xA2rK8y3TMVHve2mJeCzV-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6xA2rK8y3TMVHve2mJeCzV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6xA2rK8y3TMVHve2mJeCzV-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6xA2rK8y3TMVHve2mJeCzV-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Alaphilippe amid an iconic time trial win and stint in yellow at the 2019 Tour <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-b290839c-9e06-11f1-b718-7d7ab59d3a41\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But for me, his second World Championship title in Leuven in 2021 was the pinnacle \u2013 his magnum opus, and the embodiment of Julian Alaphilippe.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He came into that title defence without great form or hope \u2013 and he later revealed that on some level he\u2019d be happy to have the weight of the rainbow jersey off his shoulders. But from somewhere he summoned one of the greatest performances the Worlds has seen.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He threw caution to the wind, he attacked again and again, and he held off the chasers on a nail-biting final lap, all while pulling faces to the TV cameras and whipping up the crowds.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It was heavy metal cycling from a master showman. But this was also a conjuror at work, producing something \u2013 through instinct, inspiration, and sheer heart \u2013 that was greater than the sum of its watts. It was a sort of magic.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Sitting in his post-race press conference in Leuven, Alaphilippe made a striking comment that has always stuck with me.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Since 2014, I\u2019m still the same rider, and I don\u2019t want to change anything,&#8221; he said. &#8220;I took a lot of pleasure in riding like this and for me it\u2019s really important to keep this pleasure, because cycling is a hard sport, and I don\u2019t want to become a robot.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-679ca8d8-9e0c-11f1-b34b-d398ca4fff34\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Smw75EvmdncRYtYdjkkjbR-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Smw75EvmdncRYtYdjkkjbR-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Smw75EvmdncRYtYdjkkjbR-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Smw75EvmdncRYtYdjkkjbR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Smw75EvmdncRYtYdjkkjbR-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Smw75EvmdncRYtYdjkkjbR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Alaphilippe on the attack in Leuven <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-679ca93c-9e0c-11f1-9394-d5c58ebb43c5\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Alaphilippe turned professional in 2014 in the middle of the Team Sky era, when the British team rode with such control and precision that their riders were widely referred to as &#8216;Skybots&#8217;. He retires in an era where, even if panache is in safe hands with the likes of Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel, the life of a pro cyclist is marinated in data and increasingly mapped out by artificial intelligence.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In between, Alaphilippe carved out a space where emotional energy was the guiding force, where he could fail spectacularly but win even more so, and where you never quite knew what was going to happen next.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In the end, cycling caught up with Alaphilippe, and left him behind. Not that he didn\u2019t rage against the dying of the light. His Giro d\u2019Italia stage win in 2024 \u2013 won via a 120-kilometre attack \u2013 was one of his most audacious exploits, and the 2025 Grand Prix de Qu\u00e9bec was taken out with an opportunistic heist. It would prove to be his final victory.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There were no such flickers of the old Alaphilippe in 2026, and the Tour de France turned out to be a struggle and little more. At Alpe d\u2019Huez he crossed the line arm in arm with Warren Barguil, a fellow declining Frenchman who days earlier had made headlines with his comments on cycling\u2019s new generation. &#8220;Before, if you did 6 watts per kilo, you were good,&#8221; Barguil said. &#8220;Now, you\u2019re a teammate.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Alaphilippe agreed. &#8220;Yes, yes. You feel that. And I think you see it too. The speeds are crazy,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Alaphilippe had one year left on his contract, but, as ever, his heart told him something different to the numbers. Perhaps he could have squeezed another season, but he\u2019d have been going through the motions, and that, ultimately, made no sense to him.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">And so Alaphilippe acted on instinct and improvised his own retirement \u2013 on-brand to the very last.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He leaves a legacy, with 45 professional victories, six Tour de France stages, and two world titles. But above all, he\u2019ll be remembered for the way he made you feel.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-679cab6c-9e0c-11f1-b53e-a3fc24f09f50\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You&#8217;ll get comprehensive race coverage of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go!<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>Join today<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/julian-alaphilippe-had-more-than-panache-he-was-a-conjuror-who-was-greater-than-the-sum-of-his-watts\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FTQqNwtKiSNxSX9AHvcUDA-2560-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 Julian Alaphilippe has reportedly called an early end to his professional racing career 2 &#8216;I gave everything I had, and cycling gave me everything in return&#8217; \u2013 Julian Alaphilippe confirms his career is over 3 &#8216;Belgians love underdogs&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert&#8217;s enduring popularity has its roots in cyclo-cross, but it&#8217;s [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,68],"class_list":["post-2106185","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-cyclingnews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2106185","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2106185"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2106185\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2106185"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2106185"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2106185"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}