{"id":2107088,"date":"2026-08-21T20:26:50","date_gmt":"2026-08-21T17:26:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2107088"},"modified":"2026-08-21T20:26:50","modified_gmt":"2026-08-21T17:26:50","slug":"i-gave-everything-i-had-and-cycling-gave-me-everything-in-return-julian-alaphilippe-confirms-his-career-is-over","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2107088","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;I gave everything I had, and cycling gave me everything in return&#8217; \u2013 Julian Alaphilippe confirms his career is over"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-2000-80.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\/HghRJP9JjYvNXgXBVhkq6h-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HghRJP9JjYvNXgXBVhkq6h-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                                    Bob Jungels calls time on 15-year professional cycling career to take on new business venture\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>&#8216;I gave everything I had, and cycling gave me everything in return&#8217; \u2013 Julian Alaphilippe confirms his career is over<\/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>News<\/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=\"2026-08-21T20:26:50Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n21 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Two-time World Champion says he&#8217;s stopping &#8216;not with sadness, but with gratitude&#8217;<\/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\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-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=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Julian Alaphilippe (Tudor Pro Cycling) waves to fans as he passes the Basilique du Sacre-Coeur on stage 21 of this year&#8217;s Tour de France<\/span><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 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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-0d8aaf6c-9d9d-11f1-a09f-3b7943da0301\">Julian Alaphilippe confirmed his retirement from professional cycling with immediate effect, saying he is stopping &#8220;not with sadness, but with immense gratitude&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>The 34-year-old Frenchman, winner of two road race world titles and six Tour de France stages, had a contract with Tudor Pro Cycling for 2027 but has decided to bring an early end to his career.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0d8aaf6c-9d9d-11f1-a09f-3b7943da0301-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">His final bow now turns out to have been the final stage of the Tour de France on July 26, with Alaphilippe dropping back to soak up the atmosphere on the cobbled climb in Montmartre before crossing the finish line on the Champs-Elys\u00e9es.<\/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\">News of Alaphilippe&#8217;s retirement was reported on Thursday evening, and confirmed by the rider himself on Friday evening.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It is with a very particular emotion that I write these few words to announce the end of my sporting career,&#8221; Alaphilippe wrote in a social media post.<\/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\/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<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\/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<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;After much reflection, I had the honour of closing this chapter of my life on the Champs-Elys\u00e9es, by way of Montmartre in Paris, on the final stage of the Tour de France.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I feel enormous gratitude for having been able to work with, meet, or simply cross paths with so many wonderful people throughout my career. And a great deal of luck, too, to have made some of my dreams come true, and to have lived through emotions that will stay with me forever.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-yM6xjvMS8sHyYEHuQjQVR4\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-yM6xjvMS8sHyYEHuQjQVR4 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<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Pride at having contributed to so many successes for all my teams. And at having been able to let you live them too. You have always supported me so much, even in the hardest moments.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Before coming back to you to share what comes next, simply a big THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart.\u201d<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Alaphilippe turned professional with the QuickStep team in 2014 and quickly announced himself as a star of the sport, with an explosive climbing style and a helping of panache that made him a darling of fans in France and beyond.<\/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\/bZWAncvpLsdhmW3LWV4FTJ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bZWAncvpLsdhmW3LWV4FTJ-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\">Four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome announces retirement from pro cycling<\/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\/HghRJP9JjYvNXgXBVhkq6h-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HghRJP9JjYvNXgXBVhkq6h-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\">Bob Jungels calls time on 15-year professional cycling career to take on new business venture<\/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\/ekredhmroG6FhUvekxpvvN-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ekredhmroG6FhUvekxpvvN-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;Eventually you start becoming ready to stop&#8217; &#8211; Magnus Cort announces retirement at end of season following one last Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">His career catapulted to world-class status in a 2018 season in which he won 12 times, including La Fl\u00e8che Wallonne and two stages of the Tour de France, plus the polka-dot jersey. And he went up a gear from there, finishing fifth overall at the 2019 Tour after an extraordinary 14-day stint in the yellow jersey, following Classics titles at Milan-San Remo and Strade Bianche.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In the delayed 2020 season he won a fifth Tour stage and wore yellow again, before winning his first World Championship with a devastating solo attack in Imola. Despite a trickier 2021, he won another Tour stage in style, and went on to repeat his World Championship success with an electrifying victory in Leuven \u2013 arguably his crowing glory.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That was the high point, and though Alaphilippe went on to win at the Dauphin\u00e9 in 2023 and the Giro d&#8217;Italia in 2024, he had begun a decline that has now brought his career to an early end. His final victory was last year&#8217;s GP de Qu\u00e9bec, won with a typically daring late solo attack.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I\u2019m a kid from Saint-Amand-Montrond who started out in cyclo-cross and playing the drums at musette dances with my father. If you had told that kid one day that he would wear the yellow jersey for fourteen days and become a two-time world champion, he would never have believed you. None of this was something I was owed. It was a gift. A gift from many people,&#8221; Alaphilippe said in an interview on his Tudor team&#8217;s website.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Asked why he&#8217;d made this decision, he said: &#8220;Because it\u2019s the right time. I\u2019ve always raced on instinct, attacking when my legs were burning, not when the numbers told me to. I made this decision in the same way. I woke up one morning at a training camp and I felt it: this is my final year. Without sadness.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I gave everything I had, and cycling gave me everything in return,\u201d he added. &#8220;That\u2019s why I can say it with a smile: I\u2019m stopping. Not with sadness, but with immense gratitude. To all the fans who carried me up every climb: thank you. Thank you for everything.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a03625d4-9d9e-11f1-bc37-452d123d50ce\" 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>Join today<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>. <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-yM6xjvMS8sHyYEHuQjQVR4\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-yM6xjvMS8sHyYEHuQjQVR4 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\/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\/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\/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\/bZWAncvpLsdhmW3LWV4FTJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bZWAncvpLsdhmW3LWV4FTJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bZWAncvpLsdhmW3LWV4FTJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bZWAncvpLsdhmW3LWV4FTJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bZWAncvpLsdhmW3LWV4FTJ-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\">Four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome announces retirement from pro cycling<\/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\/HghRJP9JjYvNXgXBVhkq6h-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HghRJP9JjYvNXgXBVhkq6h-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HghRJP9JjYvNXgXBVhkq6h-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HghRJP9JjYvNXgXBVhkq6h-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HghRJP9JjYvNXgXBVhkq6h-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\">Bob Jungels calls time on 15-year professional cycling career to take on new business venture<\/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\/ekredhmroG6FhUvekxpvvN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ekredhmroG6FhUvekxpvvN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ekredhmroG6FhUvekxpvvN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ekredhmroG6FhUvekxpvvN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ekredhmroG6FhUvekxpvvN-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;Eventually you start becoming ready to stop&#8217; &#8211; Magnus Cort announces retirement at end of season following one last 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>\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\/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\/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\">Lauren Dickson returns from collarbone break to aim at World Championships debut 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\/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 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\/m3Jt9LNmhTEMRgsrgWE9vG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m3Jt9LNmhTEMRgsrgWE9vG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m3Jt9LNmhTEMRgsrgWE9vG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m3Jt9LNmhTEMRgsrgWE9vG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m3Jt9LNmhTEMRgsrgWE9vG-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 only depends on my legs&#8217; \u2013 Jo\u00e3o Almeida eyes possible &#8216;Plan B&#8217; GC bid alongside teammate Tadej Poga\u010dar at 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\/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\/qrT26Xteho8U5gshkKC8f9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qrT26Xteho8U5gshkKC8f9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qrT26Xteho8U5gshkKC8f9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qrT26Xteho8U5gshkKC8f9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qrT26Xteho8U5gshkKC8f9-320-80.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 haven&#8217;t even enjoyed any training this year, it&#8217;s been that bad&#8217; &#8211; Mikel Landa in survival mode 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>\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 News<\/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\/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\/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\">Lauren Dickson returns from collarbone break to aim at World Championships debut 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\/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 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\/fXAaRtRGWr7884wyUeD2nd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fXAaRtRGWr7884wyUeD2nd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fXAaRtRGWr7884wyUeD2nd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fXAaRtRGWr7884wyUeD2nd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fXAaRtRGWr7884wyUeD2nd-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\">Doping<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">South African racer leaves Tour of Britain Women after returning out-of-competition positive test for synthetic peptide<\/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\/V6RjHrcehAiHMnPEX23VRF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V6RjHrcehAiHMnPEX23VRF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V6RjHrcehAiHMnPEX23VRF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V6RjHrcehAiHMnPEX23VRF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V6RjHrcehAiHMnPEX23VRF-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\">Clothing &amp; Shoes<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Last chance to shop the Le Col Summer Sale \u2013 Grab up to 60% off the remaining stock across the Men&#8217;s and Women&#8217;s ranges<\/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\/XP2rqy7qez9mC6UdTwJgz-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XP2rqy7qez9mC6UdTwJgz-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XP2rqy7qez9mC6UdTwJgz-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XP2rqy7qez9mC6UdTwJgz-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XP2rqy7qez9mC6UdTwJgz-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\">Wheels &amp; Tyres<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">New road and gravel tyres from Silca signal a change in strategy for the Italian company<\/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\/5iGxHFxptE7DhftoYvHbsT-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5iGxHFxptE7DhftoYvHbsT-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5iGxHFxptE7DhftoYvHbsT-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5iGxHFxptE7DhftoYvHbsT-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;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\">2<\/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<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>Last chance to shop the Le Col Summer Sale \u2013 Grab up to 60% off the remaining stock across the Men&#8217;s and Women&#8217;s ranges<\/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>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 1 time trial start times \u2013 When Jay Vine, Wout van Aert, Tadej Poga\u010dar and others take turns on twisting 9.6km route in Monaco<\/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>Lauren Dickson returns from collarbone break to aim at World Championships debut at Tour of Britain Women<\/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>&#8216;I gave everything I had, and cycling gave me everything in return&#8217; \u2013 Julian Alaphilippe confirms his career is over<\/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>News<\/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=\"2026-08-21T20:26:50Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n21 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Two-time World Champion says he&#8217;s stopping &#8216;not with sadness, but with gratitude&#8217;<\/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\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-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=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Julian Alaphilippe (Tudor Pro Cycling) waves to fans as he passes the Basilique du Sacre-Coeur on stage 21 of this year&#8217;s Tour de France<\/span><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\" 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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-0d8aaf6c-9d9d-11f1-a09f-3b7943da0301\">Julian Alaphilippe confirmed his retirement from professional cycling with immediate effect, saying he is stopping &#8220;not with sadness, but with immense gratitude&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>The 34-year-old Frenchman, winner of two road race world titles and six Tour de France stages, had a contract with Tudor Pro Cycling for 2027 but has decided to bring an early end to his career.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0d8aaf6c-9d9d-11f1-a09f-3b7943da0301-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">His final bow now turns out to have been the final stage of the Tour de France on July 26, with Alaphilippe dropping back to soak up the atmosphere on the cobbled climb in Montmartre before crossing the finish line on the Champs-Elys\u00e9es.<\/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\">News of Alaphilippe&#8217;s retirement was reported on Thursday evening, and confirmed by the rider himself on Friday evening.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It is with a very particular emotion that I write these few words to announce the end of my sporting career,&#8221; Alaphilippe wrote in a social media post.<\/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\/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<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\/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<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;After much reflection, I had the honour of closing this chapter of my life on the Champs-Elys\u00e9es, by way of Montmartre in Paris, on the final stage of the Tour de France.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I feel enormous gratitude for having been able to work with, meet, or simply cross paths with so many wonderful people throughout my career. And a great deal of luck, too, to have made some of my dreams come true, and to have lived through emotions that will stay with me forever.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-yM6xjvMS8sHyYEHuQjQVR4\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-yM6xjvMS8sHyYEHuQjQVR4 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<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Pride at having contributed to so many successes for all my teams. And at having been able to let you live them too. You have always supported me so much, even in the hardest moments.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Before coming back to you to share what comes next, simply a big THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart.\u201d<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Alaphilippe turned professional with the QuickStep team in 2014 and quickly announced himself as a star of the sport, with an explosive climbing style and a helping of panache that made him a darling of fans in France and beyond.<\/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\/bZWAncvpLsdhmW3LWV4FTJ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bZWAncvpLsdhmW3LWV4FTJ-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\">Four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome announces retirement from pro cycling<\/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\/HghRJP9JjYvNXgXBVhkq6h-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HghRJP9JjYvNXgXBVhkq6h-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\">Bob Jungels calls time on 15-year professional cycling career to take on new business venture<\/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\/ekredhmroG6FhUvekxpvvN-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ekredhmroG6FhUvekxpvvN-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;Eventually you start becoming ready to stop&#8217; &#8211; Magnus Cort announces retirement at end of season following one last Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">His career catapulted to world-class status in a 2018 season in which he won 12 times, including La Fl\u00e8che Wallonne and two stages of the Tour de France, plus the polka-dot jersey. And he went up a gear from there, finishing fifth overall at the 2019 Tour after an extraordinary 14-day stint in the yellow jersey, following Classics titles at Milan-San Remo and Strade Bianche.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In the delayed 2020 season he won a fifth Tour stage and wore yellow again, before winning his first World Championship with a devastating solo attack in Imola. Despite a trickier 2021, he won another Tour stage in style, and went on to repeat his World Championship success with an electrifying victory in Leuven \u2013 arguably his crowing glory.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That was the high point, and though Alaphilippe went on to win at the Dauphin\u00e9 in 2023 and the Giro d&#8217;Italia in 2024, he had begun a decline that has now brought his career to an early end. His final victory was last year&#8217;s GP de Qu\u00e9bec, won with a typically daring late solo attack.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I\u2019m a kid from Saint-Amand-Montrond who started out in cyclo-cross and playing the drums at musette dances with my father. If you had told that kid one day that he would wear the yellow jersey for fourteen days and become a two-time world champion, he would never have believed you. None of this was something I was owed. It was a gift. A gift from many people,&#8221; Alaphilippe said in an interview on his Tudor team&#8217;s website.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Asked why he&#8217;d made this decision, he said: &#8220;Because it\u2019s the right time. I\u2019ve always raced on instinct, attacking when my legs were burning, not when the numbers told me to. I made this decision in the same way. I woke up one morning at a training camp and I felt it: this is my final year. Without sadness.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I gave everything I had, and cycling gave me everything in return,\u201d he added. &#8220;That\u2019s why I can say it with a smile: I\u2019m stopping. Not with sadness, but with immense gratitude. To all the fans who carried me up every climb: thank you. Thank you for everything.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a03625d4-9d9e-11f1-bc37-452d123d50ce\" 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>Join today<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>. <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-yM6xjvMS8sHyYEHuQjQVR4\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-yM6xjvMS8sHyYEHuQjQVR4 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\/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\/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\/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\/bZWAncvpLsdhmW3LWV4FTJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bZWAncvpLsdhmW3LWV4FTJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bZWAncvpLsdhmW3LWV4FTJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bZWAncvpLsdhmW3LWV4FTJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bZWAncvpLsdhmW3LWV4FTJ-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\">Four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome announces retirement from pro cycling<\/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\/HghRJP9JjYvNXgXBVhkq6h-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HghRJP9JjYvNXgXBVhkq6h-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HghRJP9JjYvNXgXBVhkq6h-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HghRJP9JjYvNXgXBVhkq6h-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HghRJP9JjYvNXgXBVhkq6h-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\">Bob Jungels calls time on 15-year professional cycling career to take on new business venture<\/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\/ekredhmroG6FhUvekxpvvN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ekredhmroG6FhUvekxpvvN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ekredhmroG6FhUvekxpvvN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ekredhmroG6FhUvekxpvvN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ekredhmroG6FhUvekxpvvN-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;Eventually you start becoming ready to stop&#8217; &#8211; Magnus Cort announces retirement at end of season following one last 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>\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\/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\/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\">Lauren Dickson returns from collarbone break to aim at World Championships debut 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\/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 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\/m3Jt9LNmhTEMRgsrgWE9vG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m3Jt9LNmhTEMRgsrgWE9vG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m3Jt9LNmhTEMRgsrgWE9vG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m3Jt9LNmhTEMRgsrgWE9vG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m3Jt9LNmhTEMRgsrgWE9vG-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 only depends on my legs&#8217; \u2013 Jo\u00e3o Almeida eyes possible &#8216;Plan B&#8217; GC bid alongside teammate Tadej Poga\u010dar at 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\/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\/qrT26Xteho8U5gshkKC8f9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qrT26Xteho8U5gshkKC8f9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qrT26Xteho8U5gshkKC8f9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qrT26Xteho8U5gshkKC8f9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qrT26Xteho8U5gshkKC8f9-320-80.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 haven&#8217;t even enjoyed any training this year, it&#8217;s been that bad&#8217; &#8211; Mikel Landa in survival mode 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>\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 News<\/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\/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\/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\">Lauren Dickson returns from collarbone break to aim at World Championships debut 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\/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 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\/fXAaRtRGWr7884wyUeD2nd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fXAaRtRGWr7884wyUeD2nd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fXAaRtRGWr7884wyUeD2nd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fXAaRtRGWr7884wyUeD2nd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fXAaRtRGWr7884wyUeD2nd-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\">Doping<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">South African racer leaves Tour of Britain Women after returning out-of-competition positive test for synthetic peptide<\/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\/V6RjHrcehAiHMnPEX23VRF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V6RjHrcehAiHMnPEX23VRF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V6RjHrcehAiHMnPEX23VRF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V6RjHrcehAiHMnPEX23VRF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V6RjHrcehAiHMnPEX23VRF-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\">Clothing &amp; Shoes<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Last chance to shop the Le Col Summer Sale \u2013 Grab up to 60% off the remaining stock across the Men&#8217;s and Women&#8217;s ranges<\/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\/XP2rqy7qez9mC6UdTwJgz-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XP2rqy7qez9mC6UdTwJgz-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XP2rqy7qez9mC6UdTwJgz-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XP2rqy7qez9mC6UdTwJgz-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XP2rqy7qez9mC6UdTwJgz-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\">Wheels &amp; Tyres<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">New road and gravel tyres from Silca signal a change in strategy for the Italian company<\/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\/5iGxHFxptE7DhftoYvHbsT-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5iGxHFxptE7DhftoYvHbsT-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5iGxHFxptE7DhftoYvHbsT-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5iGxHFxptE7DhftoYvHbsT-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;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\">2<\/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<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>Last chance to shop the Le Col Summer Sale \u2013 Grab up to 60% off the remaining stock across the Men&#8217;s and Women&#8217;s ranges<\/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>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 1 time trial start times \u2013 When Jay Vine, Wout van Aert, Tadej Poga\u010dar and others take turns on twisting 9.6km route in Monaco<\/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>Lauren Dickson returns from collarbone break to aim at World Championships debut at Tour of Britain Women<\/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>&#8216;I gave everything I had, and cycling gave me everything in return&#8217; \u2013 Julian Alaphilippe confirms his career is over<\/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>News<\/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=\"2026-08-21T20:26:50Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n21 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Two-time World Champion says he&#8217;s stopping &#8216;not with sadness, but with gratitude&#8217;<\/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 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newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-0d8aaf6c-9d9d-11f1-a09f-3b7943da0301\">Julian Alaphilippe confirmed his retirement from professional cycling with immediate effect, saying he is stopping &#8220;not with sadness, but with immense gratitude&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>The 34-year-old Frenchman, winner of two road race world titles and six Tour de France stages, had a contract with Tudor Pro Cycling for 2027 but has decided to bring an early end to his career.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0d8aaf6c-9d9d-11f1-a09f-3b7943da0301-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">His final bow now turns out to have been the final stage of the Tour de France on July 26, with Alaphilippe dropping back to soak up the atmosphere on the cobbled climb in Montmartre before crossing the finish line on the Champs-Elys\u00e9es.<\/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\">News of Alaphilippe&#8217;s retirement was reported on Thursday evening, and confirmed by the rider himself on Friday evening.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It is with a very particular emotion that I write these few words to announce the end of my sporting career,&#8221; Alaphilippe wrote in a social media post.<\/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\/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<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\/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<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;After much reflection, I had the honour of closing this chapter of my life on the Champs-Elys\u00e9es, by way of Montmartre in Paris, on the final stage of the Tour de France.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I feel enormous gratitude for having been able to work with, meet, or simply cross paths with so many wonderful people throughout my career. And a great deal of luck, too, to have made some of my dreams come true, and to have lived through emotions that will stay with me forever.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-yM6xjvMS8sHyYEHuQjQVR4\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-yM6xjvMS8sHyYEHuQjQVR4 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<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Pride at having contributed to so many successes for all my teams. And at having been able to let you live them too. You have always supported me so much, even in the hardest moments.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Before coming back to you to share what comes next, simply a big THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart.\u201d<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Alaphilippe turned professional with the QuickStep team in 2014 and quickly announced himself as a star of the sport, with an explosive climbing style and a helping of panache that made him a darling of fans in France and beyond.<\/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\/bZWAncvpLsdhmW3LWV4FTJ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bZWAncvpLsdhmW3LWV4FTJ-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\">Four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome announces retirement from pro cycling<\/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\/HghRJP9JjYvNXgXBVhkq6h-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HghRJP9JjYvNXgXBVhkq6h-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\">Bob Jungels calls time on 15-year professional cycling career to take on new business venture<\/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\/ekredhmroG6FhUvekxpvvN-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ekredhmroG6FhUvekxpvvN-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;Eventually you start becoming ready to stop&#8217; &#8211; Magnus Cort announces retirement at end of season following one last Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">His career catapulted to world-class status in a 2018 season in which he won 12 times, including La Fl\u00e8che Wallonne and two stages of the Tour de France, plus the polka-dot jersey. And he went up a gear from there, finishing fifth overall at the 2019 Tour after an extraordinary 14-day stint in the yellow jersey, following Classics titles at Milan-San Remo and Strade Bianche.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In the delayed 2020 season he won a fifth Tour stage and wore yellow again, before winning his first World Championship with a devastating solo attack in Imola. Despite a trickier 2021, he won another Tour stage in style, and went on to repeat his World Championship success with an electrifying victory in Leuven \u2013 arguably his crowing glory.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That was the high point, and though Alaphilippe went on to win at the Dauphin\u00e9 in 2023 and the Giro d&#8217;Italia in 2024, he had begun a decline that has now brought his career to an early end. His final victory was last year&#8217;s GP de Qu\u00e9bec, won with a typically daring late solo attack.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I\u2019m a kid from Saint-Amand-Montrond who started out in cyclo-cross and playing the drums at musette dances with my father. If you had told that kid one day that he would wear the yellow jersey for fourteen days and become a two-time world champion, he would never have believed you. None of this was something I was owed. It was a gift. A gift from many people,&#8221; Alaphilippe said in an interview on his Tudor team&#8217;s website.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Asked why he&#8217;d made this decision, he said: &#8220;Because it\u2019s the right time. I\u2019ve always raced on instinct, attacking when my legs were burning, not when the numbers told me to. I made this decision in the same way. I woke up one morning at a training camp and I felt it: this is my final year. Without sadness.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I gave everything I had, and cycling gave me everything in return,\u201d he added. &#8220;That\u2019s why I can say it with a smile: I\u2019m stopping. Not with sadness, but with immense gratitude. To all the fans who carried me up every climb: thank you. Thank you for everything.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a03625d4-9d9e-11f1-bc37-452d123d50ce\" 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>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\/i-gave-everything-i-had-and-cycling-gave-me-everything-in-return-julian-alaphilippe-confirms-his-career-is-over\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-2000-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 Julian Alaphilippe has reportedly called an early end to his professional racing career 2 Bob Jungels calls time on 15-year professional cycling career to take on new business venture 3 &#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, [&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-2107088","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\/2107088","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=2107088"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2107088\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2107088"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2107088"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2107088"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}