"4th at Willunga Hill, it’s a good result!" - Julian Alaphilippe upbeat after first GC challenge of 2024 Tour Down Under

Competing at the Tour Down Under for the first time in a decade, Julian Alaphilippe was 4th on the the first GC challenge of the race atop the mythical Willunga Hill.

"4th at Willunga Hill, it’s a good result! Frankly, I’m super happy," the French star of Soudal - Quick-Step told Cyclism'Actu following the conclusion of stage 5. "The team did a great job in the final to stay at the front of the peloton. It wasn't easy because it was really nervous."

In the end, Oscar Onley powered his way to victory on the stage, Stephen Williams moving into the overall race lead. "In the final, I felt good, I knew we had to do be careful with the heat. I started the climb of Willunga in a great position and I had good feelings for this time of year," Alaphilippe says. "I held on as much as I could. I had to make a violent effort, at 400 meters I think, to try to go there, but I quickly reached my limit."

With one stage to go, another mountainous, general classification day, Alaphilippe sits 5th overall, 13 seconds down. "Aiming for the podium? I don't know. Tomorrow (Sunday) will also be a difficult stage. I really wanted to try to save a little energy these last few days thinking about this weekend," he previews. "I'm really satisfied with the condition for the moment. Tomorrow, we will continue the work while having fun, we will see what we can do."