Alaphilippe back to full-on racing with high ambitions: "I no longer have any after-effects from my fall"

Julian Alaphilippe has this morning started the first stage of the Tour de Wallonie, where he is leading Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl Team in an attempt to return to his winning ways after a long period without consistent racing.

"I can't wait to put on a bib number again and I'm not just coming to ride at the back of the pack. After a two-week training camp in Livigno, Italy, I feel good," he said before the racing. Having trained in Sierra Nevada ahead of the Tour de France, and now with a second stint at altitude, the Frenchman is positive of his current form into the Belgian race.

"Physically, everything is normal. I no longer have any after-effects from my fall. I will face the days to come without stress or apprehension, with ambition to regain my bearings and confidence," he detailed.

"I expect a brutal recovery. It's going to hurt, that's for sure," he said regarding the opening stage of the race which will see the riders finish up the Mur de Huy, a familiar sight for the World champion that has in the past won here on three occasions.