From former to new World Champion: Alaphilippe praises "extraordinary season" from teammate Remco Evenepoel

Julian Alaphilippe had accepted that it would be unlikely to take a third consecutive World title in Wollongong, but he was nevertheless happy as teammate and friend Remco Evenepoel soared to victory after a brave solo attack.

“We have no regrets because the strongest has won,” Alaphilippe said in an interview with l'Équipe after the finish. “But we are still second [Christophe Laporte] and it’s a good second place. We had a great team, we had a good race, we created movement, we were where we needed to be.”  

Alaphilippe was part of the French team, which was consistently aggressive throughout the race. They failed to benefit from their attacking strategy despite having the numbers, instead having in the peloton their main weapons towards the end of the race as a large group went up the road to fight for the win.

“It wasn’t just anyone in front. It is no coincidence that Remco won. He was very strong and not only today. He had an extraordinary season. I’m very, very happy for him and that the jersey stays in the team," he continued, of course referring to Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl Team. As for Alaphilippe he showed good legs until the final lap, but finished an anonymous 51st place at the finish line.

“For me, it’s a mix of lots of emotions. I had taken the time to imagine myself without a rainbow jersey next week. It’s already rare to have been able to enjoy it for two years, there is a time for everything,” Alaphilippe said. “It will make me appreciate the moments I had with this jersey even more.”

France nevertheless managed to leadout Christophe Laporte into second place, as the Jumbo-Visma rider won the sprint in the peloton after catching the rest of the attack's survivors.