"Give it my all and have no regrets afterwards" - Simple plan for Julian Alaphilippe on opening Giro day as he looks to match Tadej Pogacar

In his prime, Julian Alaphilippe would find an ideal day on stage 1 of the 2024 Giro d'Italia. The final ascent is 1.5 kilometers at almost 9%, a perfect effort for the former World Champion's abilities. However, nowadays it is a much more difficult task to succeed, but he looks to take the pink jersey in a day where Tadej Pogacar is the man to beat.

“I kept it simple and old school. No altitude training, but hard training and racing. I rode Romandie to have some big efforts in the legs," Alaphilippe said in a pre-race press conference. "I was not yet exceptional there, but I felt myself getting stronger every day. I am in good shape."

Hence, the Soudal - Quick-Step rider enters the Corsa Rosa with good form, but strong rivals. Tim Merlier headlines the team's ambitions eyeing the sprints, but Alaphilippe has the companionship of Mauri Vansevenenant; the duo can do quite well in the hilly days and the finale in Torino is certainly a priority.

“What chance do I have in the first stage? Hard to say. You have to be strong and explosive at the same time," he is aware. "Then I have a chance. I definitely want to try, give it my all and have no regrets afterwards. It is a great goal to join the club of riders who could win a stage in every Grand Tour.”