"I didn't do a lot of cycling after the Tour" - Julian Alaphilippe refreshed and ready for the Clasica San Sebastian

Despite riding a very attacking race at the 2023 Tour de France, Julian Alaphilippe was unable to claim the stage win he wanted. After a week off, the refreshed Frenchman returns to racing at the Clasica San Sebastian, alongside Remco Evenepoel.

"We have a very strong team and the objective will be to be in a good situation throughout the day, and especially in the final," Alaphilippe says in his pre-race interview. "We want to have a good race as a team. Remco Evenepoel is very motivated and feels good, and I'll see how the legs are for me. I didn't do a lot of cycling after the Tour, but I recognized the end, it was important to put in some effort."

Evenepoel won last year, going onto the repeat his success at the Vuelta a Espana and the World Championships. This year though, Alaphilippe himself has big goals heading towards Glasgow and the battle for the rainbow jersey.

"In any case, I don't have any stress. I want to have a good race and help Remco as much as possible in the final. I'm very motivated," says the Soudal - Quick-Step man. "I'm very happy to be here and the desire is there."