"I don't consider myself a favourite" - Julian Alaphilippe cool on gold medal hopes ahead of Paris Olympic road race

Across almost all sports, the French have been performing above themselves so far at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, fired on by the vociferous and passionate support of a home crowd. Heading into the men's road race, all eyes will be on the darling of French cycling, Julian Alaphilippe.

"My preparation was ideal," an excited Alaphilippe previews of this Saturday, August 3rd's battle for Olympic gold, in conversation with L'Equipe. "I had a different approach to those of my three colleagues (Valentin Madouas, Christophe Laporte and Kevin Vauquelin ed.) since I did not do the Tour de France, I do not know if it will be the right one but from my point of view, I did the maximum."

Indeed, in preparation for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games road race, Alaphilippe took the unconventional route of the Tour of Slovakia and the Czech Tour, winning a stage of both races. "I feel good, motivated," the 32-year-old, two time World Championship winner continues his preview of the gold medal race. "I don't consider myself a favourite but to tell the truth, I don't think about that, I don't think about where I stand in relation to the others."

"I'm here to give my all for the French team. It's a goal that's close to my heart," Alaphilippe concludes determinedly. "The Games can't be just any goal. We've seen for years that the Games are an increasingly important goal, with an increasingly high level. I had chosen to give up my place in Tokyo (in 2021) for the birth of my son. At the time, I said that I already hoped to be in Paris. It's been in my head for a while and I've been preparing for it. Everyone will have an extra boost because it's the Games. It will be a unique moment."