"It was not possible to follow Tadej" - Julian Alaphilippe satisfied with his third place in Montreal

Stage at the Giro, runner-up at Clasica San Sebastian and now another WorldTour podium finish at the GP Montreal on Sunday evening. While the shape is still far from ideal, we're finally seeing glimpses of the good old Julian Alaphilippe who was once on top of the feeding chain at the Ardennes classics. Comparing the Worlds in Zurich to them might be a bit disrespectful towards the Swiss organisers, but the Soudal - Quick-Step rider definitely wants to enter his name among favourites for the rainbow jersey.

"It was a difficult day, but we knew it and also with the heat... The day went well, we had Gil Gelders at the front, we had to stay focused in the peloton. In the final, it was up to me to play with Ilan van Wilder too. It was very complicated to follow the tempo of the UAE in the penultimate climb, I gave my all but it was not possible to follow Tadej. Then I refocused and I am happy to be 3rd, it's the first time [on the podium] here," declared Julian Alaphilippe after the race.

The French rider has all the reasons to smile, after the two years of stuggle following his two world titles, he can finally (deservedly) dream about the rainbow jersey in Zurich - even if his opponents Tadej Pogacar and Remco Evenepoel might be still in a league of their own.

Asked about the World championships, Alaphilippe believes that there's no reason to not be selected: "Yes, I am super motivated for the World Championships in Zurich, I hope it will be a great world championship for the French team. I am waiting for my official selection, but yes, it is in the back of my mind. I am motivated to go there, motivated to represent the French team, I am very happy with my feelings at the moment and it is a good sign for the end of the season."