Julian Alaphilippe counter-attacks but cracks on Montagne du Lure: "I made a small mistake when I tried to follow Quintana"

On the queen stage of the Tour de la Provence Julian Alaphilippe didn't depart as the race leader but did depart as the main favourite to take the overall classification home. The Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl Team leader looked good as he followed the first attack by eventual stage winner Nairo Quintana but ended up cracking and loosing a significant amount of time.

“I think I made a small mistake when I tried to follow Quintana. In hindsight, maybe it would have been better to ride my own tempo and wait some more time before making a move, because in the last kilometers I exploded. Nevertheless, I am still happy, because I tested myself and had fun," Alaphilippe said after the finish.

Only two seconds behind race leader Filippo Ganna, who ended up disqualified after an in-race incident that consequently saw the Italian disqualified, Alaphilippe started the day in second place and as the rider who needed to be attacked. He had Nairo Quintana at thirty seconds at the beginning of the day and realistically it was a gap that could be managed, specially as the Frenchman resisted Quintana's first surge. However he cracked with 3.3 kilometers to go, and subsequently fell down the groups, finishing the stage 47 seconds behind and wrapping up the GC in second place.

"I am satisfied with this week and with my first race of the season. Now I will take some time to recover before lining up for Ardèche and Drôme two weeks from now, where I hope to have some good outings as well," he added. This is only the start of the season for the World champion, he is scheduled to be back to competition in two weeks at the Faun-Ardèche Classic.