Julian Alaphilippe satisfied with Tour Down Under feedback: "I am happy with what the team is showing, and I felt good myself"

Julian Alaphilippe began the 2024 season with a different challenge, making the trip over to Australia for the Tour Down Under. He comes out of it with good form and solid results, and was in contention for the win once again today on Mount Lofty.

“The motivation was there for the last stage. It was a good day for us, with Gil [Gelders] in the early breakaway. The other guys rode with me all day, until the foot of the last climb. They worked hard. I am happy with what the team is showing, and I felt good myself," Alaphilippe, two times former World Champion, told reporters after the finish line of the hilltop finish.

The leader of Soudal - Quick-Step had a good day at the Old Willunga Hill and began the final stage as a big favourite. However, he was unable to match the pace of the best inside the final 1.5 kilometers as Isaac Del Toro crunched a big gear up the slopes of the ascent. The win was up front, but nevertheless the Frenchman sprinted to sixth on the day - the first out of the chasing group.

“I am confident, especially after this tough weekend. I feel that I am slowly getting back into better shape. I enjoyed this competition and will now go home to prepare for my next goals," he concludes. With this result, he also wraps up the Tour Down Under with a sixth place in the overall classification, promising signs ahead of the spring classics where he will hope to show his best level.