Julian Alaphilippe spends another day in a breakaway on rainy stage 16: "I have no regrets as I’ve really enjoyed the stage"

If someone deserves a Super Combativity award at this Giro d'Italia after two weeks of racing, there's one big favourite - Julian Alaphilippe. After his stage victory in stage 12, the two-time world champion has found a seemingly bottomless source of energy, continuously throwing himself in breakaways day after day, with hopes of another stage success.

"It was a crazy day, with the route change because of the weather, and the full gas tempo from the start all the way to the finish," said Alaphilippe in a press release by Soudal - Quick-Step. "I rode on my instinct and I can be happy with the way I gave my best."

When the chasing group with Giulio Pellizzari, Cristian Scaroni and Ewen Costiou caught up, the Frenchman didn't stop pushing the pedals, delivering few more extra turns to help the trio hold their advantage over the peloton with maglia rosa Tadej Pogacar in sight.

"Towards the end I was tired, but I kept pushing and believing in my chances. I have no regrets as I’ve really enjoyed the stage," said Alaphilippe. "The shape is good, the atmosphere is great in the team and the confidence is there, so we will keep trying again in the next stages."