"Party beast? They didn't understand that you love life to the fullest" - Colleagues pay tribute to retiring Alaphilippe
CyclingSaturday, 22 August 2026 at 09:00
Over his decade-long professional career, Julian Alaphilippe became a feared force on the bicycle, but also a beloved member of the racing peloton. The two-time world champion surprised with a retirement announcement which comes to effect immediately. That means we won't see the 34-year-old in action again.
His palmares speak for itself; 45 professional victories among which are two rainbow jerseys, three titles at La Fleche Wallonne, six Tour de France stages, Milano-Sanremo victory, and many more. And much wasn't missing for the Frenchman to have won the Tour de France in 2019...
Many colleagues from the peloton as well have come forward to pay their tributes to the man who, for a decade, has been the face of French cycling. That includes fellow compatriots Warren Barguil, Lilian Calmejane, or Romain Bardet. But also superstars of cycling world like Mathieu van der Poel and Alejandro Valverde.
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Warren Barguil (34) himself might have got retirement at the back of his mind, and has spent a bit of time (suffering) in the Tour's final mountain stage to Alpe d'Huez as the duo crossed the finish line together: "Thank you for everything. We shared quite a few kilometers on the road, always smiling, friendly, in good spirits and ready to make everyone laugh."
"You have a record that everyone dreams of having," added Barguil. "Those last kilometers on Alpe d'Huez were incredibly emotional... and ultimately, it was your last. You will remain the champion everyone knew, with panache, a strong character, and incredible legs."
Party animal
Lilian Calmejane shared the traditional French "panache" as a fellow fearless attacker, and thus has made some great memories with Alaphilippe over the years: "From your very first days as a pro, you dazzled the entire cycling world with your talent, your class, your smile, your incisive attacks," Calmejane wrote.
"Approachable, cheerful, kind. Some described you as a party animal? They didn't understand that you love life to the fullest, friendships, lightheartedness, and living in the moment."
Alejandro Valverde ranks amongst the best Ardennes specialists in history, and has fought many great battles with Alaphilippe; especially on the mythical Mur de Huy where the two men combine for eight victories. "He was one of my main rivals for many years, with whom I shared the road and the same goals. I wish you all the best."
Final words of praise come from one of the world's best at the moment - Mathieu van der Poel: "You are one of the riders who has inspired me the most. You can be proud of your incredible career."
Ondrej ZhasilCycling Journalist
Ondřej Zhasil is a cycling journalist at CyclingUpToDate and has been part of the team since 2023. He is based in Ostrava, the third-largest city in the Czech Republic, and covers professional cycling across the main UCI competitions, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España. A key focus of his work is startlist analysis and pre-race coverage, where he examines team selections, rider line-ups, and tactical scenarios ahead of major events.
Alongside WorldTour coverage, Ondřej has developed specific expertise in junior cycling and in racing across East Asia, including competitions in China and Japan. He also maintains a broad working knowledge of other disciplines and levels, including cyclocross, while continuing to expand his understanding of mountain bike racing.
Ondřej holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Physics, which supports his analytical, data-driven approach to performance and race analysis. In his reporting, he regularly uses ProCyclingStats for results, statistics, and historical context. He places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available.
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- Visma a transition for sure and its not looking that good or hard to aknowledge i think to say something seem rotten there now. Also they have no money it seems its matters alot. I think Magnus Cort is right and jonas would be better of leaving Visma as things are there nowmiguel22-08-2026
- uae also developed Del toro higher ranked than jonas on rankings now this year. Its very easy to both see and aknowledge something is rotten at Visma with how they decline and all leavnig. Alot of chaos at Vismamiguel22-08-2026
- PogiSloCLOWNMouse barfs out more nonsense!frieders322-08-2026
- You're just a f'in CLOWN ! Mommy shouod take away your keyboard!frieders322-08-2026
- do you really have to ask? read what all riders say, yates quit contract and the boss also mid contract. Its very obvious something is rotten at Visma yes. And not to say the boss has even said they are broke and cant keep up but ur here pretending their buying world class riders? I dont know what more to say to you if you dont get this when its this obvious lolmiguel22-08-2026
- A great career - he was so fun to watch. I remember when the "big 3" was MVDP, WVA, and JA. He fell off quickly after a few big crashes, but was always such a gentleman in interviews and to his fellow cyclists. And he showed real class in the Quick-Step break up.mij22-08-2026
- I hope Gall does well - seems like such a great guy. Mads too.mij22-08-2026
- Tadej is an entity unlike nothing else. one year of his career would be the palmares of an entire TEAM for a DECADE and they would be stoked.mij21-08-2026
- yeah just said the same about WVA, Sepp, etc and your points are good ones. As I said, I think every time but UAE would take the "problems" of Vismamij21-08-2026
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