"Poulidor is a legend of the Tour" - Julian Alaphilippe pays tribute

Stage 9 of the 2023 Tour de France is absolutely dripping in historical significance with the start town being the home of the late, great Raymond Poulidor.

As such, before the racing began in earnest, many riders have been paying tribute including Soudal - Quick-Step's Julian Alaphilippe. "Poulidor is a legend of the Tour," says the Frenchman to Cyclism'Actu pre-stage. "I had the chance to know him a little and to chat with him at the start of the stages. He is someone who will remain in our memories."

The grandfather of Mathieu van der Poel, there was a big tribute prior to the stage in honour of Poulidor with van der Poel riding today's stage with a specially customed bike, adorned with pictures of his grandfather's biggest wins.

"Before the start of the Tour, I watched a report on the history of the French on the Tour de France, and that allowed me to realize even more the trace that he left behind him," continues Alaphilippe. "He is in our hearts and I'm really happy to have known him."