Recovered from Covid-19, Julian Alaphilippe reveals return to racing on familiar roads

Thursday, 04 August 2022 at 10:00

World champion Julian Alaphilippe has had a rough set of months, but he's looking to put those behind as he returns to competition this weekend at the Tour of Leuven - Memorial Jef Scherens.

The Belgian race will be taking place this Sunday in the region of Leuven, where last year Alaphilippe road to his second set of rainbow stripes after an aggressive performance. After recovering from the injuries sustained at this year's Liège-Bastogne-Liège, the Frenchman raced the Tour de Wallonie winning on the opening day, however abandoning before the start of stage three due to a Covid-19 positive.

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With the 30-year old now recovered, he will return to the peloton with the ambition of building his form towards September where he will attempt to take a third title, this time on the roads of Wollongong.

Until then, Alaphilippe is likely to race the Tour de l'Ain this coming week, and although it is not certain yet it is very likely that he will be racing the Vuelta a Espana alongside Remco Evenepoel where he should have plenty opportunities to succeed.

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The World Champion is back 🤟 @alafpolak1 will be this Sunday at the start of the Tour of Leuven, which takes in some of the climbs used at last year’s Worlds, where Loulou triumphed after another masterclass 💥 Photo: @GettySport