"The Basque Country looks good" - Julian Alaphilippe in search of wins as Vuelta a Espana reaches Spain

Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl Team havein Julian Alaphilippe a weapon for the hilly stages, and the World champion is hoping to have his best form in the first days of the race in the Basque Country as they suit him very well.

“Physically I am not one hundred percent, that is clear," Alaphilippe told Het Nieuwsblad. "But I am growing. I rode the Tour de L'Ain and [Tour of] Leuven with no result in mind – not necessarily good for confidence – but exactly what I needed. In my head I already have a different view: the Vuelta will no longer be racing to improve. I can think about making a race, about performance".

With the ambition in mind, Alaphilippe will now have a big day to test his legs. The finale of today's stage takes place in Laguardia with an ascent of 900 meters at 8.5% average gradient after a hilly day, a perfect fit for the Frenchman who will be one of the main favourites to take the stage win. Remco Evenepoel will be an outsider, however both riders' presence can benefit each other.

“Those rides in the Basque Country certainly have the profile for punchers, but to be very honest: for the time being I have only browsed through the road book. The Basque Country looks good, but there's still a lot to come afterwards," Alaphilippe said. The Vuelta have plenty opportunities for puncheurs such as the 30-year old, and today's will be only the first.