“Winning is something else and I can't wait” – Alaphilippe believes the best is yet to come with strong Tour de Suisse showing

Julian Alaphilippe is riding with a freedom and flair that fans have longed to see. After several seasons where crashes, illness and inconsistency muted his trademark aggression, the Tudor Pro Cycling Team rider is delivering his most convincing performance of 2025 so far at the Tour de Suisse.

On a decisive mountain stage, Alaphilippe lit up the race with 4km to go, attacking from the favourites’ group in a bid to find his own rhythm. “I was true to myself, I felt good and I wanted to accelerate to find my tempo but I quickly reached the limit,” he told Cyclism’Actu. “After that, I just couldn't wait to get to the top.”

He eventually finished seventh on the stage, 1 minute 22 behind winner Oscar Onley, but that doesn't tell the whole story. With his move, Alaphilippe distanced several GC rivals and now finds himself second overall, just 29 seconds off new leader Kévin Vauquelin. With the Tour de France just over two weeks away, this is very promising.

“We knew it was going to be difficult today and that it was a crucial stage for the general classification,” he reflected. “I'm still happy to have been part of the leading group. I didn't imagine myself in a position to play for the general classification.”

That honesty is typical Alaphilippe: instinctive, opportunistic, but aware of his own limits. And yet, it’s precisely that mindset which has brought him back to the sharp end of a major stage race. “I have a good lead, we have to fight every day, because it's also great for the team. We're doing our best, no regrets,” he said.

His move to Tudor this season raised eyebrows, but in Switzerland, it’s paying off. Surrounded by motivated teammates and perhaps under less pressure than in his Soudal - Quick-Step days, Alaphilippe seems to be thriving. It’s been some time since he spoke of having “good feelings” on a climb. More striking still is his confidence that he might be close to something big, “This is only the first step to get back to the best level, but winning is something else and I can't wait.”