Julian Alaphilippe will not participate in the Tokyo Olympics. – Simon Wilkinson / SWpix.com / Shutterstock / SIPA
That for a surprise… Julian Alaphilippe, reigning world champion, announced Friday on social networks that he would not participate in the Olympic Games in Tokyo next summer. “It’s a personal and well-considered decision. End-of-season objectives have been defined and in this sense choices must be made. I would be very proud to wear the France team jersey for the next world championships ”, wrote the rider of the Deceuninck-Quick Step team on Twitter and Instagram.
(3/3) I obviously wish the best for the team that will be aligned on this occasion.
See you soon !
– Julian Alaphilippe Official (@ alafpolak1) May 14, 2021
Alaphilippe could however legitimately think of the Olympic title. The 230-kilometer route with nearly 5,000 meters of elevation gain – including a final 10.2% average climb located 30 kilometers from the line – suited his puncher qualities perfectly. The France team will have to do without him to try to hang a medal.
This defection is in any case the first among the leading runners. The men’s road race is scheduled for July 24, less than a week after the arrival of the Tour de France in Paris. The Worlds will be organized in September in Flanders, almost two months after the Olympics.