‘Julian Has Recovered His Form After Years of Health Struggles” – Alaphilippe Returns to Top Shape for World Championships, Says Thomas Voeckler

“Julian Has Regained His Form” – Alaphilippe Back to His Best Ahead of World Championships, Says Thomas Voeckler

Julian Alaphilippe has rediscovered his top form this season. After battling through years of illness and injury that caused inconsistent performances, the French cyclist is now showing strong results and is seen as a contender for the World Championships title. French national coach Thomas Voeckler is optimistic about the Soudal-Quick-Step rider’s prospects.

“I’m not worried about managing egos. If the riders are here, it’s because I know they’ll work in the interest of the French team,” Voeckler told L’Équipe. Although the French team may not be as dominant on the hilly World Championship course in Zurich as they could be in the Paris Olympics, they bring a solid lineup with Alaphilippe, David Gaudu, Valentin Madouas, Romain Bardet, and Pavel Sivakov. While Tadej Pogacar and Mathieu van der Poel are considered bigger favorites, Voeckler believes that the French team’s strength in numbers can give them a tactical edge and put pressure on their rivals.

“When we reflect on where he is now and compare it to the difficult times he faced after his crash at Liège in 2022, we should all be pleased,” Voeckler said, referencing Alaphilippe’s recovery and recent performance. “He came third in Canada (at the GP de Montréal), and in what style! And he was competitive at the [Olympic] Games.”

Voeckler acknowledged that there were moments when they doubted Alaphilippe would return to his former level, but now he feels confident the two-time World Champion has found his stride once again, albeit with slightly different strengths than during his peak years in 2020 and 2021.