Cycling: “Does Alaphilippe still have the desire? Only he knows”

Rodrigo Beenkens, the famous Belgian television commentator, gave an interview to cyclismactu.net. On this occasion, he gave his point of view on the situation of Julian Alaphilippe, and in particular on the possibility of him regaining his best level in the years to come. Analysis.

During an interview given to cyclismactu.net, Rodrigo Beenkensfamous cycling commentator on the RTBFdelivered his analysis on the situation of Julian Alaphilippewho is coming out of a season finally devoid of major physical glitches or big falls, but which did not allow him to find very high level results, despite a victory at the Faun Ardèche Classic, a convincing Dauphiné punctuated by a 10th place in the general and a stage victory, as well as a decent end to the season with a few places of honor in major, difficult and challenging races such as the Quebec GP (9th) and the Montreal GP (12th).

“He brought so much to French cycling”

Beenkens analyzed in particular: “ Can Julian Alaphilippe return to his best level? I hope so, because when we see Alaphilippe who was world champion in Louvain and Imola, he is a magnificent runner in his way of attacking, of running, of achieving his objectives. He brought so much to French cycling. If you take stock of the last 10 years without him… With him, his temperament is innate. It’s perhaps more mental: does he still have the desire and the strength to do it? He alone has the answer ».

“He should be more selfish”

In the process, Beekens believes that the champion deserves a more consistent track record in the great classics: “ He succeeded in his career on the Tour de France, beyond all expectations. But in the Classics… His record on the Monuments is really too little compared to his talent. Everything is a question of choice. Wout Van Aert is somewhat faced with this situation there too. They are champions, they should be more selfish. I don’t think we should ask such runners to serve others “. As Rodrigo Beekensshould we ask the mental question aroundAlaphilippe, knowing that it is true that the Frenchman could have been marked by his very big fall in Liège Bastogne Liège two years ago? It’s hard to say. When we see his warrior behavior at the last Tour de France, where he fought for a stage while knowing he was just a little short of winning, we don’t see someone who has given up. At the same time, if Patrick Lefévèrethe manager of the Soudal-Quickstep, “sting” him so much in the media last year, it was perhaps to provoke a reaction. In any case, one thing appears certain: if Julian Alaphilippe was not put in the best conditions last year with the media barbs from his boss, he was once again reinstalled in a leadership role for the Flandriennes, with a team visibly once again in his support. The double world champion will therefore find the best conditions to return to his top level. Hoping bad luck doesn’t get mixed up.

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