First Frenchman in six years to win the climbers’ classification, Julian strengthened his grip on the UCI Individual Ranking.
One of the most consistent riders at the 71st edition of the Critérium du Dauphiné, for many the most important appointment before the Tour de France, Julian Alaphilippe continued to be a prominent figure also on the last day. Stage 8, that took the bunch from Clusas to Champéry, just over the border in Switzerland, where the race returned after a five-year absence, was 113.5 kilometers in length and dotted with seven ranked climbs.
Knowing that his victory in the KOM standings wasn’t mathematically assured, Julian went into the breakaway for the third day running as part of a 12-man group and crested in the lead the first four ascents: Côte de Châtillon-sur-Cluses, Côte de Rond, Montée des Gets and Col du Corbier. Even with the large chunk of points obtained making him the virtual winner of the jersey, Alaphilippe didn’t stop and continued to contribute to the front group, swapping turns with the others, despite their margin rapidly coming down on Côte des Rives.
A sudden acceleration spat riders out of the group, as Jack Haig (Mitchelton-Scott) and Dylan van Baarle (Team Ineos) slipped clear and quickly built a 20-second gap. That was the cue for Alaphilippe to kick out one kilometer from the top and start a pursuit of the duo, but on Montée de Champéry he ran out of steam and was reabsorbed by the first chasing group, from where he finished seventh.
The KOM jersey he secured thanks to his aggressive tactics and tenacity was another important notch that Julian added to his incredible 2019 roll of achievements – alongside Milano-Sanremo, Strade Bianche, and Flèche Wallonne – thus extending his lead at the top of the UCI Individual Classification.
“It’s been a hard race, but I’m very satisfied with my week of racing, which I end with a stage victory and the polka-dot jersey. I enjoyed wearing this special jersey and this motivated me to go in the front again today. After securing the KOM, I tried to go for the stage win, but eventually I paid for my efforts of going on the offensive on three consecutive days. I’m happy and satisfied with my form, and now I look forward to recovering before the Tour de France”, said the first rider in over two decades to hold the KOM titles at both the Critérium du Dauphiné and Grande Boucle.
Photo credit: ©Tim De Waele/ Getty Images
