The 28-year-old Frenchman was presented with a special edition Tarmac SL7 before “La Doyenne”.
On Sunday, Julian Alaphilippe will race with Deceuninck – Quick-Step for the first time since soloing to victory at the World Championships in Imola – a win that’s been years in the making and which filled front pages ever since – but before lining out for Liège–Bastogne–Liège, the Frenchman had a special surprise upon returning to the team: a brand new Specialized Tarmac SL7, which he will ride over the next 12 months.
“I was already happy to be back again with my teammates and this great staff, but to have this bike waiting for me was a truly beautiful surprise. It’s a pleasure to receive this gem here at the hotel and know that it will be mine for a whole year, during which I intend to show it at the front of the races as much as possible. It’s really special, I love all those personal touches, and I want to thank Specialized for this, they did an amazing job”, an elated Julian said.
“We’ve achieved so many great victories during our long partnership developing bikes and equipment with Deceuninck – Quick-Step and this one is very special. Seeing Julian dominate on such a varied course with climbs, solo efforts, and attacks truly proved the new Tarmac SL7 is one bike to rule them all. We are so proud of Julian and the entire team and excited to have him racing on this special edition Tarmac SL7 in his new jersey”, said Scott Jackson, Specialized’s Global Sports Marketing Manager.
Photo credit: ©Wout Beel
Video credit: ©La Pédale
Julian Alaphilippe 