Deceuninck – Quick-Step’s rider takes home the prestigious prize for the third consecutive year.
Julian Alaphilippe received the Velo d’Or Français, which rewards the best French cyclist of the year, the cherry on the top of another memorable season for the World Champion. The 29-year-old from Saint-Amand-Montrond started the campaign with the rainbow jersey on his shoulders, and took three wins in the first six months of the season: a Tirreno-Adriatico stage in Chiusdino, Flèche Wallonne and the opening stage of Le Tour.
But his finest moment of 2021 came in late September, when Alaphilippe successfully defended his world title in Leuven after sailing away from the rest of the field with one of his trademark attacks inside the final 20 kilometers of the race. It was a resounding success that sent him straight into the history books, as the first ever Frenchman to win the race in back-to-back years.
“I am really happy and I want to thank everyone who voted for me. I had a good season, a special one, as I got to discover what it means to race in the rainbow jersey – in my opinion, the most beautiful in the entire world. Every time I put it on, I tried to do my best, and I am excited at the thought that I will continue to wear it for another twelve months. This makes me even more motivated for next year and the goals I have”, said Julian.
Photo credit: ©Chris Graythen / Getty Images
