Soudal Quick-Step’s rider will get his 11th pro season underway in just six weeks.
Two-time World Champion Julian Alaphilippe will make his first appearance of 2024 in January, at the most important race of Australia, the Tour Down Under, which will take place between 16-21 January. The only Frenchman in history to have won back-to-back rainbow jerseys on the road, the 31-year-old Alaphilippe has previously raced the Tour Down Under once, back in 2014, in his first pro season with the team.
The 24th edition of the event where Soudal Quick-Step has won the general classification once and a total of six stages will be preceded by the Down Under Classic. Three days later, the peloton will embark on an 800km journey – which is set to feature the famous Willunga Hill finish – from Tanunda to Mount Lofty, where the race will eventually conclude.
“I’m very happy to start my season in the Tour Down Under. I remember doing my first race with the team there ten years ago, when I was just a neo-pro. I have many nice memories about the race, the incredible fans and the great weather, and I look forward to returning at the start and meeting again our many supporters there”, said Julian, whose last appearance in Australia came in 2022, at the World Championships.
Photo credit: ©Tim De Waele / Getty Images
Julian Alaphilippe