The 31-year-old, who is making his last appearance before the Giro d’Italia, got off to an impressive start.
The prestigious Swiss race returned to Payerne after seven years, this time not for a road stage but for a prologue held on its twisty streets. The opening day of the 74th Tour de Romandie was a short and explosive one, the 2.2km course comprising a dozen corners, a tricky chicane, an undulating part close to the finish and even some cobbles.
Julian Alaphilippe was one of the few riders to like this demanding route, and the Frenchman – whose palmares features a couple of resounding time trial victories – produced a strong and fast ride that helped him stop the clock in 2:57, just two seconds off Maikel Zijlaard’s (Tudor Pro Cycling) time, who took the win Tuesday afternoon.
Making just his second outing at the Tour de Romandie after the one of 2015, Alaphilippe eventually concluded in third place, scoring his 54th World Tour podium and a result that augurs well for the upcoming stages, the first of which will be the hilly one from Château d’Oex to Fribourg. Julian wasn’t the only Soudal Quick-Step rider to put in a solid effort in Payerne, Ilan Van Wilder – who is targeting a good GC result this week – finishing only four seconds from the winner, in 12th place.
“I am happy to be on the podium of the prologue, it feels good to return to racing and start with such a nice result here. We have a strong team and we hope to take a win, I believe we can do it. I’m looking forward to the next stages and the opportunities we’ll have. It’s an important week before the Giro and I’m really motivated to do my best”, Julian explained.
Photo credit: ©Luc Claessen / Getty Images
