This is a new disappointment for Julian Alaphilippe. The French rider fell during the 11th stage of the Tour of Spain this Wednesday, a flat stage without apparent difficulties. Evacuated on a stretcher and hit in the collarbone, the double world champion was forced to put an end to the Vuelta. He was 52nd overall before the start. This could call into question his participation in the World Championships (from September 18 to 25, 2022). It was, however, his big goal at the end of the season with a possible hat-trick…
Julian Alaphilippe fell alone at the exit of a bend. Bad luck seems to be chasing the Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl rider. This retirement is a reflection of his season. If he had planned to relaunch on the roads of Spain after a nightmarish start to the year, it was definitely missed. Evacuated with a splint on his shoulder, he may not be able to resume competition immediately.
Sick at the start of the year, the French runner then chained falls, starting with a sun on the Strade Brianche. He had missed the Tour de France after a huge collective fall during the race in Liège-Bastogne-Liège. The latter had caused him several fractures and had forced him to wait for long weeks. Back on his bike in July, Julian Alaphilippe had caught the Covid on the Tour de Wallonie. After the many troubles that marked his season, the image of his exit from the Vuelta on a stretcher is all the more unfortunate.