Julian Alaphilippe’s long road to the rainbow stripes
https://www.velonews.com/news/road/julian-alaphilippes-long-road-to-the-rainbow-stripes/?fbclid=IwAR1FQskOcLHRzNNvGrEJ5eilLl1UEK6_b-iVLN_6bPDjhp2HX0lU7qUm43M The 28-year-old Alaphilippe has often been a favorite in the race for the rainbow jersey, but until this past weekend, he always came up short. by James Startt I’ve known Julian Alaphilippe since he was still an amateur. And as long as I’ve known him, he has dreamed of becoming a world champion . It has always been a dream based in reality. After all, Alaphilippe is a punchy climber with a strong finishing sprint . In short, he is the ideal rider for a race like the world championships . While the 28-year old has often been a favorite in the race for the rainbow jersey, until this past weekend, he always came up short. From the first time I met Alaphilippe at the Tour de l’Avenir in 2013, one thing was instantly clear—he is a brilliant bike racer . Already it was obvious that he was one of the world’s best descenders, and even as