French world champion Julian Alaphilippe will start his 2021 season at the four-day Tour de la Provence on February 11. Photo: Wout Beel
Fans of French cycling star Julian Alaphilippe won’t have to wait much longer to see the current world champion in action.
He will kick off his season at the sixth edition of the Tour de la Provence four-day stage race to be held from February 11 to 14.
Alaphilippe, who won the world champion rainbow jersey in Imola in Italy last year, said that despite still recovering from an injury, he can’t wait to show off the jersey in front of his countrymen.
“Winning in Imola was the best moment of last year for me and getting to wear the rainbow jersey for 12 months gives me huge pride.
“I can’t wait to show it in as many races as possible this season.
“I’m still recovering after my injury at last November’s Ronde van Vlaanderen, but I have made some important steps since then and I am confident it will be better in the coming weeks,” Alaphilippe confirmed.
Riding for the Deceuninck-Quick-Step team, the 28-year-old memorably held the yellow jersey in the 2019 Tour de France all the way up until Stage 19 before finishing fifth overall.
After a cycling season hard hit by Covid-19, 2021 promises to be a big year for Alaphilippe as he takes aim at both the Tour de France and Olympic gold in Tokyo.
