Julian Alaphilippe will pull on his world champion’s jersey for the first time this year at the Tour de la Provence. Photo: Tim De Waele/Getty Images
Julian Alaphilippe will pull on his world champion’s jersey for the first time this year at the Tour de la Provence.
The four-day stage race in the south of France will take place from February 11 to 14.
Crowned world champion at Imola, Italy, last September, Alaphilippe has had little opportunity to show off his new rainbow outfit.
The Deceuninck-Quick-Step rider was forced to retire from the Tour of Flanders after a crash that resulted in a fractured right wrist.
Four months later, he will be starting a new season for the first time in his professional career in his native France.
“I’ve never started a season in France, it’s going to be a first, it’s great,” Alaphilippe said.
“I really want to make this rainbow jersey shine and make myself happy.”
Alaphilippe should be able to take advantage of his puncher qualities at the opening stage ending in Six-Fours-les-Plages on Thursday and Manosque on Friday, but the queen stage will take place on the slopes of Mont Ventoux on Saturday, with a finish at chalet Reynard – 14.6km at 7.6 percent – where Nairo Quintana carved out his success last year.
The Colombian is not back to defend his title, but his compatriot Egan Bernal is a late addition to the field and the Ineos rider will start as favourite.
