Double World Champion in 2020 and 2021, Julian Alaphilippe has since not been successful in the race for the rainbow jersey. It must be said that the usual member of Soudal Quick-Step has not always approached this meeting in the best conditions. But in this year 2024, on a course well designed for punchers-climbers, the future Tudor runner has perhaps found a level of form which allows him to believe in a great result in Switzerland. Serene and for the moment without stress, it is a Julian Alaphilippe ready to fight who confided in DirectVelo.
DirectVelo: When you are a double World Champion, in what state of mind do you approach this 2024 World Cup in Zurich?
Julian Alaphilippe: It all depends on physical condition. Physically, I’m in great shape. I feel a lot better than at the Olympics, that’s a good thing. I have a lot of desire, I am very relaxed, I have zero pressure. I just feel motivated. I want to give everything and not have any regrets on Sunday evening. I’m just focused on the race, on what I have to do and nothing around.
“PAY ATTENTION TO THE POINTS THAT WE TEND TO FORGET”
What do you think of the circuit around Zurich?
I love the course. We did two rounds. There is everything, it requires all the qualities. You have to be explosive, tough and technical. It requires a lot of energy and concentration, but especially the legs. I think it suits our way of racing, even if we don’t have the best climber. I can’t wait until Sunday.
Is it similar to that of Imola where you obtained your first World Champion title in 2020?
It’s different. In Imola you could easily refer to the wall which was the difficulty of the race. Here, it’s hard almost everywhere. You have to be careful not to compare races. The rain changes things enormously. There are quite a few technical parts. We hope it will be dry on Sunday. You will have to pay more attention to the points that you tend to forget rather than focusing on the bump itself. It will wear out everyone and it can create external movements. It’s going to be a very tough race.
“SUPER COHESION”
How can you beat Tadej Pogacar?
I have in mind my last race against him. I really pushed the red zone. I saw the gap between him and me in Montreal. It kind of gave me confidence because I knew I was getting better and better. With him, it’s hard to say because he is always at an exceptional level. It will certainly be even stronger on Sunday than in Montreal. But it reassured me, I learned some good lessons about how I could manage the days after. I can have a big day and I will have to. I think I have done everything to be in the best conditions. The legs will decide.
You will have a big French team around you…
I’m super happy with the group. As Thomas (Voeckler) said, he built the team with guys who have the characteristics to perform on this type of course. We all get along well. There is great cohesion. We can count on each other. Running collectively will be one of the keys to the race on Sunday. We can achieve a very good result if we give our best. That’s the goal.
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