JULIAN ALAPHILIPPE OUT OF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS AFTER EARLY CRASH ….

Julian Alaphilippe’s hopes of reclaiming the rainbow jersey at the 2024 UCI Road World Championships came to a premature end after an early crash forced him out of the race. The Frenchman, a two-time World Champion in 2020 and 2021, had been among the favorites to challenge for the title in Zurich, but his campaign was derailed just 30 kilometers into the race.

Alaphilippe went down in a multi-rider crash on a tricky downhill section, suffering injuries that left him unable to continue. Although he attempted to remount and rejoin the peloton, the pain from his injuries proved too severe, leading him to abandon the race. Medical reports later confirmed that Alaphilippe had sustained bruising to his ribs and a mild concussion, ruling him out of action for several weeks.

This marks a disappointing end to what has been a difficult season for Alaphilippe. The French rider has struggled with injuries and inconsistent form throughout 2024, making this World Championship another unfortunate setback in a year that has lacked the brilliance of his earlier seasons.

Despite his exit, the race continued at a blistering pace, with riders like Tadej Pogačar, Wout van Aert, and Remco Evenepoel emerging as the key contenders for the title. Alaphilippe’s absence removed one of the most aggressive and unpredictable forces from the race, leaving the French team to regroup without their star leader.

Alaphilippe will now focus on recovery and returning to full fitness for the 2025 season, hoping to regain his best form and once again challenge for the top prizes in the sport. His early exit will be felt by fans and teammates alike, as the charismatic rider’s attacking style is always a highlight in major races.