“It Was Not Possible To Follow Tadej” – Julian Alaphilippe Satisfied With His Third Place In Montreal…Read More

Julian Alaphilippe expressed satisfaction with his third-place finish at the 2024 Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal, despite his inability to keep pace with the race’s dominant rider, Tadej Pogačar. The Frenchman, a two-time world champion and renowned for his aggressive racing style, acknowledged that the Slovenian’s performance was simply beyond his reach on the tough, hilly circuit.

Alaphilippe was part of a small group of riders that formed after the decisive attacks in the final kilometers. However, despite his efforts, he was unable to follow Pogačar when the UAE Team Emirates leader launched a decisive move that left the rest of the field in his wake.

“I tried to stay as close as possible,” Alaphilippe said after the race, “but it was not possible to follow Tadej today. He was on another level. It’s disappointing not to win, but at the same time, I’m satisfied with my performance. I felt good and I gave everything, but sometimes, you have to accept that the others are simply stronger.”

Pogačar’s victory was impressive, as he attacked with 20 kilometers to go and gradually built an unassailable lead, demonstrating his exceptional climbing abilities and tactical intelligence. For Alaphilippe, the third-place finish in Montreal marked another solid result following a challenging season, which has seen him struggling with injury setbacks but gradually regaining his top form.

Alaphilippe’s third-place finish also ensured that he maintained his consistency in one-day races, following similar podium performances earlier in the season. The French rider’s tactical awareness and relentless pursuit of the front have made him a perennial contender in races like the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal, and while he was unable to challenge for the win, his resilience was evident in his performance.

With the World Championships approaching, Alaphilippe’s podium finish in Montreal serves as a valuable confidence boost. Despite being overshadowed by Pogačar’s dominance, he remains optimistic about his chances in future races, noting that his form is improving as the season progresses.