Teams & Riders Julian Alaphilippe Discussion Thread

[Koronin]

Re: Re:

It’s actually interesting that there was never a hint of discord or dislike or squabbling between those two when they were teammates, even though they were very obviously direct rivals. I suppose it’s easier for the second and third best puncheurs in the world to get along if they have to do so to improve their chance against the number one.

Good point, because they seemed to work well together. Of course even working well together they still couldn't be the top puncheur in the world.

 

[Netserk]

It helps that they were never at the pointy end of a classic together other than one edition of Flèche.

 

[can3478]

Re:

It helps that they were never at the pointy end of a classic together other than one edition of Flèche.

Martin came over to QS for 2 seasons - 2016 & 2017

For 2016 seasons, Martin & Alaphilippe rode together in all major races, including Fleche Wallonne, LBL, Dauphine, TDF and Il Lombardia.

For 2017, they rode Paris-Nice together then Alaphilippe had a knee injuries and missed more than 3 months of racing. They rode Il Lombardia together at the end of the season.

 

[Velolover2]

Looking forward to the Côte de la Colle-sur-Loup stage. In this case, I actually wish it was a hill top finish since you have all the best punchers except the greatest one in action.

Alaphilippe, Martin, Henao, Poels, Teuns, Wellens, Vuillermoz and Gallopin. It's gonna be good.

 

[Alexandre B.]

It's a pity his tactical sense doesn't match his strength.

 

[SafeBet]

Re:

It's a pity his tactical sense doesn't match his strength.

He will learn. Sometimes he gives me flashes of the early version of Paolo Bettini.

 

[Krokro]

I prefere seing him having fun and attacking rather than being a boring rider. Today was not really a tactical mistake Imo. He was just stronger and the main group could not even collaborate properly. Seing how it unfolded, I don't think he is to blame. Plus he did not lose any time, so it's fine.

 

[Netserk]

He didn't pick any of the bonus seconds on top of the climb, nor did he get time on the finish line, and he didn't take any time on Poels despite his mechanical, while he used plenty of energy and lost substantial time to Lulu. He pretty much failed as much as possible.

 

[Krokro]

Not sure about that. The group would have never allowed him to have a significant gap.
Then, if you compare it to Sanchez, the main contenders failed as much as possible. It was just a weird finish, no teammate for him to pull when Astana where 3. I dont see any failure from him than anyone else. Di Gregorio and Hivert have been trully allowed while Sanchez did a Sanchez. Bala could have never hold alone in that finish.

 

[Jagartrott]

Wellens said that he was not able to pull as Alaphilippe was so strong and also because he switched the tempo too much. I think if he raced differently (also waiting a bit with the attack), that he would've ended up with a select, interesting group of 8-10 riders who actually would have collaborated.

 

[Valv.Piti]

No matter what, you gotta love this kid. Brian Holm often laughs about Julian when he describes him, he cannot tolerate not doing anything, can't chill at all, and the type who loves the monster training rides. That probably also explains his superb performances in races like L-B-L, San Remo and the Olympics.

 

[Krokro]

Re:

Wellens said that he was not able to pull as Alaphilippe was so strong and also because he switched the tempo too much. I think if he raced differently (also waiting a bit with the attack), that he would've ended up with a select, interesting group of 8-10 riders who actually would have collaborated.

Well, explained like this, it makes sense. Given Wellens had some juice and that the group would've cooperated. But yeah I can admit this.

 

[Koronin]

I like Alaphilippe. He still in many ways reminds me of a young Valverde. Yes, he's more willing to attack and try things and he's not yet a GT GC rider (and may never be), but he is fun to watch and he seems to be having fun which is important.

 

[Blanco]

Re:

Not sure about that. The group would have never allowed him to have a significant gap.
Then, if you compare it to Sanchez, the main contenders failed as much as possible. It was just a weird finish, no teammate for him to pull when Astana where 3. I dont see any failure from him than anyone else. Di Gregorio and Hivert have been trully allowed while Sanchez did a Sanchez. Bala could have never hold alone in that finish.

I'm with Netserk on this. He needs to take every second he can, if he wants to win this race. He made not one mistake, but couple of them. First, he split the peloton to pieces and by doing that he stayed without teammates who could control things for him after the climb. Second, he didn't take bonus seconds on top of the climb, in spite the fact that he was strongest on that hill, and theoretically he should be the fastest. Third, he let danger man LL to got away, although this mistake was causally connected with the first one, he had no teammates to control and Astana had the numbers to make carnage. And fourth, which is connected with 1st and 3rd, he didn't contest for the bonus at the finish, which should've been his major task for this stage. So while I agree he was impressively strong today, he needs to be lot smarter in order to contest for the win here.

 

[Netserk]

And while Astana had numbers, only Lulu is a danger for the GC. It really wouldn't have been too hard in a calmer scenario to make sure that he wouldn't get away.

 

[Krokro]

I reckon you are quite right. Especially on the fact that it might be his attack that caused mayhem that indeed allowed Astana to get the most of this scenario.

 

[Tonton]

Re: Julian Alaphilippe

Guys...you can't criticize riders for calculating too much and criticize riders when they gamble. Had he won, genius. But truth be told, for attackers, things backfire more often than not. He knows from past expperiences that he can lose late in the race, so why not try something, high risk, high rewards? I like that FWIW.

 

[Netserk]

I'm not complaining, it was great to watch. Doesn't change that it was badly ridden.

 

[Tonton]

Re:

I'm not complaining, it was great to watch. Doesn't change that it was badly ridden.

That's why we like him, or Nibali for that matter...Nibali who blew himself up on the Blockhaus. Badly ridden is what is said when the gamble fails. Afterwards. But if you win, you're the Kasparov on wheels...

 

[Netserk]

Lol, it's not about bravery or risk, it's simply the way it was carried out that was plainly bad. But please tell me a probable scenario of how it could have worked out with a bit more luck (and perhaps even better legs).

 

[Tonton]

Re:

Lol, it's not about bravery or risk, it's simply the way it was carried out that was plainly bad. But please tell me a probable scenario of how it could have worked out with a bit more luck (and perhaps even better legs).

It looks like you're ready for the TdF Netserk . You'll be served with the wannabe attackers, the sushimi of cycling, the fakes who talk big and ride small.

 

[can3478]

Re:

Lol, it's not about bravery or risk, it's simply the way it was carried out that was plainly bad. But please tell me a probable scenario of how it could have worked out with a bit more luck (and perhaps even better legs).

One scenario maybe Alaphilippe should have waited for additional 2 kms before he goes on an attack, that way, he will able to collect bonus seconds at the intermediate sprint. Then he can catch his breath and rest his legs a bit on the decent.

Another scenario is that if Wellens had better legs, things may work out.

I think the problem today is Alaphilippe feeling good riding on home roads, he attacked too early.

 

[Alexandre B.]

He didn’t have enough power but the worse is that he used what he had left in him very poorly.

 

[Breh]

Nah, he's just not suited to long climbs.

He'll win in the Ardennes this year.

 

[Alexandre B.]