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The first stage of the Grand Boucle delivers its verdict… To kick off the 2021 Tour, we were treated to a magic trick from Alaphilippe. What a performance, Champion!
By Jean-François Tatard – Photo: @A.S.O.
The specialist in explosive efforts was one of the big favorites, he announced it. We announced it. We expected it. But not like this. We didn’t expect such a clear and early attack. A no-holds-barred attack on a climb more than 2 km from the finish, heart in the glove compartment, as if there were no tomorrow. A superhuman effort that reminds us that Julian is a man for big occasions and he never misses them.
The world champion won in Landerneau like a true boss. He attacked in the Fosse-aux-Loups, leaving the world’s elite behind: Van Aert, Roglic, Pogacar, Van der Poel. What magic… Like the demonstrative gesture of the Dutchman Ide Schelling (Bora-Hansgrohe) who spent 160 km in front and took the lead in the mountain classification.
We had everything today! That’s the Tour. All the drama that builds the myth of this fabulous event and that phenomenal emotion at the finish. The first stage of this 108th edition of the Grand Boucle, between Brest and Landerneau, also featured dramatic moments, including two very spectacular crashes.
The Tour is also about tears and crashes. Obviously, the Tour is joy. Julian gave us goosebumps. And in 2 km, he became the most popular man in France. But the Tour is also about drama. Two massive crashes marred this first day. The first because of a spectator’s sign who seemed to have left her brain in the camper van. Tony Martin (Jumbo), on the ground, bringing down more than fifty other riders. The second because of a Movistar rider in the middle of the peloton who took out many big names, including Chris Froome (Israel Start-Up Nation).
Tomorrow, the route continues its journey through the heart of Brittany, with several climbs that should again pose difficulties for pure sprinters, who are used to flatter starts. But in these few lines, we especially wanted to thank this Incredible Julian Alaphilippe!
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