Alaphilippe Abandons World Championships Road Race After Early Illness
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - Former double World Champion Julian Alaphilippe abandoned the elite men’s road race at the UCI Road World Championships after 31 kilometres, reportedly due to illness. The Soudal-QuickStep rider’s exit significantly impacts France’s ambitions in the 267-kilometre race.
Alaphilippe, who won rainbow jerseys in 2020 and 2021, was among the pre-race favourites. His departure leaves France relying on riders like Pavel Sivakov, Valentin Paret-Peintre, and young talent Paul seixas.
Several other riders also faced early setbacks. Sam Oomen of the Netherlands did not start due to illness, reducing the Dutch team to five riders. A crash at the rear of the peloton took down Ilan van Wilder (Belgium) and Marc Soler (Spain). Van Wilder, a time trial bronze medallist, attempted to continue but ultimately withdrew, while Soler abandoned immediately. Great britain’s Bjoern Koerdt also exited the race following the crash. France further suffered with the withdrawal of Louis Barré 30 kilometres later, for unspecified reasons, and Australia’s Luke Plapp was observed struggling after three hours of racing.
