Harrogate (United Kingdom) (AFP)
At D-2, Julian Alaphilippe and the other riders of the French team arrived Friday night in Yorkshire where will be held Sunday the elite race of the World Cycling, of which the French is one of the favorites.
"I'm not the favorite number one, I'm among the names mentioned," corrected the hero of the last Tour de France, at a press point held in the evening.
Like the French, other top runners, such as Peter Sagan, have made the choice to join the competition site late.
Alaphilippe said he made a long outing last weekend, "7:15 bike", before following a light menu in the week.
"I feel good, I'm quiet, confident," repeated the French that we feel somewhat worried about the weather forecast announcing bad weather for Sunday even if "it's the same for everyone."
"I'm not a big fan of extreme conditions," said Alaphilippe. For the rest, the Bourbonnais, who has won 12 races since the beginning of the season, said he felt "less tired than last year at the same time".
Asked about the possible scenario, he remained evasive: "It is useless (to talk about it) We know the riders, the teams to beat, it's up to us to run smart."
"The course seems simple but it is extremely complicated," said for his part the new coach Thomas Voeckler, who built his group around Alaphilippe.
Voeckler has entrusted Tony Gallopin with the role of road captain in a 285-kilometer race that runs without heads, unlike the WorldTour races.
"The riders are not all trained to 300 kilometers," said the new coach, as to emphasize that everyone will have his role in the team of France.
"There is no plan B," added Voeckler, putting everything on his leader: "I want him to be in a chair, as relaxed as possible until the decisive moment. 'do not want to say it, it's him who's our best chance for the rainbow jersey. "
"It's true that he does not like the cold, but rain is not a problem: he's even one of the best riders to take the turns in the rain," added the manager. French team.
© 2019 AFP