Liège (Belgium) (AFP)
The French Julian Alaphilippe, second in Liège-Bastogne-Liège, conceded Sunday to have been beaten by "a phenomenon", the Slovenian Tadej Pogacar, winner of the Dean of the classics.
The world champion, however, drew up a "very positive" assessment of his first part of the season.
Q: Like last year, you are coming very close to victory.
What to be frustrated with?
A: "Not at all. My feeling is even very positive. Being on the podium in Liège is always a special feeling. I think I really had a good race. As did the whole team. . In the end, it was the legs that made the difference. We went out on the pedal. We all (the five attackers, editor's note) collaborated well. I was keen not to let anyone go. maximum to manage my sprint as well as possible. I don't think I made a mistake. Tadej Pogacar managed his sprint really well. He had the right timing. He had the power: congratulations to him. I have no regrets ".
Q: What is your assessment of your first part of the season?
A: "I am very happy. I won the Flèche on Wednesday in a good way. I finished second in Liège. I can be satisfied with my spring while thinking about the second part of the season while remaining on good feelings".
Q: Do you think you fell harder than yourself this Sunday?
A: On this sprint, yes, clearly.
Tadej Pogacar (22 years old, editor's note) is a phenomenon.
Everyone knows his results for the last few years.
Since arriving at the professional level, he has immediately performed well, from his first races.
A podium (at the Vuelta) from his first big lap.
The Tour de France last year.
And many other races.
He is always present in great moments.
And today, he has done really well.
Hats off to him ".
Interview by Benoît NOËL
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