It is a mini-controversy which quickly mounted on Sunday evening, stirred up unwillingly by Julian Alaphilippe.
The Frenchman, author of a memorable number to keep his world title on the Flandrian roads, had been a little teased by the Belgian public, until he almost received a jet of beer on the bike a few meters from the finish , after a few boos on the course.
"They didn't necessarily have very kind words"
“There were a lot of supporters who were for Belgium and Van Aert, who asked me to slow down in the final, the rider of the Deceuninck-Quick Step had smiled yellow, at the microphone of France Télévisions, after the fact. not necessarily very kind words, I thank them for making me want to ride even harder ”.
Words immediately qualified by his coach Thomas Voeckler in the mixed zone with our colleagues from the Parisian.
Julian Alaphilippe and the Belgian public are not angry: the new world champion took advantage of the podium to achieve a clapping with the crowd.
# Flanders2021pic.twitter.com / iUbh32pvjc
- The Gruppetto (@LeGruppetto) September 26, 2021
“Julian told me he had a message.
He thanks the Belgian public who have known him since the start of his career.
Although he logically encouraged van Aert, he also applauded him.
It is important that you know that ”.
We are reassured, especially since the images of the world champion in the process of ordering a clapping of thunder on the podium of Louvain have filtered through in front of a Grand-place stuffed with people and conquered by the scenario.
It's much better that way.
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