Axel May / Photo credit: ERIC LALMAND / Belga / AFP 06:24, April 19, 2023, modified at 06:25, April 19, 2023

La Flèche Wallonne, one of the major cycling races on the calendar, takes place this Wednesday in Belgium. It took place without the three-time French winner of the event, Julian Alaphilippe, who had a complicated start to the season. Marion Rousse, companion of the French cyclist, believes that fate is harsh on him.

Alaphilippe the victor became Julian the convalescent. His year 2022 was marked by a serious crash in Liège-Bastogne-Liège, illnesses and a poor record for a rider of his calibre: two successes in one year on the Tour de Wallonie and the Tour of the Basque Country.

Unfortunately, 2023 started on the same basis for him. An inflammation of the knee deprives him this Wednesday of the Flèche Wallonne, the race that has been the most successful for him (winner in 2018, 2019 and 2021). Director of the women's Tour de France and companion of the French cyclist, Marion Rousse believes that fate is falling on him. "I think there are quite a few who would have been disillusioned. He stays focused, serious all the time."

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Fall, get up, and keep going

Marion Rousse, also known for her role as a TV consultant, praises her strength of character: "That's what's a bit hard. On every goal, he can't be 100% because he always has misfortunes. But he impresses me more right now by coming back every time than when he wins 10 races a year."

Julian Alaphilippe should nevertheless be at the start of Liège-Bastogne-Liège on Sunday, where last year he was the victim of a very big crash depriving him of the Tour de France. This summer, his participation in the Grande Boucle seems certain, but his team, led by the Belgian Patrick Lefevere, continues to put pressure on Alaphilippe, believing that his results are no longer up to his salary as champion.