Joy for French as Alaphilippe claims stage 10
LE GRAND BORNAND, France: Julian Alaphilippe claimed France’s first victory on this year’s Tour de France when he climbed impressively to win yesterday’s 10th stage, a 158.5km ride from Annecy.
Quick-Step rider Alaphilippe crossed the line to an exuberant reception from the French fans at the end of a stage where the main contenders held fire, although last year’s runner-up Rigoberto Uran lost time as he struggled on the last climb.
Belgium’s Greg van Avermaet was part of the breakaway group with Alaphilippe and finished fourth to keep the yellow jersey.
Spain’s Ion Izagirre and Estonian Rein Taaramae finished second and third.
“I did not expect this, it’s incredible,” said the 26-yearold Alaphilippe after his first win on the Tour.
“I think I timed my effort perfectly, I’m improving. I managed to keep control of my emotions. Maybe two years ago I would have attacked too early.”
Colombian Uran, who suffered a crash on the cobbles during Sunday’s ninth stage, finished two minutes and 29 seconds behind the group of main contenders as his podium hopes virtually vanished in the first Alpine stage.
Alaphilippe, one of France’s hottest prospects, went solo on the col de la Colombiere, the last of five categorised climbs, and never looked back. He increased his lead on the final descent to snatch the polka dot jersey for the mountains classification.