March 28, 2024

Taylor Daily Press

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Leuven tour: Alaphilippe returns to where he won his second world title |  Cycling

Leuven tour: Alaphilippe returns to where he won his second world title | Cycling

Julian Alaphilippe (Quick Step – Alpha Vinyl) was forced to miss the Tour de France, but was immediately victorious on the opening stage of the Tour de Wallonie.

It was announced he had to leave this stage race due to infection with the coronavirus, but the Leuven-Memorial Jeff Shearns Tour, on Sunday, August 7, was already on his schedule, it was announced today.

“I’m really looking forward to this Leuven Tour – Memorial Jeff Shearns,” says the world champion. “This year hasn’t been the easiest for me so far, but being back on the track where I’m world champion will be very special.”

“September 26 was a very beautiful day. What a crowd by his side and what an unbelievable noise. I will never forget it.”

“It means a lot to me to be able to replay that day’s movie during the Leuven – Memorial Jef Scherens tour,” concludes Alaphilippe.

The Leuven road trip will feel quite familiar to the 30-year-old Frenchman.

Of the 37 slopes riders will have to conquer on August 7, most of the slopes in the Battle of the Rainbow Shirt were already on the list.

The city loop that riders have to complete six times in the final is a replica of the track that featured the World Championship final with four challenging hikes: Keizersberg (5%), Decouxlaan (3.4%), Wijnpers (8.3%), and Sint-Antoniusberg (4.7%). ) which was renamed “Alaphilippe’s hump” after the World Cup.