French cyclist Julian Alaphilippe has officially confirmed his retirement from professional road cycling after completing the final stage of the Tour de France.
His decision was initially reported on Thursday evening before the double world champion confirmed the news himself in a statement published on social media on Friday evening.
Alaphilippe wrote on Instagram that he felt a special emotion announcing the end of his sports career. He said that after careful consideration, he was honoured to close this chapter of his life on the Champs-Elysees in Paris, passing through Montmartre during the final stage of the Tour de France.
Spectators lined the streets of Montmartre during the concluding stage of the race to give the French rider an ovation, which marked his final appearance on a racing bicycle.
In his farewell message, Alaphilippe expressed immense gratitude for the people he worked with, met, or encountered throughout his time in the sport. He added that he considered himself fortunate to have achieved several of his dreams and experienced emotions that would remain etched in his memory forever.
Tributes and career achievements
The Frenchman expressed pride in having contributed to numerous team victories throughout his career and in sharing those successes with cycling supporters. He also thanked fans for their continuous support during difficult periods of his career.
Alaphilippe concluded his post by offering a heartfelt thank you to his supporters and noted that he would update them on his future plans in due course.
Alaphilippe built one of the most successful careers in modern French cycling, highlighted by his two world titles at the UCI Road World Championships.
Beyond his world titles, Alaphilippe proved himself as one of the most versatile classic riders of his generation. He won La Fleche Wallonne three times and claimed victories at both Milan-San Remo and Strade Bianche.
Memorable Tour de France performances
French fans will particularly remember Alaphilippe for his performance in the 2019 Tour de France. He held the leader's yellow jersey for 14 days and won two individual stages before finishing fifth overall in Paris.
The Tour de France is cycling's premier grand tour, held annually over three weeks in July. The yellow jersey, known in French as the maillot jaune, is worn by the overall race leader and is one of the most iconic symbols in professional sports.
Milan-San Remo is the longest one-day race in professional cycling and one of the sport's five prestigious Monument classics. Strade Bianche is a famed Italian race known for its gravel roads in Tuscany, while La Fleche Wallonne is a major Belgian classic ending on the steep Mur de Huy climb.
Alaphilippe stated that he will inform his followers about the next stage of his life in upcoming updates on social media.
