Julian Alaphilippe apologises for dangerous sprint and says it wasn’t deliberate
The world champion was relegated by commissaires after the finish of Liège-Bastogne-Liège


Julian Alaphilippe has apologised to his rivals after his dangerous sprint in the final of Liège-Bastogne-Liège.
The newly-crowned world champion suffered a disaster finish to the Belgian Monument when he almost caused a crash when launching his sprint, and then lost the race by celebrating too early.
Alaphilippe has apologised to Marc Hirschi (Sunweb) and Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates), who were forced to swerve to avoid the Deceuninck - Quick-Step rider, and added that the move wasn’t deliberate.
The 28-year-old said: “I felt good today, wanted to do a nice race and had a very strong team around me, who did a great job, protecting me the entire day. Then I attacked on the steepest part of Roche-aux-Faucons, made a selection there and opened a gap together with the other guys. We worked well together, kept our advantage over the chasers and I felt confident going into the final kilometre."
He added: “I started my sprint at 200 meters to go, but then I made that mistake, for which I take full responsibility. I am aware that my swerve caused a problem to the other riders and I apologise for that, but I want to underline that I didn’t do it on purpose. I accept the jury’s decision and all I can do now is focus on the next races.”
After the dangerous move, Alaphilippe was clear at the front of the race and raised his hands in anticipation of his victory, oblivious to the fact that Primož Roglič (Jumbo-Visma) was continuing to surge from behind. Roglič then passed Alaphilippe right at the line, denying the Frenchman the win.
>>> Peter Sagan gets lost after Giro d’Italia stage and is towed to hotel by fans
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
After the finish, the race commissiares then announced that Alaphilippe had been relegated to last place in the lead group, stripping him of his podium place and putting him in fifth instead.
Hirschi was promoted to second place, with Pogačar third.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Alex Ballinger is editor of BikeBiz magazine, the leading publication for the UK cycle industry, and is the former digital news editor for CyclingWeekly.com. After gaining experience in local newsrooms, national newspapers and in digital journalism, Alex found his calling in cycling, first as a reporter, then as news editor responsible for Cycling Weekly's online news output, and now as the editor of BikeBiz. Since pro cycling first captured his heart during the 2010 Tour de France (specifically the Contador-Schleck battle) Alex covered three Tours de France, multiple editions of the Tour of Britain, and the World Championships, while both writing and video presenting for Cycling Weekly. He also specialises in fitness writing, often throwing himself into the deep end to help readers improve their own power numbers. Away from the desk, Alex can be found racing time trials, riding BMX and mountain bikes, or exploring off-road on his gravel bike. He’s also an avid gamer, and can usually be found buried in an eclectic selection of books.
-
Lidl-Trek, EF Education-EasyPost among first teams to seize ‘the only chance to race in the United States’
With a world-class field of competitors, organisers hope to showcase professional cycling to American spectators and reignite fan interest
By Anne-Marije Rook Published
-
'This sucks': Brixton Cycles closes its doors after 42 years
Iconic London shop announces closure after premises listed on property site
By James Shrubsall Published
-
Tom Pidcock’s Q36.5 receive Giro d’Italia wildcard invite along with Tudor Pro Cycling
Team Polti Visit Malta and VF Group BardianiCSF - Faizane also receive invitations from RCS
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
No Paris-Roubaix or Tour of Flanders for Tom Pidcock as he confirms spring calendar
AlUla Tour winner set to ride Strade Bianche and Milan-San Remo for Q36.5
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Tom Pidcock to go head-to-head with Remco Evenepoel at upcoming Tour of Britain Men
Pidcock to ride six-day race for Ineos Grenadiers
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Remco Evenepoel and Julian Alaphilippe confirmed for Tour of Britain Men
Double Olympic champion and Alaphilippe headline Soudal Quick-Step team selection
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
21 things you didn't know about Julian Alaphilippe
From his cyclo-cross beginnings to his favourite film genre
By Tom Davidson Last updated
-
The race within a race and Pogačar domination - 5 things we learned from the second week of the Giro d’Italia
Our takeaways from the second week of racing as Tadej Pogačar masterclass continues
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'I didn't plan it': Julian Alaphilippe bounces back with epic Giro d'Italia win
Giro stage victory in Fano sees former two time road world champion become 108th man to win stages in all three Grand Tours
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Julian Alaphilippe storms to victory on stage 12 of Giro d'Italia as Pogačar keeps overall lead
Alaphilippe wins enthralling stage in Fano after long day in two-man breakaway with Mirco Maestri
By Tom Thewlis Published