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Julian Alaphilippe retirement from professional cycling

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2026-08-23 07:11 UTC → 2026-08-27 12:24 UTC · added ~~removed~~

French professional cyclist Julian Alaphilippe has officially announced his immediate retirement from competitive racing at age 34. Although he had one year remaining on his contract with Tudor Pro Cycling, which was set to run through 2027, Alaphilippe decided to forgo the remaining time to close this chapter of his life. Following a period of struggling to maintain competitive form, Alaphilippe indicated that the 2026 Tour de France served as a turning point. He confirmed his decision via social media, noting that the choice was driven by instinct and made after much reflection. He chose the final stage of the Tour de France, passing through Montmartre and the Champs-Élysées, as the symbolic conclusion to his career. A two-time road world champion (2020, 2021), Alaphilippe’s 17-year career included six Tour de France stage wins, the 2018 mountains classification, and wearing the yellow jersey for a total of 18 days. His major victories also include classics such as Milan-San Remo, Flèche Wallonne, and Strade Bianche. Further details regarding his departure indicate a desire to prioritize family life. His partner, Marion Rousse, noted that his professional obligations previously required him to be away from home for more than 200 days per year. The retirement is expected to allow Alaphilippe to be more present for his son, Nino, born in June 2021, following previous regrets regarding the intense travel and training schedules required by elite cycling. Following the announcement, colleagues and fellow riders, including Mathieu van der Poel, paid tribute to his attacking style and personality. Reflecting on his career, Alaphilippe expressed deep gratitude to his teams, colleagues, and fans, stating, “I gave everything I had, and cycling gave me everything in return.”

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