‘Grateful’ former world champion Alaphilippe retires from cycling

French cyclist Julian Alaphilippe announced his retirement from professional cycling on Friday after completing the 2024 Tour de France. The 34-year-old finished the race in 125th place overall. Alaphilippe, who won the rainbow jersey in 2020 and 2021, had a contract with his Tudor team until 2027. He described feeling immense gratitude for the people he met and the achievements he made throughout his career.

Alaphilippe claimed six stages during his home Grand Tour and won the Milan-San Remo in 2019. He also secured two consecutive world championship titles in 2020 and 2021. Despite a few major crashes, including one during the Liege-Bastogne-Liege in 2022, Alaphilippe's career was marked by his flair, smile, and class. The Tour de France and Vuelta a Espana paid tributes to the former Quick Step rider, while his teams expressed their appreciation for his contributions.