SAINT-ETIENNE, France — As their country prepares to celebrate Bastille Day, Julian Alaphilippe and Thibaut Pinot were in the mood for fireworks a day in advance at the Tour de France.
The moths have been drawn elsewhere on this Tour de France, attracted by brighter lights elsewhere. The maillot jaune of Julian Alaphilippe and the vivid opening act of Thibaut Pinot have dominated column inches in the home press this past week...
After retaking the yellow jersey after a typically swashbuckling late attack on stage 8 of the Tour de France, Julian Alaphilippe (Deceuninck-QuickStep) was sent on the defensive after being accused...
Through seven stages of the Tour de France, Lotto Soudal had been one of the most active teams in the race. Up to the start of stage 8 in Mâcon, five days in the polka dot jersey for Tim Wellens and three podium places for sprinter Caleb Ewan was the sum of their efforts.
Giulio Ciccone (Trek-Segafredo) lost his Tour de France leader's yellow jersey to Julian Alaphilippe but found consolation in the best young rider's white jersey and the knowledge that he has earned a place in the Tour de France spotlight and has become Italy's most promising young stage racer.
Julien Pinot was the first to be cocooned by microphones and television cameras outside the Groupama-FDJ bus following stage 8 of the Tour de France in Saint-Étienne. Brother and coach of Thibaut Pinot...