Back to beloved territory: Julian Alaphilippe’s big ambitions for 2026

When we saw Alaphilippe at Tudor’s training camp a year ago, it still felt a little strange. “Loulou” in Soudal Quick-Step colours had become such a familiar sight. But after all those seasons with The Wolfpack, Alaphilippe felt it was time for one last new adventure — one more attempt to reinvent himself, and see what that might still bring.

In his first year, Alaphilippe certainly did not perform badly. He showed himself in the hilly classics, finished fifth overall at the Tour de Suisse, and at the Tour de France he boldly went in search of a stage win among the big names during the opening weekend. After a third place at the Tour of Britain, he ended the autumn in style with victory at the Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec — and a third place at Tre Valli Varesine as well.

So: another big scalp. “I can say I’m very happy with last season,” Alaphilippe said in January to various media, including IDLProcycling.com. “I was new to the team, but I enjoyed all the changes. Personally, I was sometimes disappointed by setbacks at important moments in the season, but overall I’m happy that I was really able to race again.”

That is exactly why he joined Tudor. The Swiss squad made a strong impression on the Frenchman. “As a team we achieved more than we expected. All the work behind the scenes — performance, the way the riders are treated… the base of the team is very strong and well organised. And I also get freedom in the way I race; that was one of the reasons why I’m continuing.”

Alaphilippe called that freedom “a privilege”. At his new team he has quickly found his place. “I feel more comfortable now. Last year there were still lots of people I had never met before, and now that’s much easier. I’m also happy that I can help the team. I’m a positive person, I like helping people and I like sharing my experiences. I do it with pleasure.”

Even in 2026, though, it is still all about performing for Alaphilippe. “I will ride a more classic programme, with more focus on the Ardennes. I’ll start in the Algarve, I’ll return to Strade Bianche, and I’ll do Tirreno-Adriatico through to Milan–San Remo in Italy. After that I’ll head towards the Ardennes. Normally I’ll also do the Tour de France, but that’s still a long way off.”

So Strade Bianche returns to his calendar — a race he won back in 2019, and one that sits high on his priority list. “I have always loved Strade Bianche because the gravel sectors make it unique. There’s a special atmosphere and you really have to be in top shape; otherwise you have nothing to say. You also need luck, because so many things can happen.”

“It’s one of the most beautiful races in the world,” he continued. “You arrive in Siena with so much pain and completely exhausted. It’s a horrible finale, truly hell. But it’s also so beautiful. On the Piazza del Campo, you’ll enjoy it.” Then: “If I can start Strade Bianche in top form, I’ll be very happy. It will be important to be good for the Italian block and the Ardennes.”

After the spring and the Tour, the World Championships in Montréal are also on Alaphilippe’s wish list. He is under contract with Tudor through 2027 — and after that? “I’m clearly at the end of my career. I have less time ahead of me than behind me. Motivation has never been a problem for me, but I do enjoy it more now.”

Still, he insists he has “grit” left. “Otherwise I wouldn’t work so hard for all the goals that are coming. If you still have that fire inside you, that’s a good sign. Stopping? Only when your contract ends can you decide whether you want to continue, and whether the team also thinks you still add value. At the moment I’m not thinking about continuing or not, because I’m motivated for 2026 and 2027.”

Bram van der Ploeg ( X: @BvdPloegg | email : [email protected])