Julian Alaphilippe (Deceuninck – Quick-Step) has become just the second Frenchman in history (and the first in 24 years) to receive the Velo d’Or Mondial, the award created in 1992 by the French cycling magazine Vélo Magazine and given annually to the rider considered to have performed the best over the year.
In 2019, he won 12 races, from Strade Bianche, Milano-Sanremo and Flèche Wallonne in the spring to a pair of stages at the 106th Tour de France. But perhaps his most impressive feat of the year was keeping hold of the yellow jersey for a full two weeks and giving hope to the French nation that a long-awaited home win in the Tour was possible.
Alaphilippe was also named International Flandrien of the Year a couple of weeks ago – the first Frenchman recipient of this award – in recognition of his outstanding season, to which he now added both the Velo d’Or Français and Mondial after receiving the most votes from the international journalists.
“I am very happy with the incredible season I’ve had and to receive the Velo d’Or is a beautiful way to conclude this amazing year,” said Alaphilippe.
“I want to thank those who voted for me and decided that I should receive this trophy, it’s a great honour. It was an unforgettable campaign, with many beautiful moments – from winning my first Monument in March to wearing the yellow jersey for 14 days – which wouldn’t have been possible without my extraordinary squad.”
