Julian Alaphilippe’s season has been marked by a streak of misfortune that has drawn the attention of cycling fans worldwide. After earning the world champion title, the rainbow jersey began its whispered curse chatter among those who wear it or chase it on the roads. Several rivals have tasted success this year, including Peter Sagan and Alejandro Valverde, who claimed victories in 2018 and helped define a very competitive era.
Like many riders, Alaphilippe entered a phase of reflection, choosing a quiet period to replenish strength, ride with patience, and wait for the next contact with the climbs. The plan pointed toward a return on the mountains, with a scheduled stop at Peñas Blancas on a day that sparked anticipation along the Costa del Sol horizon near Estepona.
The Fall of Julian Alaphilippe
World champion forced to leave the race in Spain
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As the peloton pushed toward the finish, with 63 kilometers remaining, the route carried swimmers and spectators alike toward Cabo de Gata, the coastline near Almería, where the race was unfolding for those tracking the event from the sands and sea breeze.
Alaphilippe arrived in Almería by medical transport after a hard impact to his right side. The Vuelta doctors immobilized the arm, forcing him to abandon the race. His exit left Remco Evenepoel, the team leader and protector, in a position to defend against the late attacks of rival groups. Primož Roglič pressed on, intent on a fourth consecutive Vuelta crown, while the team steadied its course in the absence of its key rider.
bad luck
The season’s unfortunate incidents around Alaphilippe have raised concerns among fans and fellow cyclists. Earlier setbacks occurred on courses known for their brutal terrain, such as Strade Bianche, where a dramatic crash overshadowed ambitions and left him to chase better days. In March, Tadej Pogačar secured victory and second place in a defining moment of the year. Alexander Valverde also competed on familiar roads in Murcia, drawing public interest and emphasizing the intense competition peppered throughout the calendar.
Yet the most remembered moment came during Liege-Bastogne-Liege, when a serious accident interrupted the race and later saw a teammate help evacuate a fellow competitor after an on-course fall. The incident underscored the unpredictable risks that shape professional cycling, reminding fans of the fragility and resilience that define this sport.
The accident forced Alaphilippe to abandon what many expected to be a defining campaign, a year when his form had suggested a potential triumph on one of the sport’s grandest stages. Despite the setback, the broader 2019 season had already seen the rider achieving moments of exceptional performance, and the community watched closely for the next opportunity to reclaim momentum.
In the wake of the crash, analysts contemplated the implications for national pride and the ongoing discussions about the rainbow jersey. The episode stood as a stark reminder that every season carries its share of trials, and that perseverance often follows defeat as riders regroup, train smarter, and return to the roads with renewed focus.