Alaphilippe speaks out on sudden retirement at French award gala: ' He saw me in the rainbow jersey, but also on my knees'

Alaphilippe, of course, enjoyed his heyday som years ago. He won two road World Championships in 2020, and 2021. Still, he tried to breathe new life into his career in more recent years.

When that no longer worked out at Soudal Quick-Step, Alaphilippe rode for Tudor in 2025 and 2026. However, by the time he rode the Tour de France that summer, his spark had faded while with the Swiss team.

On Thursday evening, Alaphilippe once again addressed his reasons for retiring so suddenly. “I’m happy to be here with you all, and a little moved. There are so many people I’m seeing again, and when I look at the photos, I’m even happier with my decision. I always wanted to retire at the right time and not keep going for another year too long.”

And so, after the Tour de France, he called it quits. “A lot has already been said about modern cycling, about its evolution, nutrition, and performance. I was enjoying it less and less. I still felt useful to the team, but it was time for a new chapter. I’m happy with what I’ve achieved and feel privileged. I’m grateful and have been lucky to have had a 15-year career.”

Alaphilippe was holding the microphone and had everyone’s attention, but the Frenchman surprisingly turned the spotlight on someone in the audience: his cousin and former coach, Franck. “He was my coach from the very first moment I got on a bike. He doesn’t like the spotlight, but it’s partly thanks to him that I’ve achieved all of this.”

"I send my regards to Franck. He's always been there for me, from the start of my career all the way to the Champs-Élysées in my last Tour. He saw me in the rainbow jersey, but also on my knees. He's been important to my career, but also to my life."