'I need a little shade now' - Julian Alaphilippe speaks for the first time since his sudden retirement

Julian Alaphilippe has spoken publicly for the first time since announcing his retirement in the summer, emotionally admitting he 'need a little shade now' after being in the spotlight for so long as a professional rider.

Alaphilippe suddenly announced his retirement in late August, a few weeks after an emotional final stage of the Tour de France.

On Thursday night he was given a standing ovation at a partner event organised by the French Cycling Federation and was close to tears after seeing a video that captured the highlights of his career, including his back to back world titles and Tour de France success.

"I am very happy to be with you, I'm moved," Alaphilippe said, his emotions captured on video and social media posts.

"When I see this career video, I'm even happier with my decision… I always wanted to stop at the right time, not to do one year too many.

"I’ve had enough of the spotlight during my career and I need a little shade now. Thanks to everyone for this tribute. I didn’t need it but it touched me deeply."

Now 34, Alaphillipe turned professional in 2014 with Omega Pharma-Quick-Step and stayed with Patrick Lefevere's team until a fall out with the Belgian team manager and a move to Tudor Pro Cycling in 2025.

Alaphillipe was always exuberant and playful, showing panache and joy as he raced at the highest level, He was a natural puncheur and loved to entertain, in races and with the fans.

He won consecutive world titles in Imola in 2020 and Leuven in 2021, as well as Milan-San Remo, Strade Bianche, Clasica San Sebastián, three editions of La Flèche Wallonne, as well as stages in all three Grand Tours.

He wore the Tour de France leader's jersey for 18 days, including for 14 days in the 2019 Tour, arguably the peak of his career and when he became an idol in France.

He crashed out of Liège-Bastogne-Liège in 2022 and never returned to peak form, gradually losing his love for racing.

"I was getting less and less enjoyment from modern cycling. I still felt useful to my team but I felt it was time to turn the page. I'm very happy to have accomplished everything I have done during these years," Alaphilippe said.

“Cycling was my outlet, but I’m happy to have stopped. I have a lot of gratitude. I was lucky enough to spend fifteen years cycling, where I had fun, where it was my outlet, and where I gave emotions to my family, to people, to kids, to myself. I pushed myself to the limit to achieve the goals I had set."

Alaphilippe was joined on stage by his cousin and coach Franck and French national coach and former pro rider Thomas Voeckler, the architect of his two world titles.

"At first Thomas was a teammate, then he became my coach on the French national team," Alaphilippe said of Voeckler.

"We had a lot in common, in our life paths, in our characteristics on the bike, and also in our craziness. Today, he’s no longer just a former national coach for me, he’s a friend who was there for me in difficult times, off the bike.

"Franck doesn't like the limelight. He hasn't often been in the spotlight but it's also thanks to him that I've done all of this. Franck, you've been more than important to me in my career, but also in my life."