"Everyone was afraid of Alaphilippus"

Philippe Gilbert was one of seven Belgians who took part in the breakaway in the 14th stage of the Tour de France on Saturday. In the end, he sacrificed his own chances in favor of his leader Julian Alaphilippe. After doing most of the work in the hunt for Jasper Stuvyen, he finished 15th at 1:45 from Omar Fraile

" The stage was difficult, even starting with curbs. It was a total surprise, acknowledged Gilbert. "Fortunately, Tom Steels warned us via the headset: 'There is a little wind from the start, let's take it to the before and let's get on well. The peloton immediately broke into five pieces and panic settled in the race. But we were all well placed except Jungels who was in a second group. And then, around the 9th kilometer, it started and the calm never came back. At first, Julian left with some men. Then, I joined him with Yves Lampaert and suddenly we were more than 30 people in mind. The collaboration worked well until the Izaguirre attack 60 km from the end. The chaos seized the group and the organization completely disappeared. "

In pursuit behind Stuyven, Gilbert gave himself up, receiving little or no support. " Yes, I understand well. Everyone was afraid of Julian (Alaphilippe, his teammate, ed), who appreciates this kind of arrivals. I would have done the same thing and I would not have collaborated either. I had to go very hard to reduce that lead. Jasper was really strong. Too bad for him, but I must also do my job, even on National Day. Teams and nationalities do not count, it's only at the world championship. "