Julian Alaphilippe takes ninth in Milan-San Remo despite sprinting with a puncture

Sprinting after almost 300km of racing is hard enough but spare a thought for Julian Alaphilippe (Soudal Quick-Step) who was forced to sprint with a rear-wheel puncture at Milan-San Remo.

The Frenchman, who won the race back in 2019, was part of a chase group that caught Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) and several other riders just before the finish.

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Jasper Philipsen won the sprint to take his first Monument ahead of Michael Matthews (Jayco AlUla) and Pogačar, with Alaphilippe still able to make the top-ten and finish ninth.

“I am happy with my race. I felt good the entire day and had an incredible team by my side, who protected me and made sure I was in the right place when it mattered," the Frenchman said at the finish.

Alaphilippe was in contention for most of the race. He was present and accounted for on the Cipressa, and well-placed on the lower slopes of the final ascent of the Poggio.

He was unable to match the initial accelerations from Pogačar but on the twisty descent to the finish the former world champion returned to the front and was in contention for a possible podium spot. However, with 1km to disaster struck.

"It’s disappointing that I had that flat, because without it I am sure I could have finished higher in the classification. Anyway, top ten in the first Monument of the year isn’t a bad result, especially as I could feature in the finale despite everything. I can’t wait now for the Belgian races, where I hope to continue my upward trajectory."

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