Julian Alaphilippe draws blunt tribute from Steve Chainel

Julian Alaphilippe’s decision to end his career has prompted former riders to revisit the beginnings of a career that started in difficult circumstances. Among them is Steve Chainel, who remembered the Frenchman as a gifted young rider rather than criticising his character.

Chainel first saw Alaphilippe at a junior cyclo-cross World Cup event in 2009. Despite limited equipment, Alaphilippe won the race, confirming the potential that Chainel and John Gadret had noticed. The teenager was working as an apprentice in a cycle shop and did not have the money for proper racing equipment. Chainel recalled that his shoe covers were torn.

Chainel and Gadret responded by bringing him clothing. Alaphilippe, who regarded the two riders as idols, remembered the gesture for many years. Chainel also described their relationship as close, saying the young rider became a friend and at times felt like a younger brother.

The former cyclo-cross rider’s stark description of Alaphilippe as a young man without means was part of a wider tribute to his rise. He said Alaphilippe stayed grounded and viewed cycling as a way to avoid falling into severe social hardship. Chainel ultimately likened the apprentice mechanic’s talent to an uncut diamond, recalling the promise visible before Alaphilippe reached the professional peloton.