Julian Alaphilippe experienced a rollercoaster of emotions during stage 15 of the 2025 Tour de France, reminiscent of his disappointing finish at the 2020 Liège-Bastogne-Liège. During that event, he celebrated prematurely, believing he had edged out Primož Roglič for victory, only to learn he had finished second after a photofinish review.
This time, the stakes were equally high, but with an even more dramatic twist. Alaphilippe believed he had won a thrilling sprint during the stage that concluded in Carcassonne, uplifting his Tudor Pro Cycling team with what he thought was their inaugural Tour stage win. However, unbeknownst to him, Tim Wellens of UAE Team Emirates-XRG had already claimed the stage victory after launching an early attack, while Victor Campenaerts finished second.
Adding to the day’s tension, Alaphilippe had crashed earlier in the race, injuring his shoulder. With the initial fear that he might have broken something, he managed to pop his shoulder back into place, a testament to his resilience. Speaking after the race, he conveyed his determination to continue despite the pain: “I had a crash and dislocated my shoulder… but then I remembered what they did at the hospital and I managed to pop it back in myself.”
Tudor CEO Raphael Meyer praised Alaphilippe’s performance under such circumstances, acknowledging the impact of the crash and the miscommunication due to a malfunctioning radio, which left the cyclist unaware of the leaders ahead. “It was an incredible performance,” said Meyer, expressing pride in Alaphilippe’s effort.
Alaphilippe’s tenacity was evident as he managed to secure a third-place finish, and as he prepares for the challenging Alpine stages next week, Meyer expressed hope that the upcoming rest day would allow him to recover fully. With his competitive spirit intact, fans remain optimistic that Alaphilippe will continue to be a force in the race.
This episode highlights not only the unpredictability of cycling but also the remarkable resolve of athletes like Alaphilippe, who push through adversity, embodying the true spirit of the sport.