'Huge blow for Julian Alaphilippe… and Remco Evenepoel' – Frenchman’s rotten year continues at La Vuelta

Julian Alaphilippe’s exit from La Vuelta is a “huge blow” for the Frenchman and his Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl leader Remco Evenepoel, according to Dan Lloyd on The Breakaway. The Frenchman’s rotten season continued as he crashed out on Stage 11 with a dislocated shoulder. Ad It leaves Evenepoel with a support cast of just five as he bids to carry the red jersey into Madrid, following Pieter Serry’s withdrawal due to Covid earlier in the race.

Vuelta a EspañaLa Vuelta: How to watch Stage 11 as sprinters eye victory11 HOURS AGO With a bunch of climbing still on the menu in Spain, Quick-Step will be stretched to the limit to control the peloton without their super domestique in tow. “It was really heartbreaking to watch,” said Lloyd. “You’ve got to feel for the guy, and feel for the race and the fans.

So many people are watching the Vuelta and looking forward to seeing Alaphilippe first and foremost help his team-mate Evenepoel but also maybe even have an opportunity for himself. “You can tell that he wasn’t going to get back up and [he was] eventually taken away in an ambulance. It’s clearly something with his shoulder but it’s a huge blow for him, the race and for Evenepoel as well.” Alaphilippe has had a year to forget as a string of setbacks have denied him the chance to light up the sport with his swashbuckling attacks.