Julian Alaphilippe announces retirement from professional cycling 'not with sadness, but with immense gratitude'
By Ben Morse
Published 21/08/2026 at 18:55 GMT+1
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Two-time world champion Julian Alaphilippe announced his retirement from professional cycling on Friday, bringing to an end a glittering career as he steps away "with immense gratitude" as a fan favourite.
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The French rider's team, Tudor Pro Cycling, released a statement confirming his immediate retirement after reports had emerged on Thursday that he would be stepping away.
"I gave everything I had, and cycling gave me everything in return," Alaphilippe said in his announcement.
"That’s why I can say it with a smile: I'm stopping. Not with sadness, but with immense gratitude. To all the fans who carried me up every climb: thank you. Thank you for everything."
Between 2018 and 2021, he was one of the more dominant cyclists around. Alaphilippe is a two-time road world champion having won back-to-back titles in 2020 and 2021.
Also on his resume are stage victories across all three Grand Tours, including six at the Tour de France.
The 34-year-old will be remembered fondly for his performance at the 2019 Tour de France, in which he wore the yellow jersey for 14 days, only to eventually finish fifth.
Despite not winning his home Grand Tour, Alaphilippe remembers that race fondly, describing it as "one of my greatest memories."
He also picked up victories at Milano-Sanremo, Strade Bianche, the Clasica San Sebastian, and is a three-time winner of La Fleche Wallonne.
Alaphilippe explained his decision to retire now as the "right time" to do so.
"I've always raced on instinct, attacking when my legs were burning, not when the numbers told me to," he said.
"I made this decision in the same way. I woke up one morning at a training camp and I felt it: this is my final year. Without sadness."
Alaphilippe has battled injuries during his career - including a punctured lung, broken ribs, a shoulder blade ailment - but always found a way back.
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He spent the majority of his career with Soudal Quick-Step before making the switch to Tudor in 2025.
Alaphilippe describes himself as racing with his "heart on my sleeve", something which endeared him to fans.
He added: "I'd rather lose 10 times while attacking than win once because the team car dictated how I should race."
As for his next steps, Alaphilippe believes it is now time for a rest: "I can already say one thing: not having to leave home 250 days a year is not something I will miss.
"Finally being able to fully enjoy time with my son is what I'm looking forward to most. But of course, I will miss the taste of the effort.
"The moments of camaraderie with the guys, at training camps and in races, the team life - that, I will definitely miss."
The news of Alaphilippe's retirement sparked tributes from across the cycling world, including from the official X account of the Tour de France.
"Loulou. In yellow, polka dots, rainbow, you made us dream in July and throughout the year! Thank you for your flair, your smile and your class!", it said.
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