'The story ended well' - Julian Alaphilippe's apologetic gesture after stealing sign from fan on Stage 14 of Tour de France
Updated 20/07/2025 at 14:47 GMT+1
In one of the highlights of an unremarkable Stage 14 of the Tour de France, Julian Alaphilippe stole a fan's cardboard sign and used it to keep himself warm in brutal conditions on the Pyrenees. Ahead of Sunday's racing, the Frenchman explained how he made amends to the supporter, who he claims had a better day for the experience. Thymen Arensman ultimately prevailed at Superbagneres.
'Has he just stolen a sign?!' – Alaphilippe’s wild moment on Tourmalet
Video credit: TNT Sports
All is well that ends well is the popular saying and that was certainly the case for a spectator who had her cardboard sign stolen by Julian Alaphilippe in a bizarre moment on Stage 14 of the Tour de France on Saturday.
Home hero Alaphilippe grabbed the sign from the fan, who had scribbled a message of encouragement for Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike), and used what was left of the poster to keep himself warm in brutal conditions on the Pyrenees, thanks to biting rain and wind, and plummeting temperatures.
The Frenchman later flagged down the camera motorbike and issued a roadside apology to the fan, who was left holding only half the cardboard sign when Van Aert swept past.
Alaphilippe ultimately finished in 50th place, 27'37" down on stage winner Thymen Arensman (Ineos Grenadiers), who held off Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) and Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike).
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Alaphilippe hands stolen, soggy cardboard sign to camera motorbike
Video credit: TNT Sports
Seemingly still feeling guilty about the incident, Alaphilippe went further with his apology, meeting with the fan and offering her a gift.
"In the end the story ended well, I apologised to the woman whom I took it from," said the Tudor Pro Cycling rider.
"I gave her a bib, and she took a picture with Wout. In the end, thanks to this, she had a better time compared to what she would have experienced at the top of the Tourmalet."
Such a thoughtful action demonstrates why the 33-year-old is such a popular figure in his home country.
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Once the darling of French cycling with six Tour stage wins and two world titles, Alaphilippe is chasing his first Tour stage win since 2021.
However, he suffered a crash towards the start of Stage 15 which left him holding his left shoulder, although he was able to carry on.
"It feels nice to be supported, I hope that a French rider will win a stage before arriving in Paris," he continued.
"We have plenty to do, but it’s not easy, and we will give our maximum."
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