Deceuninck – Quick-Step Floors Cycling Team (France) - Press Release: Our rider became the first Frenchman in three decades to win a stage clad in the yellow jersey.

Julian Alaphilippe retained his amazing power to astonish and notched up a monumental individual time trial victory in Pau, which hosted a stage against the clock for just the third time in the history of the Grande Boucle, after 1939 and 1981.

“It’s incredible, I can’t tell you how happy I am! I knew I could do a good ride on this course, but I didn’t think I could win. The first part suited me and so I rode full gas, but I surprised myself in the second part. I pushed my limits and with the help of the public I gave everything until the line. I can’t believe it”, an over the moon Julian told the media after celebrating his 12th victory of the season with the team and strengthening his grip on the race lead.

Photo credit: ©Tim De Waele/ Getty Images.