15.02.2025
Julian Alaphilippe will make his debut in the Tudor Pro Cycling jersey at Figueira Champions Classic in Portugal tomorrow. This race, followed by Volta ao Algarve next week, marks not only his first competition with his new team but also his first time racing on Portuguese soil since turning pro in 2014, adding an extra layer of excitement to the occasion.
“I am very excited and motivated. Starting the season with the new team is already special, but being at the start of a new race in a new Country for me makes it even more meaningful. All these “first times” make me really motivated, I am looking forward to it.”
To fine-tune his first ahead of the season, the French rider spent two weeks on an altitude training camp in Teide, Tenerife, alongside some of his new teammates: “It was the first time in Tenerife, and everything was perfect. It was a great opportunity to bond with the team, both riders and staff, and train in an amazing setting. The atmosphere was fantastic, and the preparation went really well.”
Julian and his teammates previewed the final 30-km circuit earlier today, and he expects a demanding race: “Tomorrow’s course is tough. I really like the final circuit - the climbs are challenging and controlling the race won’t be easy, but it’s good for us: we have a strong team and hope to bring home a great result”.
The 190km Figueira Champions Classic starts with a flat section before heading into a hilly circuit, which will be repeated three times.
Each 30km loop features two key climbs:
Rua Parque Florestal (2.3km at 7.8%)
Enforca Cães (800m at 7%) — a sharp kicker that riders will tackle for the final time just 6.1km from the finish.
With his attacking style and experience on tough terrain, Alaphilippe will lead the team tomorrow as he kicks off this new chapter with Tudor Pro Cycling.
Line Up - Figueira Champions Classic
Julian Alaphilippe
Robin Donzé (Devo Team)
Jacob Eriksson
Robin Froidevaux
Florian Stork
Yannis Voisard
Arno Wallenborn (Devo Team)
Figueira da Foz - Figueira da Foz
Start Time 12:15 (local time)