Julian Alaphilippe pulls out of Liège-Bastogne-Liège 'to prioritise his health' in latest setback for Tudor Pro Cycling

Julian Alaphilippe has withdrawn from Sunday’s Liège-Bastogne-Liège, citing a need to "prioritise his health," marking another significant setback for the Frenchman and his Tudor Pro Cycling team. This absence means the Swiss outfit will be without both Alaphilippe, a two-time podium finisher at *La Doyenne*, and the injured Marc Hirschi for the final Monument of the spring classics season. Tudor Pro Cycling confirmed the decision, leaving them without their two most prominent GC/classics riders for the Ardennes finale.

This latest withdrawal adds another chapter to Alaphilippe's tumultuous recent career. Once the undisputed king of the Ardennes, his last significant victory came at the 2021 World Championships. Since then, a series of crashes, injuries, and health issues have plagued his performance, leaving fans and pundits to wonder if his explosive, unpredictable style has taken an irreversible toll. His move to Tudor was meant to be a fresh start, yet the pattern of pre-race withdrawals due to health concerns persists, underscoring a deeper, ongoing struggle.

Alaphilippe’s absence is a loss for the race, but for Tudor, it’s a stark reminder that even with big names, health remains the ultimate, and often most elusive, competitive advantage.