Julian Alaphilippe returns to the UCI Road World Championships, seeking a third consecutive title.
He admits to not being 100 percent after a frustrating season with multiple crashes and injuries.
## What happened to Julian Alaphilippe?
The French cyclist crashed heavily three times, missing the Tour de France and winning only twice all season.
His "cursed" season began with a spectacular crash during Strade Bianche.
He suffered two broken ribs, a fractured shoulder blade, and a collapsed lung at Liege-Bastogne-Liege.
## Why it matters for Julian Alaphilippe
Alaphilippe is motivated but relaxed, knowing he might not have the same worlds-winning legs as before.
He is one of the leaders but not the only leader, and he's happy to give his all for his teammates.
French national coach Thomas Voeckler brings a mixed squad to Wollongong.
## What comes next for Julian Alaphilippe?
Alaphilippe hopes to erase a frustrating season with a run at a rare treble in the elite men's race.
He will be very happy to give the max for his teammates, playing on the collective to go far.
The UCI Road World Championships elite men's race is on Sunday.
Alaphilippe doesn't feel any pressure, having zero pressure and being ready to lose.
He had a bit of pressure in Imola at the 2020 Worlds but is now focused on the title defense.
The French team includes Christophe Laporte, Romain Bardet, and Benoit Cosnefroy.
Alaphilippe would be really happy to relive what they experienced for the past two years.
He thinks he'd be even happier if one of his colleagues wins.
The UCI Road World Championships will be a challenging event for Alaphilippe.
He is not going to arrive with the same guarantees as the past two worlds.
But he is still a strong contender for the title.
Alaphilippe's form has been affected by his injuries, but he's still a key player for the French team.
The team's strategy will be important in the elite men's race.
Alaphilippe is ready to give his all and support his teammates.
The outcome of the UCI Road World Championships is uncertain, but Alaphilippe is focused on the title.