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In one of the most chaotic and emotional days of the 2025 Tour de France, French fan-favorite Julian Alaphilippe endured a dramatic rollercoaster on Stage 15—from a dislocated shoulder to an emotional sprint finish that turned bittersweet. What started as a nightmare quickly transformed into a display of grit, courage, and heartbreaking miscommunication that left cycling fans around the world stunned.
A crash, a pop, and sheer resilience of Julian Alaphilippe
Alaphilippe’s troubles began early into the 169.3km hilly stage from Muret to Carcassonne, where he was caught in a crash that led to a dislocated shoulder. For most riders, that would have meant an immediate withdrawal. But not for the Tudor Pro Cycling star.
"I immediately felt that it was going to be complicated for a few seconds, because I've already done both shoulders, so I know the pain," Julian Alaphilippe said on French television. "But I remembered what they did at the hospital, and I managed to pop it back in. I just know that it made a big 'click' and that it was right again."
Rather than seek medical assistance or abandon the race, the 32-year-old rider literally popped his shoulder back into place and jumped back on his bike. X-rays later confirmed no tearing or major damage, though he admitted,
"For 30 seconds after the fall, I thought it was over for me."
Chasing the stage win—without knowing the full story
Most would expect a rider in that state to lay low. Not Alaphilippe. He rallied to help teammate Michael Storer join the breakaway, and later joined a chase group himself. What followed was a courageous sprint to the finish line—one that many thought could result in a fairy-tale victory.
Unaware that Tim Wellens and Victor Campenaerts were ahead of the group, Julian Alaphilippe launched a blistering sprint and beat Wout van Aert to the line, raising his arms in triumph—only to realize he had finished third.
"Unfortunately, my radio was no longer working after the crash, so I tried to do the best sprint possible, thinking about the stage victory," he explained.
In a moment of awkward heartbreak, it was Van Aert who informed him of the real outcome.
"I didn't know there were guys in front," Alaphilippe admitted. "I don't even know who won. It was Wout van Aert who told me, 'There were guys in front'. I said 'Thanks a lot'."
Keeping the spirit alive
Alaphilippe may not have won the stage, but he won the hearts of fans with his warrior spirit. With a rest day on the horizon, he isn’t letting the drama deter him from pushing forward in the race.
"Of course, I'm going to go again," he vowed. "I'm going to take advantage of the rest day tomorrow, and try not to raise my arms too much to hang up clothes to dry. I'm going to stay calm."
As the Tour heads into its final and most grueling stretch, one thing is certain—Julian Alaphilippe’s story isn’t finished yet.
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