Jasper Philipsen endured a string of sprint defeats during the Tour de France, yet on 12 July 2026 Alpecin‑Deceuninck publicly reaffirmed its belief in his finishing speed and promised full support for the remainder of the Grand Tour.
What happened?
During the middle week of the 2026 Tour, Philips Philipsen was out‑sprinted on three consecutive flat stages. The Belgian sprinter, who entered the race as the pre‑race favourite, finished outside the top three on Stages 12, 13 and 14, handing the green‑jersey points to rivals. Alpecin‑Deceuninck’s directeur sportif, Johan Lammerts, addressed the media on 12 July, noting that the losses were “situational” and not reflective of Philipsen’s true capabilities.
Why does the team stay confident?
Lammerts highlighted Philipsen’s 2025 record of 22 stage wins, emphasizing that his sprint engine remains intact. He pointed to the rider’s recent power‑meter data, which showed sustained outputs above 1,300 watts in the final 200 metres—numbers that match his 2023 season‑best. The team also cited the upcoming flatter stages in the Pyrenees foothills as ideal platforms for a resurgence, trusting that the Belgian will re‑assert his dominance when the terrain suits his fast‑finish style.
How will this affect his points race?
The points classification, currently led by Wout van Aert, is still within reach for Philipsen if he can convert the remaining sprint opportunities. Lammerts warned that the competition will tighten, but reminded fans that Philipsen’s “consistency over a three‑week Grand Tour” often turns a few bad days into a winning campaign. The next sprint stage on 15 July offers a chance to close the gap, especially with the team’s lead‑out train fully rehearsed.
What’s next for Philipsen?
Alpecin‑Deceuninck plans to tweak the lead‑out sequence, inserting a fresh domestique, Milan Kooij, to protect Philipsen in the final kilometres. The squad will also test new aerodynamic wheels in the upcoming time‑trial stage, hoping the marginal gains translate into a stronger sprint finish. Philipsen himself remains focused, stating that “the race isn’t over until the last sprint line is crossed,” a sentiment that fuels optimism among the team’s supporters.
How does this shape his season outlook?
If Philipsen can capture a stage win before the Tour concludes, it would reinforce his status as a top‑tier sprinter heading into the autumn classics. The confidence expressed by Alpecin‑Deceuninck suggests they will continue to back him for the upcoming Gent‑Wevelgem and Tour of Flanders, where his fast finish could prove decisive. The next few weeks will reveal whether the Belgian can convert the team’s belief into tangible results on the road.