Julien Alaphilippe (Quick-Step Alfa Vinyl) admitted to making a "small mistake" on the final climb of the Tour de la Provence in pursuit of Nairo Quintana (Arkea-Samsic), but insisted he had "no regrets" in holding onto second place overall.

The world champion, who took the rainbow jersey for the second time last September, put on an impulsive race that was most exciting to watch.

On the final stage of the four-day race, 4.3km from the 13.4km Montagne de Lure summit, Quintana made the race-winning move. Alaphilippe quickly responded.

But Alaphilippe would soon pay the price for his eagerness. He was dropped by Quintana 3.3km from the summit and was soon caught and passed by another Colombian, Ivan Sosa (Movistar). With the support of teammate Ilan Van Wilder (Movistar), he joined a small chase group, but escaped with his life in the last 2km.

Alaphilippe finished seventh, 47 seconds behind overall winner Quintana, while world champion Alaphilippe, who started the race in second place, was passed by Matthias Skjelmoes (Trek-Segafredo) in the last 200 meters to close the gap to seven seconds.

"I think I could have done better in terms of managing [the effort]," Alaphilippe admitted.

"I think I could have done better in terms of managing [the effort]," Alaphilippe admitted.

"It was a climb that suited me very well. It was a straight effort and the speed was high. My small mistake was trying to keep up with Quintana. I should have kept my tempo and waited for the last moment.

"I completely blew it in the last few kilometers, but he [Quintana] was stronger.

Like a mirror of last year, Alaphilippe started the 2022 season by finishing second overall in the Tour de la Provence. After finishing sixth in the opening prologue, he finished third in the Echelon sprint finish of the first stage and second in the uphill sprint of the second stage.

He has yet to win his first race in his second rainbow jersey, but noted that his main goal is still ahead.

"Honestly, I didn't think I'd be there anymore," he said. We need to keep going at this rate." I'm happy because we have bigger goals coming in the next few weeks."

Alaphilippe will next compete in the Drome and the Ardèche Classic in France in two weeks, followed by the Strade Bianche, Milan-San Remo, and Tirreno-Adriatico.