A week or so ago, Julien Alaphilippe, who won Brabantspaille in the rainbow jersey, pleaded not to be selected as a strong contender for the Tour de Flanders. But with less than 48 hours to go before the main event, the world champion and his Elegant Quick-Step team did not seem too worried about downplaying his chances.

Alaphilippe wore the team's top number, 11, ahead of the 12 to 17 registered riders, including cobbled classic greats like Yves Lampert, Zdenek Stival, Kasper Asgreen, and Florian Seneschal.

When the team gathered for the pre-race press conference on Friday afternoon, Alaphilippe was flanked by Stybar and Lampaert, with Asgreen in the back row, along with Ghent-Wevelgem second-place finisher Seneschal and domestiques Tim Declerk and Dries Devenyns, front row center The latter's presence was a story in itself. The latter's presence was a story in itself. Devenyns is Alaphilippe's closest ally and his right-hand man in the Ardennes and Tour de France.

In short, this is not a case of a newcomer accompanying a newcomer to gain experience, as was believed not so long ago. It is a case of a newcomer leading the world's best classic team in the most important battle of the season.

"Physically speaking, I'm certainly not the real Flandrian," Alaphilippe admitted with a smile. But I love to race really hard. It's a monument and I know what it means for me, for the team, and for cycling. It's a big rendezvous."

"I've been thinking about it for a few days. It's a race I've been watching on TV and it's a race I've always wanted to do. I'm really, really motivated. I want to have a great race and I want to get the best result. I feel good. I'm just happy to discover the Tour de Flanders with the rainbow jersey on my shoulders and as part of a team that plays a big role in the race."

Asked more directly if victory was on his mind, Alaphilippe said, "It's my first time participating and I have no experience in the Flanders Classics. It's going to be a difficult race, but that's why I want to discover it. I want to give it my all and get the best result. I hope to show the jersey at the front of the race."

Alaphilippe, who made a decisive attack on the steep new cobbled climb of Brabants Pile, got his first taste of the cobbles and bergs of the Flanders Ardennes this week, checking out most of the 244km course on training rides on Wednesday and Thursday.

"I can't even name all the climbs in Liège-Bastogne-Liège.

"I could taste the feel of the cobblestones and get a sense of where to position myself. That's more important than remembering the names of the climbs."

But he had two on his hands, Oude Kwaremont and Paterberg, the second to be climbed as a finale before the 13 km run-in to Oudenaarde.

"The Quaremont and Paterberg are the sequences that really challenged me. That will be the crux of the matter."

The race will be held at the same time as the race.

Most of the questions at the press conference were directed at the world champion. Nevertheless, even those that were not were mostly about him.

Team manager Patrick Lefevere was asked about Alaphilippe's position in his team, which has won seven of the last 15 Rondes. Tom Boonen, Philippe Gilbert, and Niki Terpstra have moved on, but Stybar, Lampert, and Asgreen have won major cobbled races.

"I can't be too pensive," said Lefebvre. 'He's new and inexperienced, but we have an experienced guide. I put Dries on the team to lead Julien as far as possible.

"But let's not forget that there are other aces that can run finals and win. This team is known for its loyalty and can win with a variety of riders. Hopefully we will be in a position to win on Sunday. It would be great if it was Julien, but I wouldn't be sad if it was one of the other six."

The fast-growing Seneschal, winner of last year's Le Samin, seemed to have moved up the standings last Sunday with a podium finish in Ghent-Wevelgem, but seemed to acknowledge that his compatriot's position was higher.

"I am very happy to run with Julien. We are 100% motivated. Me, Dries, Tim, Yves, and Steiby ...... We know the way and we are certainly a little better than Julien, but we are going to stick together and get Julien to where he needs to be," Seneschal said.

"As for the finale, the legs speak for themselves.

Alaphilippe, on the other hand, said that it is the Belgian team's credo during the Classic: "It doesn't matter who the winner is, as long as they are wearing the Dečuninck-Quickstep jersey.

"The ideal scenario for us is to never get into a bad situation. We are a really strong team, so we have to stay focused on what we have to do and be able to change our plans during the race," said Alaphilippe.

"Of course, our goal is to get as many riders away from us as possible in the finale of the race. After that it's a game of legs. We are confident that we will give our maximum and leave no regrets.

"It would be great to win.

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