French star rider Julian Alaphilippe has withdrawn from Sunday’s men elite road race of the UCI World Championship in Kigali after just two laps.

The two-time world champion, who carried French hopes as a proven puncher for this climbers’ circuit, pulled out of the race after just two laps. The bid for a third world title ended before it had truly started due to illness.

Alaphilippe’s exit came shockingly soon after he had animated the opening phase, attacking on the early laps before dramatically fading and climbing off the bike before even getting out of the race.

The Frenchman had come into Rwanda with fresh momentum, thanks to his win in Quebec but his unprecedented withdrawal comes as a big blow for the French national team in their big push for a rainbow jersey in Kigali.

Meanwhile, three riders from Rwanda’s six-man roster have also withdrawn. They include Patrick Byukusenge, Eric Nkundabera and Vainqueur Masengesho.

Riders remaining in the peloton include Eric Muhoza, Eric Manizabayo and Shemu Nsengiyumva.