Men in first-class, women in economy – France defends World Championships travel plans

LEUVEN BELGIUM SEPTEMBER 26 Julian Alaphilippe of France celebrates at finish line as race winner during the 94th UCI Road World Championships 2021 Men Elite Road Race a 2683km race from Antwerp to Leuven flanders2021 on September 26 2021 in Leuven Belgium Photo by Tim de WaeleGetty Images
Julian Alaphilippe will aim for a third straight world title in Australia (Image credit: Getty Images Sport)

The French national team have defended their decision to fly their men's and women's squads to the UCI Road World Championships in different classes. 

Two-time world champion Julian Alaphilippe and his eight teammates in the elite men's squad were handed tickets in business class for the long flight to Australia. 

Patrick Fletcher

Patrick is a freelance sports writer and editor. He’s an NCTJ-accredited journalist with a bachelor’s degree in modern languages (French and Spanish). Patrick worked full-time at Cyclingnews for eight years between 2015 and 2023, latterly as Deputy Editor.