Julien Alaphilippe, who broke his shoulder blade and two ribs and punctured his lung in a high-speed crash in Liege-Bastogne-Liege in April, will return this month in a series of races leading up to the Vuelta a España.

Since recovering from his injuries, Alaphilippe has competed in only one French national championship, finishing 13th. Alaphilippe was not selected for the Quick-Step Alphavinil Tour de France team.

"I wouldn't want to be at the start if I couldn't reach my best level either.

Team manager Patrick Lefebvre admitted to L'Equipe on the second rest day of the Tour de France that Alaphilippe would compete in the Vuelta a España.

"Julien will be fine at the start of the next Vuelta. 'At the moment he's training and he's very relaxed. Right now he's training and he's very relaxed.

The absence of Julien, a two-time world champion, six-time Tour stage winner, and fifth overall in 2019, from the Tour de France team was a blow to Lefevere.

"We are not going to lie to each other. He is a two-time world champion, French and very popular, so it was very difficult for us and for our sponsors not to choose him for this year's Tour. Not long ago, he said to his friend and teammate Dries Devenyns: Finally, fortunately, I am not taking part in this year's Tour. So it seems our choice not to select him was justified."

Alaphilippe will return to competition in the Tour de Wallonie, a five-day Pro Series stage race beginning July 23. He will then compete in the Clasica San Sebastian on July 30 and the Tour de l'Ain next month before heading to the Vuelta.