Win at the Brabantse Pijl confirms Belgian’s top form
Philippe Gilbert’s win at today’s Brabantse Pijl in a two-up sprint against Björn Leukemans confirmed the good form that Gilbert has held all season. With the important Ardennes Classics coming up, Gilbert is right on track to continue his good spring campaign.
Gilbert knows that he needs to be in top shape right now and the win today was comforting for the Omega Pharma-Lotto rider. “I have good legs for a repeat the Amstel Gold Race and Liège-Bastogne-Liège,” he told La Dernière Heure.
The always competitive Gilbert knows how to read a race. “The gap kept getting up and I knew I couldn’t wait too long before jumping.” Gilbert moved up to a six-man lead group by himself. “On the cobbles I took my chance and I quickly made it to the front group.” He then had the wisdom to pick the right attack. “When Leukemans went I knew it was for the decision. With him, I had a very good break companion, because he always does his share of the work.”
Despite the big races still coming up, Gilbert does value the Brabantse Pijl in its own way. “I could have given him [Leukemans] the victory, but I couldn’t. We are at the Brabantse Pijl.” Gilbert confirmed that the two did talk during their two-man effort. “We agreed to collaborate until the finish and then race for victory.” Gilbert spent the last kilometer side by side with Leukemans, ensuring a very fair sprint. The Omega Pharma Lotto rider was clearly stronger and powered clear inside the final 150 metres.
Gilbert is looking to repeat his 2010 Amstel victory this Sunday. He is also eyeing Liège-Bastogne-Liège, in which he was third last year and fourth in 2009. His 2011 season started with very good results. He won the first stage of the Volta ao Algarve, from Faro to Albufeira. He went on to take the Montepaschi Strade Bianche on the dusty roads in Italy. His third win was stage five of Tirreno – Adriatico, from Chieti to Castelraimondo.