The Omega Pharma-Lotto team of International Cycling Union (UCI) World Ranking leader Philippe Gilbert has announced the team will present him with a special jersey to signify his accomplishment after the Tour of Romandie stage four finish in Châtel, France.
Omega Pharma-Lotto, together with several other Pro Tour teams, have suggested to the UCI that a jersey should be handed out for the leader of the classification to wear during competition. The move will be largely symbolic since the UCI has no granted permission for the Belgian to race with the jersey. The team reports that Philippe Chevalier, director UCI Road Department, has promised to try to find an agreement during the next UCI Pro Tour Council.
The UCI’s World Cup competition used to have a jersey for the leader, but that was replaced in 2005 with the UCI ProTour and UCI Continental Circuits. Paolo Bettini has the record for most wins in the World Cup, with three consecutive titles in 2002, 2003, and its final season in 2004.
Philippe Gilbert’s results for the spring of 2010:
Milano-Sanremo: 9th
Gent-Wevelgem: 3rd
Tour of Flanders: 3rd
Paris-Roubaix: pass
Brabantse Pijl: 5th
Amstel Gold: 1st
Fleche Wallonne: 6th
Liege-Bastogne-Liege: 4th