After an exceptional autumn that included victories in the Coppa Sabatini, Paris-Tours, Giro del Piemonte, and yesterday’s Giro di Lombardia, Philippe Gilbert (Silence-Lotto) received the prestigious award – Flandrien of 2009. Gilbert was voted the best Belgian professional of the year, beating out Quickstep duo Tom Boonen and Stijn Devolder, joining teammate and last year’s winner, Greg Van Avermaet on the list.
“This is an important trophy” Gilbert replied from Italy. “This is beautiful. I collected my results this year and that has been appreciated by the rest of peloton. I find that very special.”
Gilbert, 27, has enjoyed his most successful season ever, before his unbelievable string of wins he captured the overall victory in the Ster Elektrotoer and a stage win in the Giro d’Italia. At the World Championships in Mendrisio, Switzerland Gilbert walked away with a respectable sixth place.
Het Nieuwsblad decided the winners based on a selection of five riders chosen by team managers, director sportifs and several media figures. The riders were Gilbert, Boonen, Devolder, Kevin Seeldraeyers en Jurgen Van den Broeck. The final order was decided based on a vote by all the current professionals that attended the Gala.