Philippe Gilbert sets out on today’s second stage of the Tour of Belgium wrapped in the jersey of race leader, having made the perfect debut in the race.
“The race is very important for the team, and also for me. It is my first time in the Tour of Belgium. I’ve been racing for eight years and, after that time, I am finally here,” he told VeloNation, sounding pleased.
Gilbert took a break after the Tour of Romandie, recharging his batteries after a successful spring campaign. Winning on his first day back is a very good sign for his form.
“I had a lot of hard training in Monaco in the climbs, and some good weather,” he said, explaining his decent condition. “So that was perfect for me.
“At the beginning of the stage there was rain, some dangerous points, so I got to the front and tried to get into the breakaway. After 65 kilometres I finally got clear with six guys. We worked hard all day, building a maximum lead of four minute 20 seconds. Then in the last 25 kilometres we really went full gas to chase the victory. The atmosphere was really good between the guys in the breakaway, we worked well together. It was a really good stage.”
Gibert was up against Rony Martias (Saur – Sojasun), Tomas Vaitkus (Team Radioshack), David Boucher (Landbouwkrediet) and James Vanlandschoot (Verandas Willems) in the finale. He said that he was initially concerned with the intermediate sprints, then everything fell into place in the finale. “I was first trying to take the bonuses on the way, then trying to take the victory also,” he said. “All was super for me, so it was a good day.”
The race continues today with a 162.7 kilometre race from Eeklo to Knokke-Heist. There will be a time trial on Saturday and a hilly stage on Sunday; Gilbert wants to hold on as long as possible. “We will try to have the lead again tonight and until Sunday, maybe.”