The Dutch Worlds team has seen the efforts both in person and on television of Philippe Gilbert recently and, at least between two of its top riders Lars Boom and Niki Terpstra, decided that the odds are against the Walloon come Sunday afternoon in Geelong.
Former multi-time World Champion, Lars Boom, feels that there's a "bullseye" on Gilbert's back. The rider from Rabobank, in a conversation with NUsport Magazine, concedes that Gilbert's form has been second to none of late: "It has been impressive what he has done in recent weeks."
The young standout hasn't personally been privy to Gilbert's rampant September, but he saw more than enough on television and got reports from his Dutch teammate, Niki Terpstra, during the Vuelta as well. Boom speaks of bullseyes, but it seems that the Dutch team will be responsible for emboldening the red circles on Gilbert's back.
"At least it has looked that way on TV. Niki [Terpstra] saw it for himself at the Vuelta. We will at least try not to let him become World Champion."
Niki Terpstra feels the red circles of the bullseye will be the main barrier to the promised land of the rainbows for this year's Amstel Gold winner as well.
"If you're a top favorite, it will be very difficult. So, basically, I think he will not become World Champion."
The Dutch road race champion concludes that Gilbert's chances will best be had either solo or in a small group, a possibility that Terpstra feels falls somewhere in the range of slim to none.
"I do not think he will be able to get away alone. He's too much of a favorite. To do that, you must be very strong, because the rest of the field will always follow your wheel. He is fast, but not invincible."
It is interesting how little credit either Boom or Terpstra seem to give the quick finishing Gilbert in a finale that would include more than a couple of riders. Gilbert showed himself able to sprint with the world's best fast finishers over most of September at the Vuelta. Sure, he can't beat the likes of Mark Cavendish in a straight up sprint, but after 260 difficult kilometers with a vastly whittled down field? It would be hard to bet against Gilbert's quick sprint.