As he did in the autumn of 2009, Philippe Gilbert is on the verge of taking his fourth race in what is already a superb winning streak. Back then he triumphed in the Coppa Sabatini, Paris-Tours, Giro del Piemonte and Giro di Lombaria races, being unbeaten in that period and underlining sensational form.
Fast forward a year and a half and he’s at it again; this time, he triumphed in the Brabantse Pijl one week ago, the Amstel Gold race last Sunday, and Flèche Wallonne today.
As was the case in the 2009 Giro di Lombardia, all eyes will be fixed on him. The stakes are even higher this time round, in that he has a house near the route of the Liège race and has long said that it is the monument he really wants to win.
Still, Gilbert made it clear today that he wasn’t too perturbed by the favourite tag he now carries. “It was something pretty good today but I think it will not change something for Sunday,” he stated during his post-race press conference. “I am already one of the favourites for the race.” He added that he considers the strongest rider on the day usually wins La Doyenne, and that if he is good on Sunday, he’ll be right up there.
Twelve months ago, Gilbert was one of the best in the event. However he was out-manoeuvred by the eventual winner Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana), who clipped clear on the descent of the Côte de la Roche aux Faucons and was joined by Alexandr Kolobnev.
He chased with Alejandro Valverde and Cadel Evans, and dropped those two breakaway companions in the run-in to the finish. Gilbert continued after the two leaders, but finally cracked, and was caught by Valverde and Evans once more. Fourth place was frustrating, and didn’t reflect the strength he had.
This time round, he appears to be in even better shape. Some in his position would now be feeling the pressure, but he shows no sign of folding under the weight of expectation.