One can only imagine what the party was like in Philippe Gilbert's hometown of Remouchamps following his victory on Sunday. The Walloon returned home to find 2000 fans awaiting his arrival and a chance to celebrate with their hometown hero.
"I allowed myself a beer," said the Ardennes Triple winner to VTM. "I have had nothing like it in a few months."
The smiles and laughter from the conquering hero were unending, and the atmosphere at home and around Belgium has been special - his name is on everyone's lips, even people who take no interest whatsoever in cycling.
"It's awesome. I thank everyone. I think it will remain in my heart forever. It reminds me of the summer of '86 when the whole of Belgium was behind its soccer team as they played a beautiful series. Now, however, they're all behind me, a cyclist."
The superlatives and accolades continue to roll in, but none is more coveted than words of praise from the greatest cyclist who ever lived, Belgium's Eddy Merckx. The Cannibal is not normally quick with praise, but there's no question - Gilbert has earned every letter, word, sentence, and book.
"Gilbert is impressive, both physically and mentally. Pressure does not destabilize him. He has finally been rewarded for his work. He has committed himself one hundred percent to his sport. I think his is an example for everyone. He is very thorough, much more than Tom Boonen. Gilbert can win almost every race. He is still only 28 years old. I think if he loses some weight, he could play a role in the mountainous races, and thus play a role in the Tour de France."
Gilbert himself has confessed that he doesn't know his own limits. He has consistently broken down each and every idea of a limit every step of the way. It seems a longshot, but is there more in Gilbert's future than just one-day classics, World Championships, and stages of the Grand Tours? Of course, it would hardly be a bad career if Gilbert ONLY won major classics for the rest of his career.
After such monumental performances, it's always worth wondering. And if someone like Eddy Merckx dares to wonder - why not us as well?