Philippe Gilbert (Omega Pharma-Lotto) continued his dominance of the Belgian post-Tour races with victory in the Natourctiterium van Herentals. The Belgian champion has been in demand in the traditional exhibition criteriums, having won in Aalst on Monday, been second in Roeselare on Tuesday and won again in Kristiansand, Norway on Wednesday.
In trademark style, Gilbert was to win the Herentals race with a classic final lap attack at the end of the 92km circuit race. As usual the group he attacked from was made up of other Belgian stars and those from the Tour de France, including Ivan Basso (Liquigas-Cannondale), Björn Leukemans (Vacansoleil-DCM) and Sven Nys (Landbouwkrediet). Also in the race was Basso’s teammate Vincenzo Nibali, third place in the Giro d’Italia.
With Gilbert having escaped to win the race alone, Nibali took the race for second ahead of Leukemans, with Basso leading Lars Boom (Rabobank), Matt Brammeier (HTC-Highroad) and Nys home.
Cavendish still unbeatable while Fränk Schleck tops the podium
With the post-Tour criteriums also going on in the Netherlands, Mark Cavendish (HTC-Highroad) was continuing to be unbeatable. Having won in Stiphout the night before, the Manxman outsprinted Kenny Van Hummel (Skil-Shimano) and Dutch champion Pim Ligthart (Vacansoleil-DCM) to take the Nacriterium van Wateringen.
In Luxembourg, Fränk Schleck (Leopard Trek) took the Gala Tour de France criterium. The Luxembourg champion took the race ahead of French Tour hero Thomas Voeckler (Europcar)m with Schleck’ younger brother and teammate Andy in third.
Result Natourcriterium van Herentals
1. Philippe Gilbert (Bel) Omega Pharma-Lotto
2. Vincenzo Nibali (Ita) Liquigas-Cannondale @ 8s
3. Björn Leukemans (Bel) Vacansoleil-DCM @ 9s
4. Ivan Basso (Ita) Liquigas-Cannondale @ 11s
5. Lars Boom (Ned) Rabobank
6. Matthew Brammeier (Irl) HTC-Highroad
7. Sven Nys (Bel) Landbouwkrediet
8. Frederique Robert (Bel) Quick Step @ 14s
9. Johan Vansummeren (Bel) Garmin-Cervélo
10. Tyler Farrar (USA) Garmin-Cervélo @ 30s
Result Natourcriterium van Wateringen
1. Mark Cavendish (GBr) HTC-Highroad
2. Kenny van Hummel (Ned) Skil-Shimano
3. Pim Ligthart (Ned) Vacansoleil-DCM
Gala Tour de France, Luxembourg
1. Fränk Schleck (Lux) Leopard Trek
2. Thomas Voeckler (Fra) Europcar
3. Andy Schleck (Lux) Leopard Trek