Philippe Gilbert optimistic ahead of Ardennes Classics

Philippe Gilbert, Brabantse Pijl 2013

World Champion Philippe Gilbert (BMC Racing) remains optimistic for the Ardennes Classics despite a winless streak. He has yet to score a victory since taking the rainbow jersey in September, but is stepping closer, yesterday placing second to Peter Sagan (Cannondale) in Brabantse Pijl.

He and team-mate Greg Van Avermaet (BMC Racing) escaped in the final 18 kilometres. With their team effort, they nearly tricked cycling's most versatile rider.

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Gregor Brown

Gregor Brown is an experienced cycling journalist, based in Florence, Italy. He has covered races all over the world for over a decade - following the Giro, Tour de France, and every major race since 2006. His love of cycling began with freestyle and BMX, before the 1998 Tour de France led him to a deep appreciation of the road racing season.