Philippe Gilbert

Philippe Gilbert achieved one of his first major victories by winning the 2009 Liège–Bastogne–Liège, marking him as a force to be reckoned with in the classics. On April 26, Gilbert managed to outsmart and outpace his strongest rivals through the grueling Ardennes course. His solo break in the final stages proved decisive, allowing him to cross the finish line first in Liège. This victory was significant as it underlined his potential and marked the beginning of an outstanding career.

Philippe Gilbert emerged victorious at the 2009 Giro di Lombardia on October 17, solidifying his status as a formidable one-day racer. Known as the 'Race of the Falling Leaves,' this classic features a challenging course through Northern Italy. Gilbert launched an impressive attack on the final climb to ride away from his rivals, earning him one of the biggest wins of his career at the time. The Giro di Lombardia win added to his growing list of prestigious victories in the cycling calendar.

Philippe Gilbert claimed his first victory in the Amstel Gold Race on April 18, 2010, after a strategic and powerful attack on the Cauberg in the final kilometers of the Dutch classic. Gilbert's win came after a perfectly timed move that left his competitors unable to respond. This race is known for its challenging circuit of short, sharp climbs, and Gilbert's ability to maintain his lead into the finish demonstrated both his tactical and physical prowess. This victory was a key moment in his career.

Philippe Gilbert secured a dramatic victory in the 2011 La Flèche Wallonne, part of the Ardennes Classics, on April 20, 2011. Known for its challenging profile and steep climbs, La Flèche Wallonne saw Gilbert launching a powerful attack up the Mur de Huy, the final decisive climb, to take the win. This victory was part of a remarkable streak that saw Gilbert dominating the Spring Classics in 2011, further establishing him as one of the premier one-day racers of his generation.

On April 24, 2011, Philippe Gilbert completed a stunning Ardennes Classics triple by winning the Liège–Bastogne–Liège. This victory followed his wins at the Amstel Gold Race and La Flèche Wallonne, making him the first rider since 2004 to claim all three titles in the same week. Gilbert showed his tactical brilliance and strength, managing to break away from his rivals in the closing stages of the race to secure a commanding victory in Liège. This cemented his status as a leading classics rider.

In the 2011 Tour de France, Philippe Gilbert showcased his explosive power by winning Stage 1, held on July 5. The stage finished at Mont des Alouettes, where Gilbert attacked in the final kilometers after a hilly course. His victory earned him the yellow jersey, a career highlight that spurred his reputation as an aggressive and versatile rider. This win in the Tour de France, one of the sport's grandest competitions, highlighted Gilbert's formidable skills in both one-day and stage races.

Philippe Gilbert was crowned the 2012 UCI World Road Race Champion on September 23, after a stunning performance in Valkenburg, Netherlands. Gilbert attacked on the final climb, the Cauberg, pulling away from his competitors to cross the line first, donned in the Belgian national colors. This victory was the culmination of a brilliant season and awarded Gilbert the prestigious rainbow jersey. His tactical acumen and explosive climbing left no doubt about his superiority on the day.

On April 22, 2013, Philippe Gilbert suffered a severe setback when he was involved in a crash at the Amstel Gold Race. The fall resulted in a fractured hand, impacting his racing schedule during the crucial spring season. Despite the injury, Gilbert's resilience led him back to competition within a few weeks. This period tested his determination, as injury recovery is always a challenging phase for professional cyclists who are under time pressures to perform at their peak in key races.

Philippe Gilbert demonstrated his mastery of the Dutch roads by winning the 2015 Amstel Gold Race on April 19. The race is known for its rolling terrain and numerous climbs, culminating in the famous Cauberg. Gilbert executed a flawless race, attacking on the final ascent of the Cauberg and quickly building a lead that he maintained to the finish line in Valkenburg. This win added to his impressive palmares and reiterated his status as a specialist in the one-day classic races.

Philippe Gilbert claimed a spectacular solo victory in the 2017 Tour of Flanders. In an extraordinary show of strength, Gilbert broke away from the peloton more than 50 kilometers from the finish, maintaining his lead all the way to the line in Oudenaarde, Belgium. This victory marked a milestone in Gilbert's career, achieving one of cycling's Monuments. His attack on the Oude Kwaremont was decisive, and he held off his chasers to win by 28 seconds, demonstrating his exceptional endurance and tactical nous.