Philippe Gilbert

Philippe Gilbert - Strade Bianche 2012

Philippe has won the Strade Bianche in 2011, possibly his best year ever, when he also made the double win in Ardennes (Liege and Fleche). The year later he was back on the Tuscan gravel, wearing the Belgian champion jersey but he couldn't repeat the performance. The point is that this race is an hard one, and just people in good condition may hope for a good result. Frequently from the standing of this race you may already see who will be protagobist of the spring Classics. Cancellara has won it twice, Sagan was twice on podium, and Valverde seems to be the next one to escalade the podium after two consecutive third places in 2014 and 2015. In the picture Gilbert in on the key gravel sector of Monte Sante Marie.