Philippe Gilbert won the Tour of Lombardy for the second year in a row, yesterday, cementing his reputation as one of the strongest one-day riders in the pro ranks.
The Belgian adopted an attacking strategy on a day that was both wet and cold.
“The race was really tough, really long,” the Omega Pharma-Lotto rider said. “It was very different to last year's race, in part, of course, because of the weather. It was just 4 or 5 degrees out there “
As the rain hammered down, Gilbert did his own spot of hammering on the final descent, applying pressure to the rest of the field and making what proved to be the decisive break. The tricky descent put paid to Vincenzo Nibali who crashed, leaving the Belgian to slug it out with another Italian, Michele Scarponi.
Gilbert told L’Equipe that, given the manner in which he won, this was his finest victory.
“The end was very tough, a struggle, man against man. In the final kilometres I really had to dig deep into my reserves, it was a huge effort. Even if we had a favourable wind, it was practically 45 minutes going at 100%. I’m really proud to have won like this.”
As for the future, the Belgian has no doubt about what his dream victory would be.
“For me it’s Liège [-Bastogne-Liège]. It’s my home region and along with the Tour of Lombardy it’s one of the greatest races. This year I had the legs but it was difficult tactically. Next year I’ll be starting the race with a lot of motivation.”
If he's not charging VAT yet then it would appear he's making well under 25 bikes per year currently. 8 full builds at 10-15k would send you over...
That looks like a fun bike. Frame only, 2 and an 1/2 grand.
Does this count as social media?
But down the line it can put a big dent in its resale value which ups leasing costs and the amount of cash an owner is throwing at their status...
Only reading the headline on the homepage, not the rest of the article, but I only ride mountain bikes and I still get close passed...
Fair enough, personal experience may trump (not that one) theory. However, the bonking I have experienced has been due to lack of carbs. Your point...
Agreed, but he was still right to publicise the event. The police, if they're anything like Lancashire, will do nothing at all.
mdavidfrodo?
in the UK we have policing which to a greater or lesser extent relies on assistance from members of the public......
Just wanted to share a quick thank you to everyone who helped out in this thread....