“I need a break”, Philippe Gilbert
Philippe Gilbert of Team BMC has decided to take some time off from professional cycling after his struggling form in the current season.
“I need a break even though I didn’t ride the finale of every race. Mentally it took a lot of energy, physically too”, he briefed.
“I’m taking a break now in order to start the second part of the season at the right foot. I hope to return with my best form in a few months”, he concluded.
The cyclist rode brilliantly in the past season and filled his bag with numerous victories last year.
He topped the Elite Men UCI World Tour Rankings with a total number of 718 UCI points in his back pocket.
Gilbert’s team-mate Cadel Evans finished second with 584 points to his credit, Joaquim Rodriguez, Michele Scarponi and Tony Martin occupied the next three positions with 446, 419 and 349 UCI points.
Gilbert marked his professional debut with Team FDJeux.com in 2003 and helped the team with a lot of wins throughout 2009 season.
He accepted an offer form Team Silence-Lotto in 2009 and penned a deal with Team BMC for the start of 2012 season.
Philippe’s move was amongst one of the most expensive transfers of the 2012 season but his performance has definitely been a disappointment for the American side.
The 29-year-old is rated as a top classics specialist. He succeeded in all the three Ardennes Classics in the past season and had as many as 7 victories in his bag, this time last year.
He cited, “This year is quite different but that’s sport. You can’t always be on the top of your form”.
“At this level it’s like in the Formula 1 when the smallest of details make the difference. I’m only at 90 or 95 per cent. I’m paying for that”, he concluded.
He will now be seen in action at the Tour of Belgium scheduled by the end of May and will also participate at the Tour de France along with his team-mate, Cadel Evans.
Philippe will target stage victories at the event while Evans will fight for his second consecutive victory at the French Grand Tour.
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