Philippe Gilbert happy with Worlds route
Belgian rider Philippe Gilbert has said he is confident that the route at the World Championships will suit his riding style.
The men's elite race will be decided over 260km between Melbourne and Geelong on Sunday.
"What I like is the finish, it is something for me," Gilbert said on Monday, having scoped out the route. "I don't have to attack and finish solo, I will have a chance from of a small group. That gives
me more confidence and takes some pressure of my shoulders."
The route chosen ascends a total of 3,076m, but the climbing will not begin until the 80km into the stage. Therefore, experts such as Cycling Australia's Shayne Bannan has predicted that riders who fare
well during the Ardennes Classics should do well at this year's tournament.
Gilbert, who won this year's Amstel Gold Race, one of three of the Ardennes Classics, has therefore been tipped as favourite for the Worlds title alongside Cadel Evans, winner of this year's La Fleche
Wallone.
Rest key in preparations
Resting has been key to Gilbert's preparations for Sunday. The 28-year-old raced in the Vuelta a Espana earlier this month, where he claimed two stage victories after an impressive display.
"I don't really need [to race] anymore, I have done a lot of training. I rode 200 kilometres today in training and I will complete another big ride on Wednesday, 150 kilometres with the group and 50 to
60 kilometres behind the car."
Like many of his rivals at the Worlds, Gilbert opted not to start in the Herald Sun Classics race in Ballarat on Sunday, but he did take note of Italian Filippo Pozzato's convincing victory.
"I sent Filippo an SMS after the race to say, 'Now, it is up to your team to control the race on Sunday, instead of mine.' I know the game, though, it is psyshological. They want to put the pressure on
us and we want to put it on them."
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