Philippe Gilbert looking to defend his title at the Strade Bianchi
BMC Racing Team is eyeing the Strade Bianchi to continue its tremendous 2012 season. Philippe Gilbert is confident to defend his 2011 title and will be supported by a number of talented riders in the British team.
He will be accompanied by Alessandro Ballan, Greg Van Avermaet, George Hincapie and Cadel Evans in the season ahead.
Gilbert had a terrific 2011 season and secured a number of victories, including the National Road Race Championships and the National Time Trial Championships.
He also topped the UCI World Tour Ranking and grabbed 698 points. His team-mate and the 2011 Tour de France winner, Cadel Evans, claimed the second position with 574 points in his pocket.
The Belgian’s tremendous run of form helped him with the overall victories at the Tour of Belgium, Ster ZLM Toer, Liège–Bastogne–Liège, Amstel Gold Race, La Flèche Wallonne, Clásica de San Sebastian, Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec, Montepaschi Strade Bianche, Brabantse Pijl and the GP de Wallonie.
Philippe is now targeting the victory at the coming race. "I will start this race with motivation because it's a nice race," he said.
He further added, "My feeling was not great last weekend like last year at the same moment. But there's still no stress for me. The season is long and my goals will come later".
The race is scheduled on March 3rd and the cyclists from across the world are warming up to ride the event.
The 190 kilometre race will start from Giaole and will conclude at Piazza del Campo.
Gilbert has not opened his winning account for the 2012 season as of now, despite his participation at a couple of races.
He briefed that his team-mate Alessandro Ballan is also an ideal candidate to claim the overall spot.
Ballan finished second during the 2008 and 2011 editions of the race and will definitely challenge Gilbert for the title on Saturday.
"I know Alessandro [Ballan - runner-up in both 2011 and 2008] is especially in good shape and motivated," Gilbert mentioned.
It will be interesting to see if Philippe can continue his 2011 winning momentum to claim his first win of the new season at the Italian race 2012.
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