Liège-Bastogne-Liège still the focus for world champion Gilbert

Philippe Gilbert may have conquered the world in 2012, but the BMC rider’s thoughts turn once again to local battles as he faces into the new campaign. Born and raised in Remouchamps, a stone’s throw from the route of Liège-Bastogne-Liège, the Ardennes Classics have always been the centrepiece of his year and his raison d’être through the winter months, a fact that not even the rainbow jersey on his back can change.

Barry Ryan
Head of Features

Barry Ryan was Head of Features at Cyclingnews. He has covered professional cycling since 2010, reporting from the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia and events from Argentina to Japan. His writing has appeared in The Independent, Procycling and Cycling Plus. He is the author of The Ascent: Sean Kelly, Stephen Roche and the Rise of Irish Cycling’s Golden Generation, published by Gill Books.