Philippe Gilbert (Quick-Step Floors) turned 35 yesterday and decided to spend the day in the breakaway on stage five of the Tour de France, attacking from kilometre zero together with seven other riders – Jan Bakelants (AG2R La Mondiale), Mickael Delage (FDJ), Edvald Boasson Hagen (Dimension Data), Dylan van Baarle (Cannondale-Drapac), Pierre-Luc Perichon (Fortuneo-Oscaro), and Thomas De Gendt (Lotto Soudal) – and building a maximum gap of 3:30.
The Belgian traded turns at the front of the group, helping to ensure the eight stayed in the lead for as long as possible, before launching an attack with 13 kilometres remaining, to which only Bakelants could respond.
The 2017 Ronde van Vlaanderen winner led the way onto the final climb of the Planche des Belles Filles, and his resilience and strong efforts helping the duo to stay clear until the final four kilometres, when the peloton swept past them.
His ride on stage 5 brought a trip to the podium at the end of the day, where Gilbert was rewarded with the most aggressive rider red bib, which he’ll display during Thursday’s stage to Troyes.
For Gilbert, it was the second time in his career that he got in possession of the most combative prize in a Tour de France stage, and came 12 years since the first, which he received at his debut in the race: “The breakaway comprised many strong and experienced riders, so I guess that’s why the bunch didn’t give us too much space. Still, we worked together very well and pushed the peloton really hard.
“It’s nice to be on the podium here again and overall I can say it was a beautiful way to celebrate my birthday. I’m convinced there will be other opportunities in the upcoming stages, so I’m ready to try again.”
