• Road World Championship

Gilbert inherits Cav's world crown

ESPN staff
September 23, 2012
Philippe Gilbert finished ahead of Edvald Boasson Hagen © PA Photos
Enlarge

Philippe Gilbert has followed in the footsteps of Mark Cavendish by being crowned the men's road race world champion.

Cavendish admitted ahead of the race that his chances of victory were "non-existent" because the course did not suit his gifts, and sure enough he abandoned after supporting his team-mates in the first half of the 267-kilometre race in Netherlands.

The British team tried to set up Jonathan Tiernan-Locke, the recent Tour of Britain victor - but he was unable to play a decisive role at the business end of the action, as Gilbert helped himself to the rainbow jersey.

Belgium's Gilbert attacked on the final ascent, a perfectly judged burst which his rivals had no answer to. Runner-up Edvald Boasson Hagen of Norway was four seconds back, with Alejandro Valverde of Spain third.

"It's hard to realise what happened. The Belgians did outstanding work. We deserved to win this title," Gilbert said. "I was placed excellently [on the climb]. I looked back quickly and then took off. I still don't realise that I am world champion."

Spain were the aggressors in the race, provoking all the major attacks, but ultimately Valverde had to settle for his third podium finish.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices