Philippe Gilbert. Photo: velonation.com / Sirotti
Philippe Gilbert (BMC) has admitted that the rainbow jersey has been a weightier burden than he had expected, but the world champion is determined to defend his title in Florence next week.
The Belgian has endured a difficult season and only recorded his first win of the campaign when he claimed stage 12 of the Vuelta a Espana.
While Gilbert dismissed the notion of the curse of the rainbow jersey, he admitted that it does not make the task of winning any easier.
“I’m not a believer, I don’t have any religion if not that of a job well done,” Gilbert told L’Equipe.
“But after a while, I said to myself that there was something about this jersey, as though it blocked me in my quest for more success.
“It’s not a cursed jersey, but the problem is that it doesn’t pass unnoticed in a peloton where everybody is looking at it. In the finale of a race, nine times out of ten, there’ll be someone on your wheel when you attack.
“It’s like a point of pride to go after the world champion. It’s not about the person – it’s not Philippe Gilbert they’re watching, but the world champion. This jersey is a symbol unto itself.” – Cyclingnews
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