Gilbert believes Remco Evenepoel will win World Championship - " I was happy that Remco became my successor. Maybe it's time for him to play the same role in the World Cup"

The last Belgian to become World Champion was Philippe Gilbert exactly ten years ago. Now Gilbert wants to see another Belgian wear the rainbow jersey and he believes Remco Evenepoel is the perfect candidate.

"I still remember every meter of the final. It was the run-up to the Cauberg. We went into the last descent at lightning speed. Full of risks into the last corner and the ultimate attack on the Cauberg itself, "Gilbert told Sporza.

He went on to describe the final moments before he became the World Champion."I could make a difference, but then it was 2 kilometres to go. Then I didn't hesitate anymore and "full throttle" until the finish line.”

While Wout Van Aert came so close to winning the championship. He had to satisfy with second place in the last World Championship. "It was possible for Wout van Aert to win again. A second place is very close. Coming second with the legs to become champion is always a shame," Gilbert said.

Remco Evenepoel won Liège-Bastogne-Liège in the spring and Gilbert couldn’t help but compare the circumstance between him and Remco Evenepoel, "With Liège-Bastogne-Liège we were in the same situation, also waiting 10 years. And who won? I was happy that Remco became my successor. Maybe it's time for him to play the same role in the World Cup,” the former World Champion said.