Philippe Gilbert celebrates final Belgian pro race at Binche - Chimay - Binche

Binche - Chimay - Binche saw Christophe Laporte take a strong win, and Remco Evenepoel debut his rainbow jersey. The race saw a lot of sub-plots, one also being that country's legend and veteran Philippe Gilbert raced in his home country for the final time as a pro rider.

“I managed to pull away in the final with a group and it looked good until Christophe Laporte attacked," Gilbert said in a post-race interview. "He rode off with Rasmus Tiller and we then got stuck for a few seconds. I thought we would still return, but they kept moving forward. That's a shame, but I was able to participate in the final as hoped."

The 40-year old had shown glimpses of form this year, most importantly taking a win at the 4 Jours du Dunkerque. Having his form still, Gilbert put it to good use as he rode into sixth place at the end of the Belgian race, although that was not enough to eliminate the gap that Lotto Soudal has been forced to close to maintain it's World Tour status, which is now virtually certain to not happen.

“I was active today and was able to play my part. The team did that, but in the end we don't buy much with a sixth place," he continued. "I did enjoy the race. There were a lot of people. I have to thank everyone. Emotions? No, I've been through a lot in a career spanning twenty years. I can place it all well.”

“I still feel good. There are still two great races on the program," he concluded. This week he will race Paris-Bourges and Paris-Tours, which are set to be his final races as a pro rider.