Philippe Gilbert has decided to end his 17-year-long career. The Belgian rider released a video on his official Youtube channel where he announced his upcoming plans for the future along with his final appearance in Paris Tour.
Gilbert will compete in Binche-Chimay-Binche on 4th October and then in Paris-Bourges on 6th October. He chose the Paris-Tours as his career's final race, which will be held on the 9th of October.
There is a particular reason behind his decision to choose Paris-Tours as his last professional race. "I think it's important to finish there. In 2008 I scored my first big win there in the jersey of Française des Jeux, a year later, I won there for Lotto," said Gilbert. On October 15, a major event will be organised to celebrate his retirement.