Philippe Gilbert wins Monaco Criterium - "I am really happy, It's nice to end my career like this"

Philippe Gilbert won the Beking Monaco Criterium on Sunday in what was the last race of his career. He beat Michael Matthews and Tadej Pogačar to secure the victory.

"I am really happy. Today I won all the events of the day. The Pro-Am this morning by just one second and this afternoon, on the other hand, together with all the pros, it was a different story. With the high-level athletes here in Monaco, it was not easy. The racing was fast, and I really enjoyed riding in the company of these great champions for a charity event," Gilbert said.

Gilbert currently resides in Monaco, which made the event more special for him. "It's nice to end my career like this. I've been living here for 13 years now, and to end my professional career like this is really great," Gilbert said.

A gala and charity auction followed the ride, with proceeds donated to the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation and Fight Aids, a charity headed by Princess Stephanie of Monaco.”My dream is to come back here in 10 to 15 years and see thousands of fans and families on the course," Gilbert concluded.