Philippe Gilbert Leads the 2010 Spain Tour

The Belgian professional road bicycle racer, Philippe Gilbert, won the 157-kilometer third stage from Marbella to Malaga and took the overall lead of the 2010 Tour of Spain, which finishes on September 19^th.

Gilbert is a two-time winner of the prestigious Paris-Tours race. He is fifth in the world rankings and is among the favorites in sports betting sites and was also the winner of the Amstel Gold Race, which was held last April.

Gilbert knew that this third stage was adapted to his characteristics due to the similarity with the Amstel Gold Race.

“The final two kilometer finish climb was similar to the finale of the Netherlands’ race in the Amstel Gold Race Classic,” Gilbert said.

The 28-year-old Belgian, who rides for Omega Pharma-Lotto, made the journey in four hours, six minutes and 12 seconds and didn’t have any problems to overcome Joaquin Rodriguez in the closing kilometers before the final stretch.

Behind the Belgian bicycle racer entered Rodriguez and Igor Anton Hernandez. Gilbert beat Rodriguez by three seconds and became the leader of the overall standings with 14 seconds ahead of Spain’s rider Rodriguez.

“The target was to win the stage, so getting the overall leader’s jersey is a bonus,” said the Belgian following his victory.  “I’m very excited because since the Tour of Belgium, last May, I haven’t achieved any victory, so I will defend it as best I can.”

On the other hand, Luxembourg Andy Schleck lost 14 minutes and 10 seconds and is now out of overall contention.

However, Schleck’s sports director Bradley McGee said that Andy arrived to this Tour with the intention of helping his older brother, Frank.

“There’s no point in pushing him, Andy’s only here to help Frank and we’ll keep him tucked under wraps for now,” said McGee.