2011 Brabantse Pijl results

(c) 2011 Cor Vos/Bike World News

Philippe Gilbert (Omega Pharma Lotto) won the Brabant Arrow on Wednesday, capping the race with a sprint over Björn Leukemans (Vacansoleil), his last escape companion. Anthony Geslin (EOD) completed the podium, besting a three man group that came in about a minute off of the leaders.

Gilbert’s victory certainly bodes well for his performance in the rest of the Ardennes classics, including Sunday’s Amstel Gold Race where he will start as defending champion.

Gilbert attacked with 50km remaining in the race and was joined by Johny Hoogerland (Vacansoleil-DCM), Dries Devenyns (Quick Step), Romain Zingle (Cofidis), Bram Tankink (Rabobank) Björn Leukemans (Vacansoleil-DCM) and Anthony Geslin (JDF). The group of six was able to quickly open a gap over a seemingly apathetic peloton.

Leukemans attacked once more at the 10km mark and only Gilbert was able to go with him. The two agreed to work together to stay off the front and said that they would let the sprint decide the winner.

“With Björn, we agreed to work together to the finish and to fight for victory in the sprint,” he said after his victory. “Björn would also deserved to win. It was flawless. But I’m better than him in the sprint.”

In addition to defending his Amstel Gold title, Gilbert is aiming to win at Liege-Bastogne-Liege, the main goal of his season.

Brief Results:

1. Philippe GILBERT (BEL), Omega Pharma-Lotto, 4:40:39
2. Björn LEUKEMANS (BEL), Vacansoleil-DCM, s.t.
3. Anthony GESLIN (FRA), Française des Jeux, at 1:02
4. Johnny HOOGERLAND (NED), Vacansoleil-DCM, at 1:02
5. Bram TANKINK (NED), Rabobank Cycling Team, at 1:03
6. Dries DEVENYNS (BEL), Quick Step, at 1:16
7. Romain ZINGLE (BEL), Cofidis, Le Credit En Ligne, at 1:22
8. Gianni MEERSMAN (BEL), Française des Jeux, at 1:38
9. Jérôme PINEAU (FRA), Quick Step, at 1:39
10. Simon GESCHKE (GER), Skil-Shimano, at 2:17