Gilbert optimistic ahead of Amstel Gold defence

Philippe Gilbert 2012

Philippe Gilbert will defend his Amstel Gold title and hope for continued improvement on Sunday in Holland. Since joining BMC Racing over the winter, he has yet to enjoy success.

"Every week it's going better," the Belgian said on Wednesday after the Brabantse Pijl. "I was really behind, though. It's tough. I have to work just as hard as last year, but without success."

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Gregor Brown

Gregor Brown is an experienced cycling journalist, based in Florence, Italy. He has covered races all over the world for over a decade - following the Giro, Tour de France, and every major race since 2006. His love of cycling began with freestyle and BMX, before the 1998 Tour de France led him to a deep appreciation of the road racing season.