Philippe Gilbert questions BMC approach as he waits for Tour de France confirmation

Philippe Gilbert claims he's not been told whether or not he'll be racing at the Tour de France yet, with the start less than a month away

Philippe Gilbert attacks to win on stage twelve of the 2015 Tour of Italy

(Image credit: Watson)

Philippe Gilbert says he does not understand his BMC's approach to team selection, claiming he is yet to hear from the team management whether or not he will ride next month's Tour de France.

The confusion, Gilbert says, makes it hard to motivate himself to ride, insisting that he has nothing to prove to anyone in the team in order to gain selection for the Tour.

The 32-year-old Belgian made the comments at the Tour de Suisse, his first race back since winning two stages at the Giro d'Italia in May.

"It's hard to motivate yourself when you have no insight into your program," Gilbert told Het Nieuwsblad. "Do they want me there? I have heard nothing.

"You should call [team manager Jim] Ochowicz. Do you have his number? I think this is already a very bizarre situation. No, I do not understand their approach."

Gilbert last rode the Tour in 2013 and held the yellow jersey for a stage in 2011 after winning the first stage, three seconds ahead of eventual Tour winner Cadel Evans.

The 2012 World Champion believes his wins on stages 12 and 18, as well as his second-place in the points competition, means he doesn't have to prove his form this week in Switzerland.

"I'm not a neo pro anymore," said Gilbert, who will turn 33 on the Tour's second stage on July 5. "I have nothing more to prove, especially after my two stage victories in the Giro. They refuse to show me that confidence. I am fresh after the Giro, I climbed better than ever without having to overdo it.

"Furthermore, there are many opportunities for me in the first week of the Tour. Well, I'm here to try to show that I'm good."

 

Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters.