'Gilbert is better than Merckx' says Merckx
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

As the countdown continues towards Liege-Bastogne-Liege on Easter Sunday - the last of the Spring Classics - Eddy Merckx has given a big thumbs-up to top favourite Philippe Gilbert (Omega Pharma-Lotto).
"I'm really impressed by what he's done, what he's done so far is better than Merckx!" ‘The Cannibal' told the Belgian press.
"At Amstel, it was Gilbert who led the chase behind Andy Schleck (Leopard Trek) before he attacked himself, but in Fleche he was even more impressive because he had nothing in his favour."
"The bunch was far bigger than usual at the foot of the Mur and the climbers were all very confident that they would get a result."
"But instead, Gilbert attacked at 400 metres from the line and blew them all away."
"He waited for his best moment and that's easy to say afterwards with the benefit of hindsight, but in cycling choosing the best moment to attack isn't so easy."
Merckx said he was confident that Gilbert would win at Liege on Sunday, "and that won't be a cherry on top of the Easter cake. It'll be the Eiffel Tower!"
Related links
Liege-Bastogne-Liege: The Big Preview
Spring Classics 2011: Cycling Weekly's coverage index
Thank you for reading 5 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
Founded in 1891, Cycling Weekly and its team of expert journalists brings cyclists in-depth reviews, extensive coverage of both professional and domestic racing, as well as fitness advice and 'brew a cuppa and put your feet up' features. Cycling Weekly serves its audience across a range of platforms, from good old-fashioned print to online journalism, and video.
-
-
Tom Dumoulin ends career with immediate effect
Dutch former Giro d’Italia winner brings forward retirement from professional cycling
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
New Cadex Ultra 50 Disc wheels are fast and efficient: first ride review
Already spotted on the WorldTour being raced by the Bike Exchange - Jayco team, Cadex today officially launched its all-new Ultra 50 wheelsystem, complete with a proprietary tubeless tire.
By Kristin Jenny • Published