Gilbert heads latest UCI World Ranking

Omega Pharma-Lotto pro Philippe Gilbert has taken over the number one spot in the Union Cycliste Internationale's World Ranking

- a table based on performances in the top professional road races -

published on Monday.

The Belgian one-day specialist knocked Spaniard Luis Leon Sanchez (Caisse d'Epargne) off the number one spot thanks to his recent win at Amstel Gold backed up by strong placings at Fleche Wallonne and Sunday's Liege-Bastogne-Liege, where he came fourth.

Former leader Sanchez slipped from first to fifth, with his team-mate Alejandro Valverde moving to second place behind Gilbert. Joaquin Rodriguez (Katusha) sits in third, and Fleche Wallonne winner Cadel Evans (BMC Racing Team) is in fourth.

Highest placed Briton is Roger Hammond (Cervelo), who occupies 21st slot in the UCI's table. Mark Cavendish (HTC-Columbia) is Britain's only other representative in the ranking in 83rd, thanks to his Tour of Catalonia stage win.

The World Ranking is compiled using a points system, with points awarded for one-day race, tour stage and stage race overall finishing positions for events in the UCI's World Calendar.

The amount of points awarded depends on the ranking of the event. For example, winning the Tour de France overall gives a rider twice as many points as winning the Eneco Tour overall.

UCI World Ranking: April 26

1. Philippe Gilbert (Bel) Omega Pharma-Lotto 292 points

2. Alejandro Valverde (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne 281

3. Joaquin Rodrguez (Spa) Katusha 268

4. Cadel Evans (Aus) BMC Racing Team 246

5. Luis Leon Sanchez (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne 222

6. Tom Boonen (Bel) Quick Step 216

7. Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Saxo Bank 200

8. Alberto Contador (Spa) Astana 161

9. Chris Horner (USA) RadioShack 144

10. Thor Hushovd (Nor) Cervelo 120

British

21. Roger Hammond (GB) Cervelo 90

83. Mark Cavendish (GB) HTC-Columbia 6

Related links

April 12: Sanchez clings on to UCI World Ranking lead

2010 UCI World Calendar