'It had to happen today': Philippe Gilbert says Flanders disappointment drove him on to Paris-Roubaix victory

The Belgian says he put a lot of pressure on himself to deliver a result in Roubaix

(Image credit: Yuzuru SUNADA)

Philippe Gilbert (Deceuninck-Quick-Step) said a Paris-Roubaix win had to happen on Sunday in France after the disappointment that marked the Tour of Flanders last week.

Gilbert fell sick ahead of the Dwars door Vlaanderen last Wednesday, began the Tour of Flanders and unable to continue, withdrew early. It seemed unlikely he could come back in top form one week later to win his fourth of the five Monuments, but his experience and Deceuninck-Quick-Step's might saw it happen.

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