Philippe Gilbert will leave BMC at the end of the season

Philippe Gilbert will end his five-year association with BMC at the end of the season and has already had contact with potential suitors

(Image credit: DANIEL DAL ZENNARO)

Philippe Gilbert, the 2012 World Champion, will not renew his contract at BMC for 2017, confirming that he has had contact with other teams already.

The Belgian, the winner of the Ardennes triple in 2011, says he won't announce his plans until the UCI's transfer announcement window opens on August 1, but he doesn't seem short of suitors.

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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.