Watch: Philippe Gilbert stops to pose for photos with fans mid-race; still finishes second

After a successful spring campaign that included victory in the Tour of Flanders, Philippe Gilbert is a man in demand in Belgium, even stopping to pose for photos mid-race before going on to finish second and move into the race lead.

Gilbert, resplendent in his national champion colours, was competing in stage two of the Belgium Tour when, about 80km in to the 199km stage, he pulled up on the side of the road to pose for photos with fans.

Together with team-mate Yves Lampaert, Gilbert slowed up in what looks to have been a pre-planned move, coming to a stop with a group of fans who gathered around for photos.

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However after about ten seconds the riders start to get a bit jittery, with Lampaert seeing something happening the peloton and riding off.

As for the stage itself, that was won Mathieu van der Poel (Beobank-Corendon), out-sprinting none other than Gilbert, who also moved into the race lead.