Philippe Gilbert emerged victorious in the Ardennes stage in the Eneco Tour. The superstar of the season also took over the general classification lead from Taylor Phinney and will start tomorrow's 15 kilometer time trial in Roermond with a 15 second lead. Styby had a very good day and finished sixth.
A handful of riders broke away during the stage between Heers and Andenne, but the men from Omega Pharma-Lotto controlled the race and reeled in the attackers before the finale. The Muur van Huy earlier in the stage wasn't a factor in determining the winner as the decisive moment came closer to the end of the stage. Following a failed breakaway attempt by our champion, Gilbert launched the decisive attack on one of the stage's many hills.
Styby settled into the chasing group, which did its best to catch Gilbert. But the Belgian champion was too good and rode across the finish line first, after a six kilometer solo. Styby had to let a few riders ahead of him in the sprint for second and finished in sixth place. “It was a difficult stage with a strong wind. But Gilbert made it even more difficult. I'm pleased with my result,” our man said via Twitter.
