21/09/2025 - Gelrode (R)

Gelrode and Gilles, it is gradually becoming a regular fixture. Year after year he stood at the start of this classic test of strength, and this season, too, he lined up with ambition. Sixteen laps, each featuring two vicious climbs, turn this race into a true war of attrition. No sun this time, but the gentle tapping of rain and the threat of a heavy shower hanging over the riders.

From the opening lap, the tone was right: sharp, with constant attack attempts. Gilles stayed at the front, moving up where necessary and trying a few times himself. When four riders, including two teammates, managed to escape, it quickly became clear that they had flown. Gilles stayed behind and was trapped in a team role: not attacking himself, but controlling the peloton in service of the team. The plan worked, as the lead grew to a solid 1'40”.

Meanwhile, the grueling course did its work. Rain, the pace, and climbs made the peloton smaller and smaller. Of the 55 starters, barely 23 riders would reach the finish. Gilles, too, did not have to conserve his energy, but still found the strength in the finale to break away with a group of eight. This resulted in an exciting sprint for the podium places, in which he ultimately finished ninth.

A top-10 remains a fine result, but the Gilles of 2025 wants more. In the past, we would be euphoric; now, it feels somewhat disappointing. Nevertheless, the story is clear: the consistency, the race intelligence, and the determination are there. The form curve continues to point upwards, and the final races of the season promise to be exciting.