Gilbert: I'm not the favourite at Paris-Roubaix

Philippe Gilbert leads his Lotto Soudal teammates across the Paris-Roubaix cobbles in training
Philippe Gilbert leads his Lotto Soudal teammates across the Paris-Roubaix cobbles in training (Image credit: Getty Images Sport)

After two and a half years away, reigning Paris-Roubaix champion Philippe Gilbert returned to the cobblestones of Paris-Roubaix on Thursday afternoon, previewing the pavé ahead of Sunday's long-awaited race.

Shortly after he and his Lotto Soudal team completed their course recon, the Belgian held court with a dozen journalists in a layby of the D40 heading into Wallers. There, as trucks and rival teams sped past, Gilbert gave his opinion on himself and the contenders ahead of what he said will be an uncertain edition of Paris-Roubaix.

Dani Ostanek
Senior News Writer

Dani Ostanek is Senior News Writer at Cyclingnews, having joined in 2017 as a freelance contributor and later being hired full-time. Before joining the team, she had written for numerous major publications in the cycling world, including CyclingWeekly and Rouleur. She writes and edits at Cyclingnews as well as running newsletter, social media, and how to watch campaigns.