Gilbert rues Qatar and Oman absence

Philippe Gilbert has admitted that his Omega Pharma-Lotto team’s absence from the Tour of Qatar and Tour of Oman could hinder his preparation for Het Nieuwsblad and Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne. The Belgian began his season on the Arabian Peninsula in 2010 but his team failed to secure invitations to the races there this time around.

Barry Ryan
Head of Features

Barry Ryan was Head of Features at Cyclingnews. He has covered professional cycling since 2010, reporting from the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia and events from Argentina to Japan. His writing has appeared in The Independent, Procycling and Cycling Plus. He is the author of The Ascent: Sean Kelly, Stephen Roche and the Rise of Irish Cycling’s Golden Generation, published by Gill Books.