Gilbert strikes first at the Driedaagse De Panne

Image 1 of 48

Philippe Gilbert (Quick-Step Floors) confirmed he is a real favourite for Sunday's Tour of Flanders with an aggressive and successful ride on the opening stage of Three Days of De Panne.

The 206km stage included 11 Flemish climbs and was like a traditional Tour of Flanders route with the Berendries, Ten Bosse and the iconic De Muur of Geraardsbergen climbed twice in the finale.

Gilbert made sure he was part of the decisive split on the first time up the legendary climb and then attacked alone on the second assault, stomping on the pedals on the rough cobbles that climb to the hilltop chapel.

Going clear alone seemed a risky move, but Gilbert knew what he was doing. He rode hard all the way to the finish during the final 16km, holding off a strong chase by Luke Durbridge (Orica-Scott). The Australian finished 17 seconds behind Gilbert but was simply unable to catch the Belgian national champion despite his time trialing prowess. However, Durbridge did gain time on everyone else and so set himself up for overall victory in the three-day, four-stage race. He also confirmed his own form for the Tour of Flanders.

Italy's Simone Consonni (UAE Team Emirates) won the three-rider sprint for third place at 34 seconds, beating Jasper de Busyt (Lotto Soudal) and Matthias Brandle (Trek-Segafredo). Alexander Kristoff missed the move on the Muur and his Katusha teammates were unable to help him close the gap. He finished a disappointed seventh, 58 seconds behind Gilbert.

After sprint time bonuses were included in calculations, Gilbert leads Durbridge by 22 seconds in the overall classification. He celebrated with his Quick-Step Floors team and even hugged Durbridge as a sign of respect for their performances.

Gilbert seemed happy to have again shown his form, despite his performance surely making him a marked man for the Tour of Flanders.

"My condition is good. I'm really looking forward to Flanders. I think it's no secret that I'd like to win it like everyone knows that. I'll try to do it," he said.

"I was feeling good in Paris-Nice and even at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, but I made a mistake with my position. I was coming back to the front group but nobody sees that when you ride behind. But I'm in good condition."

A day out in the Flemish Hellingen

Driedaagse De Panne started as per tradition on the Belgian coast, but the first stage headed inland into the heart of the Flemish hills to give the riders a real taste of climbs and cobbles they will face on Sunday.

There was no chance of echelons in the sunny conditions but an early break eventually formed after a fast start and a 48km/h average first hour.

The Hellingen appeared after 80km and were always going to shake up the race.

The first assault of the Ten Bosse and the Muur came after 130km, and there had already been several splits and some hectic regrouping. The break was no more and the double whammy of climbs made the selection. The long section through Geraardsbergen and then the steeper section to the chapel did real damage, with 16 riders going clear. Marco Haller (Katusha-Alpecin) dodged spectators while riding on the pavement as Katusha tried to control the race and Chris Juul Jensen (Orica-Scott) also crashed hard. However, Gilbert sparked the attack over the top, leaving Kristoff and his teammate Marcel Kittel behind to fend for themselves.

Behind, groups of 10 and 12 riders formed, with Kristoff in the first one. However, the gaps opened as they often do in Flanders and the 16 were determined to stay away. Crashes were also a factor, with Viacheslav Kuznetsov (Katusha-Alpecin) one of several riders to crash into the bushes on the top of the Muur. The Russian was entangled in the barbed wire and need help to get back on his feet.

Up front, the break went through the finish in Zottegem with a solid lead that had grown with every kilometre. Gilbert won the sprint ahead of Durbridge to take the time bonus and show his intentions.

As the kilometres ticked down, Frederik Backaert (Wanty-Groupe Gobert) went clear alone but was left to hang out front. Despite all of Katusha’s efforts and some help from a clearly on-form Filippo Pozzato (Wilier Triestina), the gap refused to come down, ending Kristoff’s hopes of a stage victory.

When the Muur reared its head with 16km to go, Gilbert did not hesitate. He surged away with Durbridge on the lower street section and then kicked clear over the top. Durbridge used his time trialling skills to chase him and initially help the gap but Gilbert kept fighting, accelerating whenever possible.

Durbridge limited his losses, thinking of the overall classification, but Gilbert rode proudly to victory.

Full Results