Considering Philippe Gilbert's upward trajectory over the past seasons, there are few riders that invite more interest looking ahead to the coming year.
With that in mind, the schedule of the 28 year old is something to take note of. With his Omega Pharma-Lotto team's non-selection to the opening two stage races in the Middle East at Qatar and Oman, there is a bit of upheaval in terms of a schedule for the riders, but it looks highly likely that the Amstel Gold winner will toe the start line for the first time in 2011 at the Challenge Mallorca.
Biciciclismo reports that the Walloon's schedule is not completely set in stone until the end of February, when the big races kick in.
The two-time Het Volk winner will take part in the Belgian season opener again this year, but of course, it is now known as the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. The restructured route will place a heavy emphasis on the Haaghoek in 2011 and could well provide a chance for the all-around talent to notch his third victory in the early season Belgian World Championships.
A week later, Gilbert will be in action about 1300 kilometers to the south in the spring's new Tuscan classic, the Strade Bianche. Gilbert has yet to show himself in the race, but if he comes out swinging, the white roads of Tuscany could be a great stage for the new father's skills.
It would seem unlikely though, as Gilbert will likely be trying to hold out as long as possible to reach top form this coming spring. For a rider once again looking to be at a high level from Milano-Sanremo (19 March) to Liege-Bastogne-Liege (24 April), an early ascension to top form would probably not be seen as a good thing.
Following the Strade Bianche, Gilbert will eschew his traditional appearance at Paris-Nice in favor of Tirreno-Adriatico, the Race of the Two Seas. Moving from Paris-Nice to Tirreno-Adriatico is an interesting one, and certainly telling, as traditionally, the winner of the year's opening Monument comes from Tirreno-Adriatico, and following a podium appearance (3rd) in 2008 and 9th last season, Gilbert is no doubt hoping to find the top step in 2011.
La Primavera would be a nice victory, but the race's of Gilbert's heart will follow after the Italian Classic. Earlier this winter, Gilbert confessed that two races stand above all others: Flanders and Liege-Bastogne-Liege. Following Milano-Sanremo, Gilbert will enter the crucial phase of his spring with the Tour of Flanders (3rd in 2010), Amstel Gold Race (1st), Fleche Wallonne (6th), and Liege-Bastogne-Liege (3rd) all coming in quick succession.
Of course, it appears there are some holes in Gilbert's schedule. There's a major gap between Milano-Sanremo and the Tour of Flanders - 15 days. While not mentioned, one should count on Gilbert taking part in one of the Flanders prep races the week before Vlaanderens Mooiste, either the E3 Prijs or Gent-Wevelgem. Given the importance of staying sharp, choosing not to ride for two weeks between the major targets would be a daring move. However perhaps it's also a necessary one for a rider who is looking to be on top of his game for three weeks in April: from Flanders's April 3rd date to Liege-Bastogne-Liege's 24th of April slot.