Two-year extension for Gilbert at Quick-Step Floors

Philippe Gilbert will remain with Quick-Step Floors through to the end of the 2019 season. The Belgian team has announced a two-year extension with the 35-year-old following a successful first season together that has included Tour of Flanders and Amstel Gold Race victory.

"It was my dream to extend the contract and I knew that after winning De Ronde and Amstel this would be possible. I’m super happy to continue for two more years with Quick-Step Floors." said Gilbert in a release from the team.

Gilbert moved across to Quick-Step Floors from BMC for greater leadership roles in the cobbled classics, instantly delivering with a solo win at Flanders in the Belgian national champions jersey. The win was his third of the five monuments after success at Liege-Bastogne-Liege and Il Lombardia. In the next two seasons, Gilbert explained he would target the two remaining monuments to complete his set.

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"I am sure I can still win some big races and that I will get my chances. It would be a dream come true to win races like Paris-Roubaix and Milano-Sanremo with this team," he said. "That is also one of the reasons why I wanted to sign for two more years, to build up and increase my chances." 

For team CEO Patrick Lefevere, re-signing Gilbert was a major objective and he sees the Walloon as a crucial member of the squad.

"We knew Philippe's quality when he brought him aboard and to see him showcasing it on numerous occasions throughout the season made us very happy, so I don't think this new contract comes as a surprise," Lefevere added.

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