Philippe Gilbert is officially 2011's World Number 1

Gilbert had plenty of champagne to open in 2011 ©Graham Watson

Oct 16th, 11. The final UCI World Tour Ranking reflects what most cycling followers believe - Philippe Gilbert was the best rider in the 2011 pro-peloton.

Gilbert already had two stage wins and victory at the Montepaschi Strade Bianche when he had an incredible run of success in April.

In an eleven day period that month he took four great victories; Brabantse Pijl, Amstel Gold Race, Flèche Wallonne and Liège - Bastogne - Liège.

By the end of April he was leading the World Tour Rankings.

In May and June Gilbert added to his tally with a pile of wins in and around Belgium. He won a stage and the overall title at the Tour of Belgium, a stage and the title at Ster ZLM Tour and the Belgium National Champion Road Race title.

He began July's Tour de France in the best possible way when he won the opening stage and secured the first yellow jersey. Two other podium finishes earned him more points but by the end of the Tour it was overall winner Cadel Evans (BMC) who was leading the World Tour Rankings.

It took him until September, but Gilbert made it back to the top of the rankings thanks to his win at the Clasica San Sebastian, a stage win and 2nd place overall at the Tour of Benelux, the Belgium Time Trial Championships title and double success in Canada at the GP de Québec and GP de Montréal, and finally his win at the GP de Wallonie.

Many of Gilbert's victories were from the same tactical move - launching from the front group on the final climb before the finish line. But although his move was predictable it did not make it any easier for his rivals to follow. 

With six stage wins, two tour titles, nine one day titles, both Belgium National Champion titles and a Tour de France yellow jersey - Gilbert is the undisputable best rider of the 2011 season.

Gilbert is joing Evans at BMC Racing Team for 2012.

Final World Tour Rankings of 2011