Today, the youngest is still on two wheels. He runs a cycle store in Banneux, is a trainer for the Wallonia-Brussels Cycling Federation and still rides five to six times a week. La Doyenne is also a bit of his daily life, to the extent that he lives not far from his birthplace, at the foot of the Redoute, a mythical coast where the big guys often reveal themselves to carry decisive banderillas. He knows everything about this classic: the highlights, the recognitions not to be missed, the places to position yourself to see the peloton clearly…
Why not a few kilometers with the pros?
“With the Ardennaises, the professionals are in our region for a good weekhe begins by explaining to us. I find it interesting for cycling enthusiasts to be in a place to observe the teams that go through reconnaissance on Fridays. Generally, they leave Trois-Ponts in the morning and cover the final 70 to 80 kilometers. It's a way to stretch your legs, but also, above all, to identify places, traps, and the state of the roads. To get back into the spirit of the race. For cyclists, it is sometimes the opportunity to ride a few kilometers with the pros, trying of course not to bother them. And seeing them from the side of the road, if you're not driving, also interests a lot of people…”
Yet another way to see the peloton: the presentation of the runners, on Saturday (1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.), at the starting area (quai des Ardennes, in Liège). “They are generally relaxed and take the time for an autograph or a photo, continues Jérôme Gilbert. It’s friendly and good-natured…”
Then comes the big part, with “D-Day”, April 21 this year. The advertising caravan leaves the Cité ardente at 8:40 a.m., while the runners set off at 10 a.m.
“You have to get up early on Sunday and have studied the route carefully, just to know where you want to go without wasting time, advises our interlocutor. So go to Quai des Ardennes to watch the start, where there are always things to see, then leave directly, take the Autoroute des Ardennes and head to Houffalize for the coast of Saint-Roch. It is a wall, which is quite prestigious in the history of the Doyenne. It's easy to get there and you can see the runners well. You can eat a little bit there first. An important tip: when you park your car at a crossing point, do not put it too close to the place. When leaving, you risk being blocked by cars arriving after you. This precaution and good preparation in advance will allow you to be efficient and present on several key points. My record? Sixteen places…”
The party on the Redoute
For the rest of the journey, Jérôme Gilbert sees two possibilities to make the most of it while optimizing his time.
The first option: go to Stavelot for the famous trilogy “ Wanne-Stockeu and Haute-Levée”, a sequence of three beautiful bumps which launches the final fights. Then return to the finish, because it will be too difficult to arrive in time at the Redoute.
The second option: go directly to the Redoubt.
“Liège-Bastogne-Liège day is a bit like our Binche carnivalhe smiles. The party there is incredible. Mobile homes are available on site from Thursday. There is a large marquee, giant screens to follow the race live. Really, it’s something to experience…”
Last point of the route where there are also a lot of people and quite a few things to see: the coast of Roche-aux-Faucons, between Hony and Boncelles.
