In Monaco, residents are only allowed outside to exercise for brief periods and must do so close to their homes as part of the city-state's coronavirus lockdown restrictions.
But Philippe Gilbert revealed in a TV interview with Monaco Info, he was desparate for some fresh air, and tried to sneak in several cheeky laps of an 11km route he rides regularly.
Instead, he was fined 100 euros for flouting the coronavirus lockdown rule. But the Belgian-born multi-Monument champion was repentant.
"By virtue of our status, there is no free pass. Every citizen is equal before the law.
"Just because I won Paris-Roubaix last year doesn’t mean I have more rights than another person."
"As public figures, we need to set an example."
Like Girona in Span, Monaco is home to many international pro cyclists including Chris Froome and Aussies Tiffany Cromwell, Michael Matthews and Caleb Ewan.
