Philippe Gilbert out of Liège-Bastogne-Liège

BMC announced Gilbert will not take the start of Liège-Bastogne-Liège as planned this Sunday.

Philippe Gilbert before La Fleche Wallone - he won't take the start of this weekend's Liège-Bastogne-Liège. Source: Getty Images

Since fracturing his finger in a training altercation a fortnight ago, Gilbert has been in understandable discomfort.

"The pain from my fractured finger and the side effects this creates, including changing my position and being twisted on the bike, means it's not comfortable to ride, let alone race at this intensity," he said. 

"After giving it a go in Amstel Gold Race and La Flèche Wallonne, I have to be realistic and focus on my recovery and getting back in shape for the Giro d'Italia. I can't race to the best of my ability or even help the team, so I'll head home to Monaco and recover well in the good weather and be back on my usual training schedule as soon as possible." 

BMC for Liège-Bastogne-Liège: Joey Rosskopf (Gilbert's replacement), Alessandro De Marchi, Silvan Dillier, Ben Hermans, Richie Porte, Samuel Sánchez, Dylan Teuns, Loïc Vliegen

Catch the action from Liège-Bastogne-Liège LIVE on SBS on Sunday 24 April from 2230-0130 AEST and online at Cycling Central.