Gilbert finished 1:02 behind Vandewalle in the 44.2-kilometre race that comprised three laps of a 14.8 kilometres of a flat circuit with some technical stretches. Vandewalle's teammate, Julien Vermote, finished third, 1:05 behind.

Gilbert said after some mishaps early on, he found his rhythm. "My legs were good and this was more important," he said. "Vandewalle was the best, but I am on the right spot."

BMC Racing Team Performance Director Allan Peiper said Gilbert got faster on each lap. The winner of the race in 2011 and third-place finisher a year ago conceded 39 seconds on the first lap, 19 on the second and nine seconds on the final lap. "He never weakened the whole time," Peiper said. "If you look at the splits, he was getting better at the end when the other guys were dying."

Gilbert will start the Eneco Tour of Benelux with the BMC Racing Team on Monday.

Starting at 14.45 you can follow the Eneco Tour here on Cyclingquotes.com