The participation of Philippe Gilbert at Liège-Bastogne-Liège on Sunday is uncertain. The BMC leader is severely affected by the crash in Fleche Wallonne and yesterday he had to stop his training. "We will make a decision on Friday after the recon ride," said sports director Valerio Piva.

Philippe Gilbert was involved in a big at Fleche Wallonne big crash and had to abandon. The right side of his body showed some scrapes, but especially the pain in his right knee worries the team.

"He had a very bad night," sports director Valerio Piva told La Dernière Heure and Het Nieuwsblad. "He has pain everywhere and has only slept for a few hours."

In the crash, Gilbert's foot stayed in the pedal and so he twisted his knee. "In the coming days he will get intensive treatment by osteopath David Bombeke. Philippe absolutely wants to start, he still has a few days. Especially his right knee is a problem."

Today Gilbert will check the last 100 kilometers of Liège-Bastogne-Liège with his teammates . "By riding the climbs, Philippe will be able to test his knee. After the recon ride, we will decide whether he will be at the start on Sunday."

Preparing for his favorite classic is thus not a bed of roses for Gilbert, who was the best in Ans in 2011."Philippe is able to bounce back. He is more hurt physically more than mentally," Piva said.