PARIS, April 26, 2010 (AFP) – Belgian Philippe Gilbert now leads the world rankings released on Monday by the International Cycling Union (UCI), following the finish of the Liege-Bastogne-Liège race.

Gilbert, who was third in the previous world rankings list, benefited from his results at the two Ardennes classics (6th at Fleche Wallonne, 4th at Liege-Bastogne-Liege).

The Belgian is now ahead of the Spanish duo of Alejandro Valverde and Joaquin Rodriguez.

The former leader, Spaniard Luis Leon Sanchez, is now down to fifth place behind Australian Cadel Evans.

Rankings:
1. Philippe Gilbert (BEL / OLO) 292 points
2. Alejandro Valverde (ESP / GCE) 281
3. Joaquin Rodriguez (PSE / KAT) 268
4. Cadel Evans (AUS / BMC) 246
5. Luis Leon Sanchez (ESP / GCE) 222
6. Tom Boonen (BEL / QST) 216
7. Fabian Cancellara (SUI / SAX) 200
8. Alberto Contador (ESP / AST) 161
9. Chris Horner (USA / RSH) 144
10. Thor Hushovd (NOR / CTT) 120
11. Andre Greipel (GER / THR) 119
12. Maxim Iglinskiy (KAZ / AST) 116
13. Oscar Freire (ESP / RAB) 112
14. Roman Kreuziger (CZE / LIQ) 110
15. Stefano Garzelli (ITA / ASA) 109
16. Ryder Hesjedal (CAN / GRM) 103
17. Alexandre Vinokourov (KAZ / AST) 100
18. Kidney Taaramae (EST / COF) 100
19. Bjorn Leukemans (BEL / VAC) 100
20. Xavier Tondo (ESP / CTT) 92
…
36. Jean-Christophe Peraud (FRA / OLO) 60
50. Sandy Casar (FRA / FDJ) 32