Gilbert extends BMC deal

Paris - World road champion Philippe Gilbert has agreed to extend his contract with BMC until 2016, his team confirmed on Tuesday night.

Belgian star Gilbert, 31, joined BMC at the start of the 2012 season on an initial three-year deal.

The team's president Jim Ochowicz declared: "After the Tour de France, he will focus on the one day races and his defence of his world championship title."

Gilbert is hoping to become the first rider to successfully defend the world title since Paolo Bettini in 2007.