With the lack of racing in recent months, the "climb Everest" trend has become a distraction, but on Friday Philippe Gilbert recorded an incredible time on the climb of Belgium's iconic La Redoute.

During the ride, which was recorded as part of a documentary on Gilbert, the former world champion was challenged by his brother to set the fastest time possible on this climb, which features Liege-Bastogne-Liege, which Gilbert won in 2011.

Gilbert, of Lot Soudal, completed the 1.6-km-long climb, which has an average gradient of 9.5 percent, in 4:25. The climb has a 22 percent pitch, which Gilbert knows very well, having grown up near the base of this climb.

The record was held by Romain Bardet (AG2R La Mondiale), who clocked 4:42 before Gilbert shaved 17 seconds off the Frenchman's time. Gilbert's average speed was 20.9 km/h.

Former teammate Remco Evenepoel reacted to the news on social media, joking that Gilbert had assisted him. The young Detunink-Quickstep rider joked, "It was definitely a complete tailwind."

Gilbert also challenged his followers on social media to beat La Redoute's time.

"Yesterday I spent a day in Belgium filming a documentary. My brother challenged me to beat La Redoute's best time. Beat my best time!" I wrote.

Gilbert, who usually lives in Monaco, has targeted the Classics and Tour de France as part of his new 2020 race schedule.