The 34-year-old timed his brave breakaway to perfection 55 kilometres from the end to claim an impressive win at the event, which forms part of the International Cycling Union (UCI) World Tour.

The 101st edition of the race proved to be packed full of drama as Gilbert launched a brave standalone surge for the line on the second ascent of the Oude-Kwaremont climb. 

World champion Peter Sagan of Slovakia, who competes for Bora-Hansgrohe, came into the competition as the favourite but his chances were ended when he crashed on the same climb.

Such was the margin of victory for Gilbert, he was able to hoist his bike in the air in the final part of the race with a 30-second advantage over the rest of the field.

Gilbert's eventual winning time was 6 hours 23min 45sec, with compatriot Greg van Avermaet, who rides for the BMC Racing team and clinched the gold medal in the individual road race event at last year's Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, coming through to take second.

Dutch team-mate Niki Terpstra wrapped up the final podium place as he did enough for third.

The veteran Belgian has won nine stages of the Tour de France and was world road race champion in 2012.

His success on the cobbles of Flanders is one of the biggest triumphs of his time on the bike.

In the women's race, also a UCI Women's World Tour race, American Team Sunweb rider Coryn Rivera produced a tactical masterclass as she saw off the challenges of Australian Gracie Elvin, who rides for Orica-Scott, and Dutchman Chantal Blaak of Boels-Dolmans.

Rivera stopped the clock at 4:02:38 to finish in front of her two closest rivals.