Runner-up at the 2015 edition, Julian Alaphilippe returns to the start of Fleche Wallonne for Etixx-Quick Step, where he’ll be joined by Daniel Martin, who finished on the podium two years ago, thus giving the Belgian team more than one option on the final climb of the 196-km long race.
Victorious in Brabantse Pijl last week, Petr Vakoc will be another important rider for the team, which will see also Gianluca Brambilla, David De La Cruz, Laurens De Plus, Bob Jungels and Pieter Serry line up at the start line in Marche-en-Femenne, on Wednesday.
Celebrating its 80th edition, Flèche Wallonne will depart from Marche-en-Femenne – a former medieval village located in the province of Luxembourg – for the first time in history, which will thus become the 12th town to host the start of the race.
That’s not the only change brought by the organisers, as this year’s course, which is shorter than the one of last season, has a new climb introduced inside the final 43 kilometers, Côte de Solières, right before the second passing over the infamous Mur de Huy.
Later, Côte de Cherave will also feature on the route, providing the attackers with their only real opportunity to go from afar and foil the plans of the ones hoping to see the battle for victory unfold on the last ascent.
Before the 1.3-km long climb of the Mur de Huy which averages 9.6% there’s going to be a fierce fight for position, as the favourites are aware that they must be at the front of the peloton when it will hit the maximum slope of 25%.
