25 teams have been selected for the 74th Flèche Wallonne, which will take place on Wednesday 21st of April.
Germany
Team Milram (MRM)
Belgium
Omega Pharma-Lotto (OLO)
Quick Step (QST)
Landbouwkrediet (LAN)
Topsport Vlaanderen - Mercator (TSV)
Denmark
Team Saxo Bank (SAX)
Spain
Caisse d’Epargne (GCE)
Euskaltel - Euskadi (EUS)
United States
BMC Racing Team (BMC)
Garmin-Transitions (GRM)
Team HTC-Columbia (THR)
Team RadioShack (RSH)
Great-Britain
Team Sky (SKY)
France
AG2R La Mondiale (ALM)
Bbox Bouygues Telecom (BBO)
Cofidis, le Crédit en ligne (COF)
Française des Jeux (FDJ)
Italy
Acqua & Sapone (ASA)
Androni Giocattoli (AND)
Lampre-Farnese Vini (LAM)
Liquigas-Doimo (LIQ)
Kazakhstan
Astana (AST)
Nederlands
Rabobank (RAB)
Russia
Katusha Team (KAT)
Swiss
Cervelo Test Team (CTT)
The Mur de Huy fascinates, impresses and transcends the riders. It starts with a right turn that means the beginning of the battle. Its characteristics give shivers.
While the climb lasts 1300 metres, it is at the start of the Chemin Des Chapelles, on a portion of over 800 metres, that the legs suffer the most: the slope average if close to 13% and reaches a maximum 26% in the famous “chicane”, 400 metres from the line. Champions have been preparing for weeks this rendez-vous that becomes a fire lightning when comes the final explanation.
For the 73rd edition, the prize at the top is once again coveted by the best punchers of the pack. Kim Kirchen, who had entered the Great Classics winner’s circle last year thanks to an impressive final acceleration, will need to be just as impressive to beat the many contenders. On the list of those who dream of the Fleche are the likes of Damiano Cunego, closely followed by Cadel Evans, one of the main actors in last year’s final climb. His team mate Philippe Gilbert recently 4th of the Amstel Gold Race will also be part of the outsiders to keep an eye on. Robert Gesink, 4th in 2008 has won himself during the Amstel (3rd) a clear favourite’s status. The young riders haven’t however totally outclassed the former winners who should once again play a part in the battle: Alejandro Valverde and Davide Rebellin are present to make the best of their experience.
Germany
Team Milram (MRM): P.Velits, Wegmann (All)
Belgium
Landbouwkrediet - Colnago (LAN): De Waele, (Bel)
Quick Step (QST): Barredo (Esp), Pineau (Fra)
Silence - Lotto (SIL): Evans (Aus), Gilbert (Bel), Dekker (Hol)
Topsport Vlaanderen - Mercator (TSV): Bakelants (Bel)
Denmark
Team Saxo Bank (SAX): F.Schleck, A.Schleck (Lux), Kroon (Hol)
Spain
Caisse d’Epargne (GCE): Valverde, Rodriguez (Esp)
Euskaltel - Euskadi (EUS): S.Sanchez (Esp)
United States
Garmin - Slipstream (GRM): Danielson (Usa)
Team Columbia – High Road (THR): Kirchen (Lux), Monfort (Bel)
France
AG2R La Mondiale (ALM): Nocentini (Ita), V.Efimkin (Rus)
Agritubel (AGR): Moreau, Feillu (Fra)
BBox Bouygues Telecom (BTL): Rolland (Fra), Trofimov (Rus)
Cofidis, Le Crédit en Ligne (COF): El Fares, Moinard (Fra)
Française des Jeux (FDJ): Casar, Guesdon (Fra)
Great Britain
Barloworld (BAR): Augustyn (Afs)
Italy
Lampre - N.G.C. (LAM): Cunego, Righi (Ita)
Liquigas (LIQ): Kreuziger (Rtc), Kuschynski (Blr)
Kazakhstan
Astana (AST): Zubeldia (Esp), Iglinskiy (Kaz)
Netherlands
Rabobank (RAB): Gesink (Hol), Freire (Esp)
Skil-Shimano (SKS): Hivert (Fra)
Vacansoleil Pro Cycling Team (VAC): Lhôtellerie (Fra)
Russia
Team Katusha (KAT): Ivanov (Rus), Pfannberger (Aut)
Switzerland
Cervélo Test Team (CTT): Gerrans (Aus)
Venezuela
Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni - Androni Giocattoli (SDA): Rebellin, Scarponi (Ita)
Making his effort in the final few metres, Kim Kirchen (THR) beat all the main favourites to capture his first Fleche Wallonne success after finishing second of the race back in 2005.
Under heavy rain, the final decision took place as expected in the terrifying climb up the Mur the Huy.
Cadel Evans was the first to make a move attacking with 400m to go but the Australian failed to hang on to the lead as Kim Kirchen proved to be the strongest when it really mattered.
The rider from Luxemburgwins this 72nd edition of the Fleche ahead of Evans and last Sunday’s winner of the Amstel God Race, Damiano Cunego.
After takingoff under a bright sunshine, the race proved to be extremely eventful after 80 kilometres of riding with a group of 19 riders including Andy Schleck and Philippe Gilbert enjoying a long break in the lead.