cycling: 81. Flèche Wallonne: Alejandro Valverde drives in a different league

Cycling: Unsurprisingly, Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) won the 81st edition of the Flèche Wallonne. The Spaniard triumphed for the fifth time on the Mur de Huy and didn't give his opponent the slightest chance. Second place went to Daniel Martin (Quick-Step Floors). The Swiss Michael Albasini (Orica-Scott) was fifth. The young Edward Teuns (BMC) also presented himself surprisingly strong, completing the podium. Team Quick-Step Floors tried another tactical trick with an attack 29 kilometers from the finish. However, Bob Jungels (Quick-Step Floors) was caught early in the wall.

Nils Politt tries to escape

This morning at 11:10 am the riders got on their saddles. The 81st Walloon Arrow started in Binche and took the riders over a distance of more than 200 kilometers to Huy. In slightly sunny, but cool and dry weather, the race initially splashed along. A six-man lead group formed, which also included Germany's Nils Politt (Katusha-Alpecin). Despite being given a lead of several minutes, they were never a serious option for today's win. Team Movistar controlled the pace for long stretches. No wonder, because their captain Alejandro Valverde has already won this race four times. Year after year he is the number one favorite in the fight for victory at the Flèche Wallonne.

Quick-Step Floors tries again early

Some teams have therefore asked themselves how to beat this Alejandro Valverde. When the Mur de Huy had to be crossed for the second time 29 kilometers from the finish, the Quick-Step Floors team came up with something very special. With half the team they pushed the pace. At the top they slowed down and let Bob Jungels attack. The good time trialist caught up with Alessandro De Marchi (BMC), who was at the front as a soloist at the time. The Movistar team first had to regroup and then took up the pursuit. After a short time, however, they left the lead and let Orica-Scott take over the tracking work for Michael Albasini almost alone. In a small descent about ten kilometers before the finish, the Luxembourg champion Jungels left his companion De Marchi, who was picked up by the peloton shortly afterwards.

Alejandro Valverde is once again unbeatable in the Mur de Huy

Bob Jungels was the first to drive into the Mur de Huy, but he was only about 20 seconds ahead of the peloton. So he had no chance. He was caught in the middle of the mountain and ended up only in 39th place. The favorites were watching each other. David Gaudu (FDJ) attacked first, but Alejandro Valverde immediately attached himself to his rear wheel. Eventually the Spaniard passed and launched in his inimitable style. Immediately there was a gap between him and the rest. The victory was taken. Alejandro Valverde wins the Flèche Wallonne for the fifth time. Behind them, several drivers fought for places over the last few meters. Daniel Martin finally prevailed and secured second place ahead of Dylan Teuns (BMC). He was followed by Sergio Luis Henao (Sky) ahead of Michael Albasini (Orica-Scott).

Result of the 81st Flèche Wallonne 2017