A nod to the Old Lady (the "Doyenne")

January 25 ^th 2018 - 12:28

Is La Flèche still the same as it ever was? One might think so, given the roll of honour, dominated by Spanish riders for the last six years and in particular by Alejandro Valverde, winner of the last four editions.

Indeed, his comeback, following his spectacular fall on the Tour de France, will be scrutinised by the entire pack. In reality however, few one-day races have changed appearance as much over the years, whilst retaining the special spirit that makes them stand out. There is plenty of change this year over the 198.5-km route, with a very tough middle part. The start from Seraing, the traditional starting point for the Tour de la Province de Liège – whose confines this edition will not leave at all – will remind the riders of the Tour de France in 2012 and 2015, when Le Tour visited for a stage finish and start. What's more, this edition will also be giving a friendly nod to another monument of cycling. Four days before Liège-Bastogne-Liège, the riders will cross swords with the slopes of La Vecquée and especially La Redoute, which are both historical climbs on the "Doyenne" of the classics. In so doing, La Flèche, its little sister, will grow a little. However, this coming of age does not alter any of its legendary reputation. Like last year, the pack will climb the Mur de Huy three times as well as completing the vigorous and tiring final 29-km circuit punctuated by the Ereffe, Cherave and, of course Mur de Huy slopes. To reverse the race's recent trend, a wait-and-see attitude is not strongly recommended!