La Flèche Wallonne 2017: Favourites

Basically La Flèche Wallonne is just another word for the Wall of Huy - the race usually comes down to the super steep last kilometre. In last three editions Alejandro Valverde turned out on top. Cyclingstage.com brings you the favourites to win La Flèche Wallonne 2017. (Slideshow route/profile)

The Wall of Huy totals 1.3 kilometres at 9.6%. Usually there is a lot of movement on prior climbs, but these are rarely so testing that it reduces the pack to a select group. The Wall of Huy is puncheurs territory and to win the race you have to be an explosive climber with a good sprint.

Valverde is record holder with four victories (2006, 2014, 2015, 2016) and another top favourite would have been 2011-winner Gilbert, yet he was diagnosed with a tear to his right kidney after a crash in the Amstel Gold Race. He finished and even won the race in a sprint-à-deux with Kwiatkowski, but he is out of contention for one week. Speaking of the Pole: he is in fine form, too – and he skipped the Flemish campaign to shine in the Ardennes.

Both Valverde en Kwiatkowski have stunning credentials in the current season. Kwiat took Strade Bianche and Milan-San Remo, while Valverde pocketed Ruta del Sol, Volta a Catalunya and Tour of the Basque Country.

Favourites La Flèche Wallonne 2017

*** Alejandro Valverde, Michal Kwiatkowski
** Tim Wellens, Sergio Henao, Rui Costa, Daniel Martin, Daniel Moreno
* Rigoberto Uran, Ion Izagirre, Alexis Vuillermoz, Esteban Chaves, Adam Yates