La Flèche Wallonne 2017: The Route

Wednesday, 19 April 2017 - At 204.5 kilometres, the 81st edition of La Flèche Wallonne takes in nine climbs. The finale is excruciating with Côte de Cherave and the Wall of Huy in the last 7 kilometres. Both are 1.3 kilometres, while the first is averaging 8.1% and the second 9.6%. Summit finish (of course)!

The Flèche Wallonne and the Wall of Huy are intertwined. Year after year the pack attacks the steep final climb in close formation. In 2017 again?

The route winds through the hills of the Ardennes, but it’s 127.5 kilometres into the race when the first is crested. Côte d’Amay is shortly followed by Côte de Villers le Bouillet.

At kilometre 141 comes the first ascent of the Wall of Huy – the 1.3 kilometres climb rises with an average grade of 9.6%. Following a misleading start the climb really kicks in after 400 metres. With 11% for 400 metres, 17% for 100 metres, and 14% for 300 metres the Wall shows its razor sharp teeth. With a 6% gradient the last 100 metres are relatively easy.

On the top a 29 kilometres round commences, which is on the menu twice. First Côte d’Ereffe (2.1 kilometres at 5%) and racing past the village Marchin the riders head towards Huy. Just before the village they turn left and via Rue de Cherave they attack the Côte de Cherave. With rocks on the right and houses on the left, it’s a 1.3 kilometres climb at 8.1%. On the top 5.5 kilometres to the line remain.

Through the village of Ahin and along the banks of the Meuse it’s back to Huy once again for the closing climb up the local Wall.