La Flèche Wallonne Femmes is basically an out-and-back race in Huy. The race sets off from the town on the river Meuse river and after approximately 42 kilometres the riders tackle the Côte de Warre, a 2.2 kilometres uphill at 4.9%.
The route returns towards Huy to enter the final circuit just before hitting the second climb, Côte d’Ereffe. It’s a 2.1 kilometres ascent at 5%, although the average gradient is biased as the first 1.5 kilometres are a lot steeper than that. The last 600 metres are merely a false flat.
The route continues to the Côte de chemin des Gueuses. The steepest part lies at the bottom, while the uphill totals 1.8 kilometres with an average gradient of 6.5%.
A 5 kilometres descent leads into Huy and the riders wind their way to the foot of the Wall of Huy. The Ardennes are nowhere near flat, but this climb is extreme. It’s a 1.3 kilometres drag at 9.6% and, again, the average gradient is biased. In the first 400 metres the Wall looks like nothing special, but the ensuing 400 metres are something else with an average gradient of 11%. Still, we are only getting warmed-up as the steepest section kicks in with a 17% gradient before the next 300 metres serve an average gradient of 14%. The last 100 metres are relatively easy: 6%.
Anna van der Breggen is the Queen of La Flèche Wallonne. The Dutch rider won the last five editions of the race and with another victorie to her tally she’s the record holder.
Other interesting reads: results and start list of La Flèche Wallonne Femmes 2020.
La Flèche Wallonne Femmes 2020: route, profiles, more
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