{"id":239393,"date":"2026-04-20T08:58:36","date_gmt":"2026-04-20T08:58:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/04\/20\/the-kings-and-queens-of-the-mur-de-huy-analysing-the-contenders-for-la-fleche-wallonne\/"},"modified":"2026-04-20T08:58:36","modified_gmt":"2026-04-20T08:58:36","slug":"the-kings-and-queens-of-the-mur-de-huy-analysing-the-contenders-for-la-fleche-wallonne","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/04\/20\/the-kings-and-queens-of-the-mur-de-huy-analysing-the-contenders-for-la-fleche-wallonne\/","title":{"rendered":"The kings and queens of the Mur de Huy \u2013 Analysing the contenders for La Fl\u00e8che Wallonne"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div id=\"article-body\">\n<p id=\"elk-06febe44-15a1-48fc-82ef-dd25d17cf92c\">With the cobbled Classics season behind us, the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s pelotons have decamped to the hills of the Ardennes to take on the Ardennes triple \u2013 the recent Amstel Gold Race in the Dutch province of Limburg, and the Walloon double of La Fl\u00e8che Wallonne and <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/liege-bastogne-liege\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/liege-bastogne-liege\/\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/liege-bastogne-liege\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Each race has a different character, and very different parcours, though all feature a host of hills suited to the climbers and puncheurs of the peloton.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"\/><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"\/>\n<p id=\"elk-06febe44-15a1-48fc-82ef-dd25d17cf92c-2\">La Fl\u00e8che Wallonne, based around the town of Huy, features one of the most fearsome hills on the calendar in the form of the <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/features\/what-is-the-mur-de-huy\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/features\/what-is-the-mur-de-huy\/\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/features\/what-is-the-mur-de-huy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mur de Huy<\/a>. The ascent, included three times in the men&#8217;s race and twice in the women&#8217;s, measures in at a scary 1.3km at 9.6%, including a maximum gradient of 18%.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"inline-block w-2.5 h-2.5 ml-2\" fill=\"currentColor\" preserveaspectratio=\"xMidYMid meet\" viewbox=\"0 0 1000 1000\"><path d=\"M1000 100L500 900 0 100h1000z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet=\"\" class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\">\n        <span class=\"&#10;            flex&#10;            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]&#10;            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]&#10;            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold&#10;        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<p>A host of big names will be taking on the famous climb on Wednesday afternoon, and here we take a look at the favourites for the men&#8217;s <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/la-fleche-wallonne\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/la-fleche-wallonne\/\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/la-fleche-wallonne\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">La Fl\u00e8che Wallonne<\/a> and <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/la-fleche-wallonne-femmes\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/la-fleche-wallonne-femmes\/\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/la-fleche-wallonne-femmes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">La Fl\u00e8che Wallonne Femmes<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-paul-seixas-decathlon-cma-cgm\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-paul-seixas-decathlon-cma-cgm\"><span>Paul Seixas (Decathlon-CMA CGM)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\" id=\"elk-0cd50827-7e2c-4b8e-a712-63dcd6ccb556\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1024px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\"> <picture data-new-v2-image=\"true\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qzXHtPX6B993zB2PwJaeA7-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qzXHtPX6B993zB2PwJaeA7-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qzXHtPX6B993zB2PwJaeA7-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qzXHtPX6B993zB2PwJaeA7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qzXHtPX6B993zB2PwJaeA7-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qzXHtPX6B993zB2PwJaeA7-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/>\n<\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Paul Seixas recently celebrated a dominant win at Itzulia Basque Country <\/span><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-0ed85663-325a-4151-8b17-56a0630d4bfb\">French youngster <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/riders\/paul-seixas\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/riders\/paul-seixas\/\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/riders\/paul-seixas\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Paul Seixas<\/a> is the new hot young thing in the men&#8217;s peloton, the 19-year-old ascending to levels of hype unseen by a teenager in this sport.<\/p>\n<p>Seixas has enjoyed a stunning start to 2026, winning a stage en route to finishing second at the Volta ao Algarve, soloing for 42km to win the Faun-Ard\u00e8che Classic, and briefly matching Tadej Poga\u010dar before finishing second at Strade Bianche.<\/p>\n<p>And that was all before his dominant ride at Itzulia Basque Country, where Seixas won three stages and all four jerseys as he won the overall title by the largest margin since Aitor Osa in 2002 \u2013 four years before he was even born.<\/p>\n<p>Seixas comes into La Fl\u00e8che Wallonne looking in unstoppable form. He&#8217;ll face off against Poga\u010dar once again in Li\u00e8ge, the race he won as a junior two years ago, but in the meantime, he&#8217;ll line up as one of the top favourites on the Mur de Huy.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-demi-vollering-fdj-united-suez\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-demi-vollering-fdj-united-suez\"><span>Demi Vollering (FDJ United-SUEZ)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\" id=\"elk-19f4588b-c2d2-43d5-bbae-9f726cb5de50\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1024px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\"> <picture data-new-v2-image=\"true\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QSDHqHFWacPFEoD2gC3peF-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QSDHqHFWacPFEoD2gC3peF-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QSDHqHFWacPFEoD2gC3peF-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QSDHqHFWacPFEoD2gC3peF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QSDHqHFWacPFEoD2gC3peF-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QSDHqHFWacPFEoD2gC3peF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QSDHqHFWacPFEoD2gC3peF.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: Demi Vollering of Netherlands and Team FDJ United - SUEZ prior to the 23rd Tour of Flanders 2026 - Ronde van Vlaanderen - Women&amp;amp;amp;apos;s Elite a 164.1km one day race from Oudenaarde to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium. (Photo by Luc Claessen\/Getty Images)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QSDHqHFWacPFEoD2gC3peF-1024-80.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QSDHqHFWacPFEoD2gC3peF-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QSDHqHFWacPFEoD2gC3peF-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QSDHqHFWacPFEoD2gC3peF-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QSDHqHFWacPFEoD2gC3peF-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QSDHqHFWacPFEoD2gC3peF-320-80.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QSDHqHFWacPFEoD2gC3peF.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QSDHqHFWacPFEoD2gC3peF.jpg\" class=\"inline\"\/>\n<\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">European champion Demi Vollering is in form after winning the Tour of Flanders <\/span><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-d5d9a12f-5539-4a6d-829f-030a1be2ba88\"><a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/riders\/demi-vollering\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/riders\/demi-vollering\/\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/riders\/demi-vollering\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Demi Vollering<\/a> has been the rider of the spring so far, racking up five wins, including the Tour of Flanders and Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, both first-time victories for the Dutchwoman.<\/p>\n<p>The European champion started her season with two stages and the overall at the Volta Femenina de la Comunitat Valenciana in a dominant overall victory. She then switched her attention to the Classics, beating Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney in a two-woman sprint at Omloop.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet=\"\" class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\">\n        <span class=\"&#10;            flex&#10;            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]&#10;            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]&#10;            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold&#10;        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<p>A wrong turn at Strade Bianche left her and several other favourites out of contention for victory, while at Dwars door Vlaanderen, she was second in the sprint behind Marlen Reusser.<\/p>\n<p>Vollering recently soloed home from the Oude Kwaremont to score the biggest win of her year to date at De Ronde. She was third at Amstel Gold Race at the weekend, too. A third win at Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge is her main goal this week, but before then, she lines up among the top favourites at La Fl\u00e8che Wallonne, where she&#8217;s won before.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-puck-pieterse-fenix-premier-tech\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-puck-pieterse-fenix-premier-tech\"><span>Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Premier Tech)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\" id=\"elk-d609f8db-886a-49d8-b0d1-840cdf10d0b6\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1024px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\"> <picture data-new-v2-image=\"true\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SMjwjKnEyY8Wu7qLVGYCnV-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SMjwjKnEyY8Wu7qLVGYCnV-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SMjwjKnEyY8Wu7qLVGYCnV-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SMjwjKnEyY8Wu7qLVGYCnV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SMjwjKnEyY8Wu7qLVGYCnV-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SMjwjKnEyY8Wu7qLVGYCnV-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SMjwjKnEyY8Wu7qLVGYCnV.jpg\" alt=\"HUY, BELGIUM - APRIL 23: Puck Pieterse of Netherlands and Team Fenix-Deceuninck celebrates at finish line as race winner during the 28th La Fleche Wallonne Feminine 2025 a 140.7km one day race from Huy to Huy \/ #UCIWWT \/ on April 23, 2025 in Huy, Belgium. (Photo by Luc Claessen\/Getty Images)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SMjwjKnEyY8Wu7qLVGYCnV-1024-80.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SMjwjKnEyY8Wu7qLVGYCnV-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SMjwjKnEyY8Wu7qLVGYCnV-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SMjwjKnEyY8Wu7qLVGYCnV-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SMjwjKnEyY8Wu7qLVGYCnV-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SMjwjKnEyY8Wu7qLVGYCnV-320-80.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SMjwjKnEyY8Wu7qLVGYCnV.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SMjwjKnEyY8Wu7qLVGYCnV.jpg\" class=\"inline\"\/>\n<\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Puck Pieterse is the defending champion of La Fl\u00e8che Wallonne Feminine <\/span><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-2971376f-91cb-47d0-8128-36d3736aea80\">Dutch youngster <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/riders\/puck-pieterse\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/riders\/puck-pieterse\/\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/riders\/puck-pieterse\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Puck Pieterse<\/a> returns to defend her title on Wednesday, the 23-year-old leading Fenix-Premier Tech as she looks to finish the quickest atop the Mur de Huy for the second year in a row.<\/p>\n<p>Last spring, she scored a huge win by beating a host of more experienced and decorated names, including Vollering, Elisa Longo Borghini, and Niewiadoma-Phinney, to the line. She looks in good form to be up there once again this week.<\/p>\n<p>Pieterse has raced six days so far in 2026, all one-day outings. She hasn&#8217;t taken a win yet, but highlights include a podium at the Tour of Flanders, fourth at Milan-San Remo, and sixth at Strade Bianche. Last year, she enjoyed a similar run of strong results heading into Ardennes week, so be sure to look out for Pieterse once again.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-kevin-vauquelin-ineos-grenadiers\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-kevin-vauquelin-ineos-grenadiers\"><span>K\u00e9vin Vauquelin (Ineos Grenadiers)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\" id=\"elk-4fe6e648-0889-4d54-aab6-a273244e6e8e\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1024px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\"> <picture data-new-v2-image=\"true\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zxFF4wq9u2TSCbKLSYHvnf-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zxFF4wq9u2TSCbKLSYHvnf-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zxFF4wq9u2TSCbKLSYHvnf-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zxFF4wq9u2TSCbKLSYHvnf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zxFF4wq9u2TSCbKLSYHvnf-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zxFF4wq9u2TSCbKLSYHvnf-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zxFF4wq9u2TSCbKLSYHvnf.jpg\" alt=\"EIBAR, SPAIN - APRIL 10: Kevin Vauquelin of France and Team INEOS Grenadiers competes in the breakaway while fans cheer during the 65th Itzulia Basque Country 2026, Stage 5 a 176.2km stage from Eibar to Eibar \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 10, 2026 in Eibar, Spain. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zxFF4wq9u2TSCbKLSYHvnf-1024-80.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zxFF4wq9u2TSCbKLSYHvnf-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zxFF4wq9u2TSCbKLSYHvnf-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zxFF4wq9u2TSCbKLSYHvnf-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zxFF4wq9u2TSCbKLSYHvnf-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zxFF4wq9u2TSCbKLSYHvnf-320-80.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zxFF4wq9u2TSCbKLSYHvnf.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zxFF4wq9u2TSCbKLSYHvnf.jpg\" class=\"inline\"\/>\n<\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">K\u00e9vin Vauquelin in action at the recent Itzulia Basque Country <\/span><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-ac2a9b2a-fa14-4af6-adfe-1ec3b3b3e84a\">Ineos Grenadiers newcomer <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/riders\/kevin-vauquelin\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/riders\/kevin-vauquelin\/\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/riders\/kevin-vauquelin\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">K\u00e9vin Vauquelin<\/a> is another rising star from France on our list. The 24-year-old has twice finished second at La Fl\u00e8che Wallonne, so he&#8217;s logically a favourite to score a similar result once again.<\/p>\n<p>Vauquelin was \u2013 like everyone else \u2013 handily beaten by Tadej Poga\u010dar last year, and narrowly missed out to Stephen Williams in 2024. This Wednesday, there&#8217;ll be no Poga\u010dar, thankfully for him, though Seixas&#8217;s participation will provide some cause for alarm.<\/p>\n<p>Vauquelin heads into the race with a good start to the season behind him, though his most recent outings include being comprehensively beaten by Seixas at Itzulia Basque Country and crashing out of the lead group at Amstel Gold Race. Highlights of Vauquelin&#8217;s stage race-heavy spring to date include fifth at the Volta ao Algarve and fourth at Paris-Nice.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-kasia-niewiadoma-phinney-canyon-sram-zondacrypto\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-kasia-niewiadoma-phinney-canyon-sram-zondacrypto\"><span>Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney (Canyon-SRAM Zondacrypto)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\" id=\"elk-fe1be3b1-cbac-44cf-939c-8a71abaca701\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1024px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.60%;\"> <picture data-new-v2-image=\"true\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/muVTgCQ6PUfBmjeBJ9Szk-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/muVTgCQ6PUfBmjeBJ9Szk-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/muVTgCQ6PUfBmjeBJ9Szk-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/muVTgCQ6PUfBmjeBJ9Szk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/muVTgCQ6PUfBmjeBJ9Szk-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/muVTgCQ6PUfBmjeBJ9Szk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/muVTgCQ6PUfBmjeBJ9Szk.jpg\" alt=\"SANREMO, ITALY - MARCH 21: Kasia Niewiadoma of Poland and Team CANYON\/\/SRAM zondacrypto competes during the 8th Milano-Sanremo Donne 2026, Women&amp;amp;amp;apos;s Elite a 156km one day race from Genova to Sanremo \/ #UCIWWT \/ on March 21, 2026 in Sanremo, Italy. (Photo by Ivan Bennedetto - Pool\/Getty Images)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/muVTgCQ6PUfBmjeBJ9Szk-1024-80.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/muVTgCQ6PUfBmjeBJ9Szk-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/muVTgCQ6PUfBmjeBJ9Szk-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/muVTgCQ6PUfBmjeBJ9Szk-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/muVTgCQ6PUfBmjeBJ9Szk-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/muVTgCQ6PUfBmjeBJ9Szk-320-80.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/muVTgCQ6PUfBmjeBJ9Szk.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/muVTgCQ6PUfBmjeBJ9Szk.jpg\" class=\"inline\"\/>\n<\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney hasn&#8217;t raced since crashing out of Milan-San Remo <\/span><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-96161a15-9909-4e34-9798-5d1d8712feae\">Polish road champion <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/riders\/katarzyna-niewiadoma-phinney\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/riders\/katarzyna-niewiadoma-phinney\/\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/riders\/katarzyna-niewiadoma-phinney\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney<\/a> heads into the Ardennes Classics as a rider aiming to finish off the Ardennes triple, becoming only the third woman to do so after Vollering and Anna van der Breggen.<\/p>\n<p>She already has a win at La Fl\u00e8che Wallonne to her name, of course, having beaten Vollering to the top of the Mur de Huy two years ago. Instead, this week, she&#8217;ll be prioritising Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge and a first win at La Doyenne.<\/p>\n<p>Before Sunday, she figures to be in the mix for Fl\u00e8che once again, though. At Amstel Gold Race, she returned to racing following a horrible race-ending crash at Milan-San Remo \u2013 she led the chase home for second behind winner Paula Blasi. Before that outing, she showed her class with second places at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Strade Bianche, but she&#8217;ll be hoping to take her first win of 2026 in Huy.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-mattias-skjelmose-lidl-trek\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-mattias-skjelmose-lidl-trek\"><span>Mattias Skjelmose (Lidl-Trek)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\" id=\"elk-b9316df5-29cd-4a41-9394-2d7abe6081ac\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1024px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\"> <picture data-new-v2-image=\"true\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X2apLu6394pUseLbpxjuXD-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X2apLu6394pUseLbpxjuXD-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X2apLu6394pUseLbpxjuXD-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X2apLu6394pUseLbpxjuXD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X2apLu6394pUseLbpxjuXD-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X2apLu6394pUseLbpxjuXD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X2apLu6394pUseLbpxjuXD.jpg\" alt=\"ETOILE-SUR-RHONE, FRANCE - MARCH 01: Mattias Skjelmose of Denmark and Team Lidl - Trek competes during the 14th Faun Drome Classic 2026 a 189km one day race from Etoile-sur-Rhone to Etoile-sur-Rhone on March 01, 2026 in Etoile-sur-Rhone, France. (Photo by Billy Ceusters\/Getty Images)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X2apLu6394pUseLbpxjuXD-1024-80.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X2apLu6394pUseLbpxjuXD-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X2apLu6394pUseLbpxjuXD-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X2apLu6394pUseLbpxjuXD-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X2apLu6394pUseLbpxjuXD-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X2apLu6394pUseLbpxjuXD-320-80.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X2apLu6394pUseLbpxjuXD.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X2apLu6394pUseLbpxjuXD.jpg\" class=\"inline\"\/>\n<\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Mattias Skjelmose heads up Lidl-Trek men&#8217;s charge <\/span><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-7054b1e1-b91e-46c9-922d-5e7a1d58b1cd\">A year ago, Danish rider <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/riders\/mattias-skjelmose-jensen\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/riders\/mattias-skjelmose-jensen\/\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/riders\/mattias-skjelmose-jensen\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mattias Skjelmose<\/a> scored his biggest one-day victory to date, becoming one of the very few riders to get the better of Tadej Poga\u010dar in recent seasons, beating him and Remco Evenepoel to the line at Amstel Gold Race.<\/p>\n<p>Now, he returns to the Ardennes as a top favourite, having also finished second at La Fl\u00e8che Wallonne back in 2023. Back then, he lost out to Poga\u010dar, though the Slovenian won&#8217;t stand in his way this Wednesday.<\/p>\n<p>Skjelmose hadn&#8217;t had the best season start before last Sunday, with seventh at the Volta a Catalunya his standout result to date. He put in some promising results at the recent Itzulia Basque Country, taking second on stage 2, albeit 1:25 down on stage winner Seixas, and taking the combativity award on the final day, and followed that up with his best <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/tag\/performance\/\" data-auto-tag-linker=\"true\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/tag\/performance\/\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/tag\/performance\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">performance<\/a> so far in 2026, taking second at Amstel Gold Race behind Evenepoel in a two-up sprint.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-pauline-ferrand-prevot-visma-lease-a-bike\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-pauline-ferrand-prevot-visma-lease-a-bike\"><span>Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot (Visma-Lease a Bike)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\" id=\"elk-492b1512-59da-4ecd-8ccc-9e5e2f5f773f\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1024px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\"> <picture data-new-v2-image=\"true\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uJ3jJhWwrXFmDsNsZg355N-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uJ3jJhWwrXFmDsNsZg355N-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uJ3jJhWwrXFmDsNsZg355N-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uJ3jJhWwrXFmDsNsZg355N-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uJ3jJhWwrXFmDsNsZg355N-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uJ3jJhWwrXFmDsNsZg355N-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uJ3jJhWwrXFmDsNsZg355N.jpg\" alt=\"Team Visma-Lease a Bike&amp;#039;s team rider Pauline Ferrand-Prevot celebrates her second place on the podium after the women&amp;#039;s race of the &amp;#039;Ronde van Vlaanderen\/ Tour des Flandres\/ Tour of Flanders&amp;#039; UCI WorldTour one day cycling race, 164,1 km with start and finish in Oudenaarde, on April 5, 2026. (Photo by DAVID PINTENS \/ Belga \/ AFP) \/ Belgium OUT\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uJ3jJhWwrXFmDsNsZg355N-1024-80.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uJ3jJhWwrXFmDsNsZg355N-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uJ3jJhWwrXFmDsNsZg355N-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uJ3jJhWwrXFmDsNsZg355N-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uJ3jJhWwrXFmDsNsZg355N-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uJ3jJhWwrXFmDsNsZg355N-320-80.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uJ3jJhWwrXFmDsNsZg355N.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uJ3jJhWwrXFmDsNsZg355N.jpg\" class=\"inline\"\/>\n<\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot has finished on the podium at the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix this spring <\/span><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-8fb2d351-f7e3-4aa2-8d0a-ee24a626d738\">Following her triumphs at Paris-Roubaix and the Tour de France Femmes last season, <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/riders\/pauline-ferrand-prevot\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/riders\/pauline-ferrand-prevot\/\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/riders\/pauline-ferrand-prevot\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot<\/a> said that she&#8217;d be prioritising the Tour of Flanders and Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge this spring.<\/p>\n<p>The Frenchwoman has raced three days so far in 2026, taking second in Flanders behind Vollering and third in Paris-Roubaix Femmes. Now, the Ardennes are in her sights, and she returns to La Fl\u00e8che Wallonne as one of several former winners of the race.<\/p>\n<p>Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot hasn&#8217;t raced Fl\u00e8che since 2018, but she won the race four years earlier, beating Lizzie Deignan to the top of the Mur de Huy. Li\u00e8ge, where she finished seventh in 2018, will be her main goal, but she&#8217;s certainly among the top favourites to win here.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-remco-evenepoel-red-bull-bora-hansgrohe\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-remco-evenepoel-red-bull-bora-hansgrohe\"><span>Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\" id=\"elk-959de030-0640-4fa5-9964-48175cca331d\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1024px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\"> <picture data-new-v2-image=\"true\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eByrGWodaFrwqrLNGqrSXV-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eByrGWodaFrwqrLNGqrSXV-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eByrGWodaFrwqrLNGqrSXV-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eByrGWodaFrwqrLNGqrSXV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eByrGWodaFrwqrLNGqrSXV-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eByrGWodaFrwqrLNGqrSXV-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eByrGWodaFrwqrLNGqrSXV.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: Remco Evenepoel of Belgium and Team Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe on third place poses on the podium ceremony after the 110th Tour of Flanders - Ronde van Vlaanderen 2026 - Men&amp;amp;amp;apos;s Elite a 278.6km one day race from Antwerp to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eByrGWodaFrwqrLNGqrSXV-1024-80.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eByrGWodaFrwqrLNGqrSXV-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eByrGWodaFrwqrLNGqrSXV-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eByrGWodaFrwqrLNGqrSXV-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eByrGWodaFrwqrLNGqrSXV-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eByrGWodaFrwqrLNGqrSXV-320-80.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eByrGWodaFrwqrLNGqrSXV.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eByrGWodaFrwqrLNGqrSXV.jpg\" class=\"inline\"\/>\n<\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Remco Evenepoel is back in action following his Tour of Flanders third place <\/span><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-3a1e6757-d924-4e1b-abb2-5ddf7d520caa\"><a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/riders\/remco-evenepoel\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/riders\/remco-evenepoel\/\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/riders\/remco-evenepoel\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Remco Evenepoel<\/a> is the most high-profile rider on the men&#8217;s start list, and he heads back to Ardennes week seeking a third Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne\u2014Li\u00e8ge title to add to his victories in 2022 and 2023.<\/p>\n<p>Before another shot at Sunday&#8217;s Monument, however, he&#8217;ll head to La Fl\u00e8che Wallonne for the third time in his career. Previous outings on the Mur de Huy have seen him finish 43rd in 2022 and ninth last year.<\/p>\n<p>Given those results and his rider profile, he perhaps isn&#8217;t the top favourite to win this time around. The race doesn&#8217;t favour the long solo rides Evenepoel loves, and he isn&#8217;t known for winning races with the short, sharp, explosive accelerations seen at the top of the Mur de Huy.<\/p>\n<p>As a result, Evenepoel, who this spring has won the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana and taken third at the Tour of Flanders, isn&#8217;t our top favourite this Wednesday, but he can&#8217;t be ignored, either, especially in the wake of his Amstel Gold Race triumph.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-anna-van-der-breggen-sd-worx-protime\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-anna-van-der-breggen-sd-worx-protime\"><span>Anna van der Breggen (SD Worx-Protime)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\" id=\"elk-140ad05b-be74-42b1-9dfa-454df0aea90f\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1024px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\"> <picture data-new-v2-image=\"true\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uzMhpXSNeLehH4CVfgEgEK-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uzMhpXSNeLehH4CVfgEgEK-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uzMhpXSNeLehH4CVfgEgEK-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uzMhpXSNeLehH4CVfgEgEK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uzMhpXSNeLehH4CVfgEgEK-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uzMhpXSNeLehH4CVfgEgEK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uzMhpXSNeLehH4CVfgEgEK.jpg\" alt=\"MUR DE HUY, BELGIUM - APRIL 21: Anna Van Der Breggen of Netherlands and Team SD Worx celebrates at arrival during the 24th La Fleche Wallonne 2021, Women Elite a 130,2km race from Huy to Mur de Huy 204m \/ #FlecheWallonne \/ #FWwomen \/ #UCIWWT \/ on April 21, 2021 in Mur de Huy, Belgium. (Photo by Bas Czerwinski\/Getty Images)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uzMhpXSNeLehH4CVfgEgEK-1024-80.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uzMhpXSNeLehH4CVfgEgEK-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uzMhpXSNeLehH4CVfgEgEK-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uzMhpXSNeLehH4CVfgEgEK-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uzMhpXSNeLehH4CVfgEgEK-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uzMhpXSNeLehH4CVfgEgEK-320-80.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uzMhpXSNeLehH4CVfgEgEK.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uzMhpXSNeLehH4CVfgEgEK.jpg\" class=\"inline\"\/>\n<\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Anna van der Breggen celebrates the most recent of her seven titles in 2021 <\/span><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-b8c3a749-6e83-4e91-8d10-4a59bf20a233\">In any conversation about La Fl\u00e8che Wallonne, it&#8217;s impossible to ignore <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/riders\/anna-van-der-breggen\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/riders\/anna-van-der-breggen\/\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/riders\/anna-van-der-breggen\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Anna van der Breggen<\/a>. Once upon a time, the Dutchwoman was unbeatable on the Mur de Huy, racking up seven wins in a row between 2015 and 2021.<\/p>\n<p>Her most recent triumph, though, did come five years ago now, with a three-year retirement lying between that win and her return to racing last year. There&#8217;s been plenty to celebrate since she came back, including podiums at Strade Bianche, the Vuelta Espa\u00f1a Femenina, and the Worlds time trial.<\/p>\n<p>Van der Breggen isn&#8217;t quite back to her dominant best, however, and at the age of 35, it&#8217;s unlikely she&#8217;ll ever return to those commanding displays of 2015-2021. A second place at the Trofeo Binda stands out as her top result in 2026, and, if she&#8217;s up there among the favourites on the Mur, she&#8217;ll be a watched woman.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-others-to-watch\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-others-to-watch\"><span>Others to watch<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-8eb24d12-73c7-4297-a576-eb960cb8801f\"><a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/riders\/maeva-squiban\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/riders\/maeva-squiban\/\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/riders\/maeva-squiban\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ma\u00ebva Squiban<\/a> (UAE Team ADQ) is firmly a climber to watch this year following last summer. Her standout result in 2026 is a second place at the Volta Valenciana.<\/p>\n<p>Second at the Volta a Catalunya, <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/riders\/lenny-martinez\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/riders\/lenny-martinez\/\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/riders\/lenny-martinez\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lenny Martinez<\/a> (Bahrain Victorious) is well-suited to this race, finishing fourth on his debut last spring.<\/p>\n<p><a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/riders\/juliette-berthet\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/riders\/juliette-berthet\/\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/riders\/juliette-berthet\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Juliette Berthet<\/a> (FDJ United-Suez) will likely start as a luxury domestique for Vollering on Wednesday, but he previous best results of two seventh-place finishes and a sixth place make her a top contender.<\/p>\n<p><a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/riders\/benoit-cosnefroy\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/riders\/benoit-cosnefroy\/\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/riders\/benoit-cosnefroy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Beno\u00eet Cosnefroy<\/a> (UAE Team Emirates-XRG), third at Amstel Gold Race, has form on the Mur de Huy, having finished second in 2020 and fourth on his most recent outing in 2024.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6da465c4-44f2-4d0f-a7e4-89733fd704bb\"><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled 2026 Spring Classics coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Amstel Gold Race, <\/strong><\/em><strong>La Fl\u00e8che Wallonne, and Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge<\/strong><em><strong>. <\/strong><\/em><a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/sub24\/?utm_source=Referral+link&amp;utm_medium=Website&amp;utm_campaign=SC26\" target=\"_blank\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/sub24\/?utm_source=Referral+link&amp;utm_medium=Website&amp;utm_campaign=SC26\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/sub24\/?utm_source=Referral+link&amp;utm_medium=Website&amp;utm_campaign=SC26\" rel=\"noopener\"><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/the-kings-and-queens-of-the-mur-de-huy-analysing-the-contenders-for-la-fleche-wallonne\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>With the cobbled Classics season behind us, the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s pelotons have decamped to the hills of the Ardennes to take on the Ardennes triple \u2013 the recent Amstel Gold Race in the Dutch province of Limburg, and the Walloon double of La Fl\u00e8che Wallonne and Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge. Each race has a different character, and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":239394,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"tdm_status":"","tdm_grid_status":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6804],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-239393","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-cycling"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/239393","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=239393"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/239393\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/239394"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=239393"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=239393"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=239393"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}