Cycling: The Quick-Step Floors team has now also conquered the Flèche Wallonne. Julian Alaphilippe won in an extremely exciting race ahead of the big favorite Alejandro Valverde (Movistar). A preliminary decision was already made in the penultimate lap when the old master lost many teammates when the pace increased. The German Maximilian Schachmann (Quick-Step Floors) also presented us with a huge performance, who was caught as the last remaining breakaway with 250 meters to go and ended up in eighth place. Austrian Patrick Konrad (Bora-hansgrohe) finished tenth.
Nibali blasts the peloton - and isolates Valverde
At the prestigious Flèche Wallone, 198,5 kilometers had to be covered from Seraing to Huy today. Eight courageous escapees made their escape right after the start: Cesare Benedetti (Bora-hansgrohe), Romain Combaud (Delko-Marseille), Anthony Perez (Cofidis), Anthony Roux (Groupama-FDJ), Romain Hardy (Fortuneo-Samsic). ), Patrick Müller (Vital Concept), Antoine Warnier (WB Aqua Protect) and Kevin Van Melsen (Wanty-Groupe Gobert). Although the group was not left far behind, when it came to crossing the Mur de Huy for the second time, a preliminary decision was to be made. The peloton was severely decimated by a few attacks and increased tempo. Among other things, the two-time second Daniel Martin (UAE Team Emirates) could be distanced. At the latest, things got serious after an attack by Vincenzo Nibali (Bahrain-Merida). Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) found himself under pressure with only teammate Mikel Landa at his side. He now had to follow the group around Nibali almost alone.
Alaphilippe beats Valverde
In the final round there were no gifts and no more waiting. The group around Nibali broke up in the penultimate climb. In the heavily decimated peloton behind them, several other teams rushed to Movistar's help. With three kilometers to go, the leading group's lead fell from just under a minute to just 20 seconds. Maximilian Schachmann (Quick-Step Floors) together with Jack Haig (Mitchelton-Scott) was even able to outperform Vincenzo Nibali (Bahrain-Merida) there. When it entered the Mur de Huy for the last time with 1,3 kilometers to go, Nibali was caught. Schachmann and Haig were only a few meters ahead. Of course, these few meters were not enough. Even if Schachmann defended himself as the last remaining breakaway, it happened to him around 250 meters before the finish line. Then Jelle Vanendert (Lotto Soudal) went on the attack. Julian Alaphilippe (Quick-Step Floors) on his back wheel passed. But where was Alejandro Valverde? The five-time winner of the Flèche Wallonne opened up a gap and was unable to close it. Although he pushed past Vanendert, it should only be enough for second place. Alaphilippe's teammate Maximilian Schachmann sensationally saved himself in eighth place.
Julian Alaphilippe rompe with years of dominio Spanish en la #FlecheWallone pero con Valverde 2º será la novena edicion consecutiva con podio español pic.twitter.com/QV5EA49AI4
— Laura Meseguer (@Laura_Meseguer) 18 April 2018