Cycling: Julian Alaphilippe (Deceuninck – Quick-Step) has won the 83rd edition of the Flèche Wallonne. With that, the Frenchman repeated his last year's win. In the women's category, Anna van der Breggen from the Netherlands celebrated her fifth win in a row.
Sagan & Martin dropped early
For many years, the Flèche Wallonne has taken place between the Amstel Gold Race and Liège – Bastogne – Liège. From Ans to the Mur de Huy - which had to be crossed three times today - 195,5 kilometers had to be covered. Shortly after crossing the Mur de Huy for the second time, the last remaining professionals from the leading group were caught. At this point in time, some well-known drivers were no longer among the front runners. Among other things, they said goodbye Peter Sagan (Bora – hansgrohe) and Daniel Martin (UAE Team Emirates) two podium contenders. Almost would be after the merger too Julian Alaphilippe (Deceuninck – Quick Step), Michal Kwiatkowski (Sky) and Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) caught on the wrong foot. But their helpers found their way back to the top.
Alaphilippe wins the Flèche Wallonne again
After with Matej Mohoric (Bahrain – Merida) and Tomasz Marczynski (Lotto – Soudal) two late breakaways were caught by the favorites, the group drove into the final ramp together. Three professionals from Lotto - Soudal were in the front, followed directly by them Michal Kwiatkowski (Sky) another winning contender. But in the end they should all have no chance. As Jakob Fuglsang (Astana) rode his attack, walked behind him and Julian Alaphilippe (Deceuninck – Quick-Step) immediately fills the gap. The two protagonists from last Sunday should decide the victory among themselves today. Already at Amstel Gold Race for a long time it looked like they would take first and second place before tactics caught up with them again. But not this time. Julian Alaphilippe unpacked his dreaded sprint and passed Jakob Fuglsang. The Frenchman thus defended his victory from the previous year. A strong fifth was - as in the Amstel Gold Race - Maximilian Schachman.
🇫🇷@alafpolak of 🇧🇪@deceuninck_qst wins 🇧🇪@flechewallonne #fletchewallonne (📺@sporza) pic.twitter.com/XcRrFDIImu
- World Cycling Stats (@wcsbike) 24 April 2019
Fleche Wallonne Feminine: 5x Anna van der Breggen
What Alejandro Valverde was denied is Anna van der breggen succeded. The Dutchwoman won at the Mur de Huy in the world champion jersey. She drew level with Alejandro Valverde after victories. Both have now won the Flèche Wallonne five times. Forced at the 118,5 kilometer long Ardennes classic Katarzyna Niewiadoma a preliminary decision when she launched an attack on the Cherave slope and reduced the group. Floortje Mackaj then drove out a small lead and started as a soloist in the Mur de Huy. At the right moment, Anna van der Breggen launched her irresistible attack - and flew to her fifth victory.
Anna van der Breggen:
"Five wins? That's a lot. But every win is special for me. Winning here five years in a row – I feel a bit old.”
⭐ #FWwomen 2019 ⭐
🇳🇱 @AnnavdBreggen s'impose avec le maillot 🌈 sur les épaules !
🇳🇱 @AnnavdBreggen claims the win with the 🌈 jersey on her shoulders!
Un présage pour son homologue masculin ? A promise for her male counterpart? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/5G5kWPsUMz
— La Fleche Wallonne (@flechewallonne) 24 April 2019