On Wednesday, April 23, 2025, the cycling world turns its attention to the 89th edition of La Flèche Wallonne, a prestigious midweek classic that promises to deliver thrilling action on the steep inclines of the Mur de Huy. This year, the peloton will tackle a challenging 205-kilometer course that features 11 climbs and an elevation gain of over 3100 meters, culminating in a dramatic triple ascent of the infamous Mur de Huy, which averages a daunting 9.6% gradient and features sections hitting 22%.
The race is set to showcase some of the best climbers and puncheurs in the sport, including Tadej Pogačar, Remco Evenepoel, and Mattias Skjelmose, who recently pulled off a stunning upset at the Amstel Gold Race, defeating both Pogačar and Evenepoel in a thrilling sprint finish. As anticipation builds, fans are eager to see if Pogačar can reclaim the title he won in 2023.
Pogačar, who has had a stellar spring Classics campaign thus far, winning the UAE Tour, Strade Bianche, and the Tour of Flanders, is looking to add another victory to his impressive resume. However, UAE Team Emirates-XRG manager Mauro Gianetti has tempered expectations, suggesting that while Pogačar will compete, he does not need to attack early or necessarily win the race. "He still needs a strong race on Wednesday or Thursday to be completely ready for Liège-Bastogne-Liège," Gianetti explained. "He rides because he wants to, but it’s not a must. We also have other riders in the team who are suitable for a race like La Flèche Wallonne."
Joining Pogačar in the lineup are Felix Großschartner, Vegard Stake Laengen, Brandon McNulty, Domen Novak, Pavel Sivakov, and Swiss talent Jan Christen, all of whom will support their leader as they navigate the challenging course.
As for the Bahrain Victorious team, they come prepared with a strong lineup designed for depth and late-race impact. Lenny Martinez, fresh from altitude training, is set to lead the squad, supported by climbers Pello Bilbao, Santiago Buitrago, and Edoardo Zambanini. Their strategy will involve controlling the race early on with Mathijs Paasschens, Robert Stannard, and Roman Ermakov, ensuring Bahrain remains competitive in the final stages.
"There are 11 climbs in the 205 km race course with 3100 m of elevation. The Mur de Huy is the famous climb that we’ll go over three times," said Bahrain's Sports Director Roman Kreuziger. "After the first move, definitely Edoardo Zambanini, Santiago Buitrago, Pello Bilbao, and Lenny Martinez are the guys that can be in the mix for the race. We’ll try to be active in the race, follow the moves in the last 50km."
The return of the Côte de Cherave, located just before the final ascent of the Mur de Huy, adds a tactical twist to this year’s event. This climb provides an opportunity for teams to shake up the race dynamics before the final showdown. As Kreuziger noted, "Last year they were repairing the road at the Cherave climb, but this year it’s back, and that is the climb before the Mur de Huy, which can be good for us."
In addition to the men’s race, the women’s competition will also feature prominent names, including Anna van der Breggen, who has historically dominated the event with seven wins to her name. However, her recent illness raises questions about her readiness to compete effectively. "She didn’t feel well on Friday in the Brabantse Pijl and on Saturday she also complained of a headache and sore throat," said SD Worx-Protime boss Danny Stam. Despite this, van der Breggen is still slated to start, and her team remains hopeful she can recover in time to make an impact.
The race is not only a crucial part of the Ardennes Classics but also serves as a precursor to the grand finale, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, scheduled for Saturday, April 26, 2025. As teams finalize their strategies and riders prepare to challenge the steep gradients, the excitement is palpable. Will Pogačar reclaim his title, or will a new champion emerge from the pack? As the clock ticks down to the start, cycling fans around the world are eager to find out.
Live streaming options for La Flèche Wallonne are available globally, with Peacock in the US, TNT Sports in the UK, and SBS Viceland in Australia providing coverage. For those looking to catch the race from anywhere, using a VPN can help access region-locked streams.
The stage is set for an exhilarating day of racing, with the Mur de Huy serving as the ultimate battleground for climbers and puncheurs alike. As the riders take to the roads of Belgium, all eyes will be on the steep climbs and fierce competition, as legends are made on the slopes of La Flèche Wallonne.
