Race analysis, favourites, and predictions for La Flèche Wallonne 2022
Officially known as le Chemin des Chappeles (road of the chapels, as it passes by 6 small chapels), the Mur de Huy is a 1.2 km climb at 10.2% with inclines of up to 22%, which is famous for welcoming the finish of La Flèche Wallone, the second of the three Ardennes classics.
The Mur de Huy is an iconic place for cycling fans, providing some of the most impressive images of the season, with riders suffering at impossible percentages.
Route
The men's race adds up to 202 km for the 133 km of the women's, and both routes are mined with hills and the short but steep climbs characteristic of the Ardennes classics. Both the men's and women's races end with 3 laps of the final 31km circuit, which includes the Côte d'Ereffe (2km at 5.8%), the Côte de Cherave (1.4km at 7.9%) and above all, the Mur de Huy. The finish line is located precisely at the top of the Mur, so although it is climbed three times during the event, the first two ascents often have no influence on the race and everything is decided on the third and final climb.
Men's Race Favorites
The tough ramps of the Mur de Huy are a natural filter for favorites, as only very punchy riders have a chance. Among all of them, the world champion Julian Alaphilippe (1200) stands out, as he is a true specialist in the event, with 3 victories in the last 4 editions. Alejandro Valverde (800) with 5 victories, heads the list of winners of the race, and will be at the start of La Flèche Wallone for the last time. Other contenders are Marc Hirschi (800), Tadej Pogačar (1200), Warren Barguil (400), Benoit Cosnefroy (400), Alexandr Vlasov (1200), David Gaudu (1000), Jonas Vingegaard (800), Michael Woods (800), Sergio Higuita (600), Jakob Fulgsang (800). For his part, Remco Evenepoel (1200) will have to look for a distant attack if he wants to surprise the punchers, since he does not have the explosive power of other participants.
Women's Race Favorites
After the retirement of Anna Van Der Breggen, absolute dominator of the women's event with 7 consecutive victories in the last 7 editions, the race is more open than ever. Annemiek Van Vleuten (1,200), Demi Vollering (1,000), Cecline Uttrup Ludwig (1,000), Katarzyna Niewiadoma (1,000), Elisa Longo Borghini (1,000), Liane Lippert (800), Chantal Blaak (600), Mavi Garcia (800) , Marta Cavalli (800) and Soraya Paladin (600) are some of the main favorites.
