Katusha’s Joaquim Rodriguez bounced back from a disappointing Classics campaign so far to win La Flèche Wallonne. In a dominating performance the 2010 and 2011 runner-up rode away from everyone on the final ascent of the Mur de Huy to win by four seconds. GreenEDGE’s Michael Albasini continued his superb form in second place, with last year’s winner Philippe Gilbert third.

A damp start

It was a messy start to the race in damp conditions, with numerous crashes claiming a few riders early on, and even splitting the peloton in half. Fortunately, as the race wended its way towards Huy the conditions improved and the average speed ramped up, with the riders slipping off rain jackets and sliding down arm warmers. Continue reading →