Contender Romain Bardet and his AG2R Mondiale team recon
the Huy.
The signature climb, the Mur de Huy will be the decider in the Flèche Wallonne. It's massive short but very steep climb measures 1.3kms at 9.6 per cent with ramps as steep as 26 per cent is for the explosive but patient riders that plays the waiting game. Go to early and blow up, best to wait for the last 200m to go all out. Unfortunately, Philippe Gilbert is ruled out of the Ardennes Classics due to a tear in his right kidney.
Three times lucky for the patient rider.
I'm not going to pick the heavy favorite, Alejandro Valverde but I'll go for Dan Martin because, frankly, he's due. Third last year, second two years before that... it's his time to shine. My podium rounds out with equally fast uphillers; Romain Bardet and Michael Woods (placed 12th last year).
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