Yesterday was the 75th edition of the Flèche-Wallonne.

Immediately from the start, Maciej Paterski (LIQ) managed to take off, joined a few kilometres later by three other escapees: Maxime Vantomme (KAT), Matti Helminen (LAN) and Preben Van Hecke (TSV). After 43kms, the leading four could enjoy a maximum 17’10 advantage over a pack not that concerned by the breakaway.

At the top of the first climb up the Mur de Huy (km 70), the front men, led out by Van Hecke, could still enjoy a 15’30 advantage over a pack where the Schleck brothers and Alberto Contador looked rather comfortable in the front positions.

With just under 40 kilometres to go, Frenchman Blel Kadri was the first to give it a go, taking off on a counter-attack. But his effort was finally pointless as he was rapidly caught by the pack. The pace continued increasing as the riders moved closer to the second climb up the Mur de Huy. Van Hecke again made it first at the top of the Mur, earning enough points to win the best climbers jersey. With 15kms to go and after Helminen was dropped, the front three were caught by Kolobnev (KAT), Gasparotto (AST), Verdugo (EUS), Van Garderen (THR), Kyrienka (MOV), Golas (VCD) and Lovkvist (SKY).

Kyrienka and Lovkvist again managed to break away while their former companions were caught by a pack led by the Omega Pharma team of Philippe Gilbert. But the front men’s advantage never reached over 20” and they were caught with 8 kilometres to go. It was then Pineau (QST) and Marcato’s (VCD) turn to give it a go. With five kilometres to go, the leading duet could enjoy a 20” advantage.

They managed to hang on to their lead in the first metres of the final climb up the Mur de Huy but were caught with just under one kilometre to go. The big battle between favourites could really start. With 300m to go, fairly far from the finish line on such a demanding climb, Philippe Gilbert (OLO) flew off, never to be caught. The Belgian, already a winner of the Amstel Gold Race last Sunday conquers his first victory on the Fleche Wallonne, beating Joaquin Rodriguez (KAT) and Samuel Sanchez (EUS) to the line. Gilbert even becomes the first rider to win the Amstel-Fleche Brabançonne-Fleche Wallonne treble. His next goal: Liège-Bastogne-Liège, his home race.

Fränk Schleck finished in 7th place and Andy finisched in 44th place.