WRESTLE IN WALLONIA

We pitch the two most famous Wallonian ascents against each other to see which savage incline is indeed the worst

- Simon Warren

The Mur de Huy may only be 826 metres long, but they are possibly the longest, most arduous 826 metres in the world of cycling. Used as the finish line of Flèche Wallonne since 1984, this wall of tarmac is home to one of the most anticipated showdowns of the season.

Crossed three times during the men’s race and twice in the women’s, the initial ascents are mere processions. In fact, the first 200km of the race are simply the prelude to the final climb. As they hit the base, you can feel the tension in the peloton as they wait for the first attack, to see who has the courage to go first.

“Go into the red too soon, and you are toast”