Team Emirates' Pogacar soars to dominant victory at Fleche Wallonne

Pogacar bounced back in style from recent near-misses at Paris-Roubaix and the Amstel Gold Race by claiming his second Fleche Wallonne title

- Agencies

Tadej Pogacar powered up the steepest part of the final Ardennes hill Wednesday to reclaim the Fleche Wallonne classic title after a cold and rainy 205km slog over II climbs.

With a mud-splattered face, the three-time Tour de France champion could barely raise a smile at the finish line, as plucky Frenchman Kevin Vauquelin emerged second and Briton Tom Pidcock third.

The 23-year-old Vauquelin was also runner-up last year, proving he will often be a force in races culminating with a short, sharp hill.

Pidcock, having quit Ineos in the close season for the second-tier Q36.5 team, can also be proud of a fine finish in a strong field.

Winner of the Brabantse Pijl last Friday on his comeback from injury, Belgian hope Remco Evenepoel was right in the thick of the race before fading to ninth over the last 200m as Pogacar switched into a gear nobody else could find.