Stephen Williams has become the first British winner of the Fleche Wallonne classic race after battling tough weather conditions, including snow, to cross first atop the Mur de Huy.
After nearly 200km of tough racing on Wednesday, Williams attackedon on the Mur de Huy — a 1.3km ascent with an average gradient of 9.6 per cent and with sections as steep as 19 per cent that generally decides the outcome of the race.
The 27-year-old Williams (Israel -Premier Tech) made his move with about 250m left to claim the biggest win of his career.
“I’m exhausted. I’m lost for words, quite emotional really,” Williams said.
“It’s a really hard sport, so to win bike races is hard, especially here in these classics. It’s wonderful to be the first British winner of this race.
“I’ve been watching this race for a number of years and I know the class and the prestige of this race. To come to the Ardennes and win La Fleche is really special.”
Kevin Vauquelin and Maxim Van Gils finished second and third, respectively.
Damien Howson, the Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team rider, was the leading Australian, finishing in 29th place.
The women’s race was won by Poland’s Katarzyna Niewiadoma, ahead of the Netherlands’ Demi Vollering and Italian Elisa Longo Borghini.
Grace Brown was the top Australian, finishing 33rd.
There is more racing in the Ardennes this weekend at Liege-Bastogne-Liege, one of the five Monument classics.