Slovenian Tadej Pogacar of UAE Team Emirates pictured in action during the 'E3 Saxo Bank Classic' one day cycling race, 204,1km from and to Harelbeke on March 24, 2023. (Photo by DAVID PINTENS / various sources / AFP) / Belgium OUT (Photo by DAVID PINTENS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Liège-Bastogne-Liège, affectionately known as “La Doyenne” due to its status as the oldest of the cycling classics, is a formidable challenge characterised by relentless climbs and strategic depth. With iconic ascents like La Redoute and Roche-aux-Faucons, Liège-Bastogne-Liège tests the riders’ endurance and tactical savvy. Legends such as, the 5-time winner Eddy Merckx, 4-time winners Moreno Argentin and Alejandro Valverde and more recently Tadej Pogacar, who won in 2021, have triumphed here, making it a race where true men’s cycling greats are made. As we approach the 2024 edition, let’s explore five riders whose recent performances and historical success suggest they could make a significant impact.
Tadej Pogacar, the 2021 winner of Liège-Bastogne-Liège, returns to the race with high expectations after a season highlighted by victories at Strade Bianche and Volta Catalunya in 2024. Although he did not finish last year’s edition, his current form and previous success on this course indicate he is a prime contender. Pogacar’s remarkable climbing ability and resilience, combined with his recent wins in other challenging races, position him well to tackle the demanding climbs and strategic demands of Liège.
Tom Pidcock
Tom Pidcock, coming off a recent victory at the Amstel Gold Race, is in excellent form as he approaches Liège-Bastogne-Liège, where he finished second last season. His proven capability on similar terrain and his knack for timing his efforts effectively make him a formidable contender this year. Pidcock’s all-around skill set, including strong climbing and strategic race execution, suggests he could very well improve on his impressive result from the previous year and possibly vie for the top step on the podium.
David Gaudu
David Gaudu, who secured third place in the 2021 edition of this race, has shown he’s in top form this season with a recent victory at the Tour de Jura (1.1). His consistency in performing well in tough races, combined with his exceptional climbing skills, makes him a strong candidate to contend for a top spot at Liège-Bastogne-Liège once again. Gaudu’s ability to handle the race’s late climbs could be crucial in his quest for another podium finish or better.
Marc Hirschi
Marc Hirschi has a track record of success at Liège-Bastogne-Liège, with a second-place finish in 2020 and consistent top-10 placements in subsequent editions. His aggressive racing style and strong performance on steep climbs align well with the race’s profile. Hirschi’s experience and proven ability on this course set him up as a serious contender, potentially ready to challenge for the win and add another top result to his Liège-Bastogne-Liège achievements.
Benoit Cosnefroy
Benoit Cosnefroy, coming into Liège-Bastogne-Liège with momentum from a win at Brabantse Pijl and a fourth-place finish at Fleche Wallonne this season, is showing signs of top form. Despite his best previous result at this race being only 18th, his current season’s performances indicate he is ready to significantly improve on that. Cosnefroy’s strength on hilly courses and recent results in the Ardennes classics suggest he could be a surprise package in this year’s race, challenging for a career-best finish.
In a display of sheer determination, Kasia Niewiadoma of Canyon Sram clinched a long-awaited victory at La Flèche Wallonne, marking her first win since 2019. The race, notorious for its gruelling finish on the Mur de Huy, was a fitting battleground for Niewiadoma’s triumph, making her the first Polish rider to win this prestigious event.
The women’s race followed the men’s event under slightly improved weather conditions, though the early part of the race was marred by challenging weather with hail and heavy rain marking the start from Huy. A three-rider breakaway featuring Julie Van de Velde, Elena Hartmann, and Sara Martin initially escaped, building a significant lead over the peloton of 4 minutes at one point. They were gradually reeled in by the peloton which saw a counter move by Grace Brown and Pauliena Rooijakkers dangle off the front by a handful of seconds for an hour of racing.
Elena Hartmann, Julie Van de Velde & Sara Martin in the day’s main breakaway
Elena Hartmann dropped back after the first ascent of the Mur de Huy but the other riders still needed catching. The peloton ramped up the speed and unlucky crashes for Niamh Fisher-Black and Veronica Ewers took them out of contention. Both breakaways were caught with time to spare into Huy from where the battle commenced on the steep climb.
The harsh conditions began to relent slightly, setting the stage for a climactic showdown on the Mur de Huy. Niewiadoma, having bided her time through the peloton’s manoeuvres, positioned herself perfectly for the final climb. With the gradient reaching a punishing 18%, she launched a meticulously timed attack in the final 150 metres, outpacing her rivals to claim a victory she had dreamed of for over a decade and finally breaking her long streak without a road victory.
Kasia Niewiadoma celebrates her win (Photo credit:Tino Pohlmann)
Rider reactions
Kasia Niewiadoma
I hope this race will inspire many people to keep believing and pursuing their dreams. I’ve had so many second, third, and fifth places. I never stopped believing that, as a team, we could win. The victory was here waiting for us.”
“Deep inside, I knew this was my day. I just felt it. The race was intense from the start, with the wet and cold weather. It was brutal initially when it rained so hard, and the temperature went so low. I knew the conditions were on my side because I always benefit from hard and challenging races like this. As a team, we kept positive despite all shaking from the cold. My teammates were amazing, taking care of me, ensuring I was warm and bringing jackets when needed so I could change. It meant I could focus only on the final.”
“When I started my sprint, I didn’t want to waste energy by looking around. I just gave my best and sprinted to the line for the victory. It’s my tenth time racing here at Flèche, and ever since the first time I raced in 2014, it’s been a dream of mine to win.”
Elisa Longo Borghini
“It was a really hard finish, I was trying to do my job to help Gaia to the end but she told me she was not good and gave me a go, so I tried my best. It was again a good team effort today because I had all the girls around me and Gaia and they were really taking care of us, bringing us warm clothing. Thank you to them.”
“It’s a good satisfaction to be third in Flèche Wallonne. It was a very cold and kind of strange race. It started raining at the very beginning of the race. I’m sorry for my teammate Gaia who isn’t coping really well with the cold weather, because I think normally on this final she could win. In the end it was just a pity she couldn’t be there.”
“I think Niewiadoma went in a perfect spot. She was the strongest today, and to be fair and honest I’m delighted she won. She’s always a fair rider and somebody I have a lot of respect for, and she deserved the win.”
Demi Vollering
“I tried to find my own rhythm on the final climb. This year it was for Kasia Niewiadoma. It was a somewhat easier edition of the Flèche Wallonne than previous years. We missed five tough climbs in the finale compared to last year.”
“It’s nice for Kasia to win now. She is always strong and always attacks in races. Kasia had the punch to get away. I was hoping her legs would explode in the last hundred metres so I could come back. But she was very strong.”
Flèche Wallonne Femmes is the middle of the 3 Ardennes Classics and features the brutally steep Mur de Huy as its final. Dotted with hills throughout, it’s the Mur de Huy that sees a tough uphill sprint to the line that can only be won by a select few. Anna van der Breggen absolutely dominated this race in her time with 7 victories in a row and Marianne Vos managed 5 herself before then. Demi Vollering got off the mark last season and will be looking to build a similar dynasty of wins to her mentor. A route change this year sees the Cote de Cherave removed which both had a tendency to shed riders out of the back and stifle moves before the Mur. Only once has a winning move come before the Mur.
As the Flèche Wallonne Femmes approaches, notable alterations to the course have sparked comments, particularly from seven-time winner Anna van der Breggen, who now serves as a team director for SD Worx. The reconfigured approach to the iconic Mur de Huy, a hallmark of this race, sees the removal of the Côte de Cherave, a move Van der Breggen views unfavourably. “The Côte de Cherave previously added an extra layer of tactics to the finale, giving riders who didn’t want to wait for the Mur a chance to make a significant move,” she noted.
Van der Breggen pointed to the new route leading into the Mur de Huy, which features a descent on a wide road, as potentially favouring strong climbers, thereby condensing much of the race’s decisive action into the final climb where a select group is likely to fight for victory. Recollecting her own strategies, Van der Breggen mentioned, “There was a time I secured a victory at the Flèche Wallonne by breaking away before the Mur, a feat that’s now harder with the course changes.”
Focusing on this year’s competition, Van der Breggen is confident in Demi Vollering, last year’s winner, who will lead the SD Worx team. She is well-supported by a formidable lineup, including Lotte Kopecky, who will act as a high-calibre support rider. “Demi is well-prepared and capable of managing the demands of the Mur,” stated Van der Breggen. The team’s tactics will likely involve having riders like Blanka Vas and Elena Cecchini join early breakaways to help Vollering conserve energy for the critical final climb.
Van der Breggen also highlighted potential rivals in the race, pointing to Kasia Niewiadoma, Elisa Longo-Borghini, and Gaia Realini as key competitors.
Anna Shackley, a rising talent within the women’s peloton, has been compelled to end her professional cycling career due to a heart condition. The decision follows a series of medical tests which diagnosed Shackley with cardiac arrhythmia back in January. Her team, SD Worx-Protime, stated that subsequent heart screenings conducted at the Maxima Medisch Centrum in Veldhoven, along with further examinations in Barcelona near her hometown, uncovered additional irregularities.
The findings have ultimately deemed that the heart issues are incompatible with the demands of top-level sport. “We are very sorry to see Anna’s cycling career end like this,” said SD Worx-Protime’s sports manager, Danny Stam. “She was one of the bigger talents in the women’s peloton and was making good progress towards the world top.”
Shackley, just 22 years old, has not trained or competed in races since the diagnosis was first made. “It is especially unfortunate for her that she is now forced to stop,” Stam expressed. However, he also noted relief that more severe health complications had been averted. The team is now focusing on supporting Shackley as she transitions back to everyday life.
SD Worx-Protime has requested privacy for Shackley during this period, as she adjusts to these significant life changes.
As the cycling season progresses, there is much talk about Demi Vollering’s next steps. The skilled cyclist is set to leave Team SD Worx ProTime at the end of 2024, sparking many rumours about where she might go next. This news is especially notable as it contrasts with her teammate Lotte Kopecky, who has recently secured a long-term contract to stay with the team until 2028.
Vollering and Kopecky had contrasting fortunes in 2023. While Vollering delivered strong performances throughout the season, enhancing her standing as one of the sport’s top competitors, Kopecky not only matched but perhaps surpassed expectations with several championship wins. Her stellar season was quickly rewarded with a new contract extension.
Vollering, adhering to UCI regulations, has said that she will not announce her future team until August 1st, the earliest date set by the governing body for riders to officially disclose transfers for the upcoming season. This has left fans and followers eager to see where she will take her talents next. With no confirmation, the rumour mill is going into overdrive with teams linked to the signing of the Tour de France Femmes winner only to then also rule themselves out.
Demi Vollering
Demi Vollering 2024 Transfer Rumours by Team
UAE Team ADQ
The first place to start is at UAE Team ADQ. Marijn de Fietst talked in her column on NRC in February 2024 about an offer made by the team at the end of the 2023 season for Demi Vollering with a salary of 1 million Euros. That headline was picked up and repeated across almost all of the cycling media at that point as that salary would comfortably be the largest seen in women’s cycling up to this point. Whilst we don’t know what the top earners are actually on with precise figures there’s speculation that no one else has hit the 500k mark to this point but after her 2023 season, this number kinda made sense for guaranteed success.
This week, however, Daniel Benson appeared to rule UAE Team ADQ out of the running. From what we know, only Silvia Persico has a contract on the team past 2024, with 15 riders on the 2024 roster needing to either renew or find new roles. That does allow for some flexibility in arranging things for Demi Vollering yet.
Lidl-Trek
There hasn’t been much serious linking to Lidl-Trek other than the fact they’re a team that could actually afford to sign a superstar like Vollering. Their issue, however, is that their budget is largely tied up in their existing riders. Unlike UAE Team ADQ, they don’t have as many riders with expiring contracts with 7 needing deals. One of those is Elisa Longo Borghini who has gone a long way at the start of 2024 to show she’s worth building a team around. Always a contender, her big win at the Tour of Flanders and pair of smaller wins at Brabantse Pijl and Trofeo Oro in Euro pretty much already eclipse her unlucky 2023 season.
How Lidl-Trek juggles the likes of Deignan and Spratt, with both probably not worth quite as much as their original deals now as they move from race contenders to leading elite domestique roles is going to be interesting. Ilaria Sanguineti is an important rider for team star Elisa Balsamo and the pair of Elynor Backstedt and Brodie Chapman are workhouses who chip in with the odd result. An interesting one could be Ellen van Dijk who just hinted at a possible retirement after the Olympics on her podcast recently but could very well continue. It really feels like there isn’t the budget available to sign another big star to the team.
At the end of March, it was said that Lidl-Trek had spoken to Demi Vollering’s agent but by mid-April, Daniel Benson also reported that Lidl-Trek had ruled themselves out of the running at the same time as UAE Team ADQ.
Funnily enough, back in February, the FDJ-Suez team boss Stephen Delcourt had this response to the 1 million offer supposedly made by UAE Team ADQ:
“We need to be more clever about the money, The visibility of our sport is not at the same speed as our teams’ budgets. We have visibility like this and it’s good for the women on one side, but it’s not good for the long term sustainability of the sport.
If UAE is crazy and wants to offer one million for Demi, she can go, it [would be] good if every rider on SD Worx was on a separate team, but it’s not the normal price if we compare with the visibility of our sport. But I’m sure of one thing: Demi with UAE is not the same Demi.”
Stephen Delcourt (February 2024)
Before the latest rumours of a borderline done deal with FDJ-Suez surfaced, there were more comments from Delcourt that sought to downplay the chances of signing Demi Vollering. Whilst firstly acknowledging that his main sponsors in FDJ and Suez are up for renewal this season, he believes both are likely to re-sign up to 2028. He also brought up that their priorities are in the riders they currently have with Grace Brown, Marta Cavalli and Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig up for renewal this season. Loes Adegeest and Gladys Verhulst-Wild are also up for renewal with both having done their chances a world of good with results in recent weeks. There was also talk that FDJ-Suez had engaged with Demi Vollering’s agent but that negotiations failed around this time too.
When pressed about Demi Vollering, Delcourt didn’t bite and seemed to say it was unrealistic, with hints that the team were hoping that Juliette Labous would become available when she is willing to talk contracts in May.
“How’s that possible? We’re not Dutch, and with Lapierre. Do you think it’s possible? Maybe we can start the negotiations tomorrow… I don’t know but every team wants a Demi, every team wants a Juliette Labous, everyone wants an Elisa Longo Borghini.”
Stephen Delcourt (April 2024)
It is interesting that Lapierre is mentioned here as well. The cycling brand was bought out by an American investment fund in 2022 and subsequently seems less willing to fund promotion through the form of pro cycling teams using their bikes. The men’s Groupama-FDJ team, which is linked to the women’s only through the sponsorship of FDJ moved to using Wilier bikes for 2024 after using Lapierre for 22 years. It feels a similar situation will happen for the women’s team.
As the done deal rumour evolved this week, the name of Specialized came to attention. Dutch sources like Wielerflits and Algemeen Dagblad began to mention the possibility that Demi’s signing by FDJ-Suez would be partially funded by Specialized as a personal sponsor of Demi Vollering. That would resolve the issue of Lapierre with the French team getting a serious deal and an upgrade in their equipment in the bargain. It helps to identify where FDJ-Suez might have achieved the budget needed and how they might yet get Demi Vollering and keep some of their big trio of renewals.
Demi Vollering
Movistar
The news was that Movistar was looking to strengthen its line-up after the departure of Annemiek van Vleuten with a strong signing this off-season. However, the team quickly ruled itself out of Demi Vollering (or Pauline Ferrand-Prevot) being that rider at the start of March.
At the end of March, team owner Sebastian Unzue also confirmed that the team hadn’t been in contact with Demi Vollering’s agent. A move to Movistar feels very much off the table.
Visma | Lease a Bike
The combination of a Dutch star on a Dutch team has led to some mentioning Visma | Lease a bike as a possibility. The team however has been offloading decent riders in recent years to other teams as it looks to invest in youth around its own obvious star in Marianne Vos. That doesn’t exactly scream that there’s a large budget available to the team in yellow and black. Famously Vollering and Vos were on separate sides of the Dutch Olympics team divide and the 2021 Flanders World Championships finish which saw Marianne Vos just miss out on the win. The initial reaction there was that Vollering had worked too much for her own chances and not her leader and whilst that thought didn’t necessarily stand up quite so much after scrutiny it was still the reaction most saw.
At the end of March, however, Visma | Lease a Bike ruled themselves out of signing Demi Vollering this year as they want to build their team around Marianne Vos and Fem van Empel.
Demi Vollering
Other Options
There have been no direct or indirect confirmations from these teams but a general feeling that they may or may not be in the running.
AG Insurance-Soudal
AG Insurance-Soudal are in the market for a big star with Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio set to actually retire this season after a few postponements to achieve some more great results. With the South African leaving the team, that frees up the budget to be spent on a star. As a Belgian team, they made an effort to sign Lotte Kopecky but she decided to stay with SD Worx. Will we now see a pivot to signing Demi Vollering instead? What may give that thought some legs is the split between the team’s founder Natascha den Ouden, sponsors AG Insurance and partial owner Patrick Lefevere recently. In Natascha’s statement, she said that there had been a difference in vision between herself and the others with her focus largely on development through the U23 and U19 teams. If the team are looking to pump money in to sign stars like Demi Vollering, that feels like a clear-cut difference as a possible reason.
Canyon SRAM
Canyon SRAM gets a mention as one of the few teams who actually could maybe find the budget to pull off the signing of Demi Vollering. They’re not exactly flush with money but the timing of key rider contracts lines up nicely to potentially be an option. Kasia Niewiadoma has been a mainstay of the team over the years with some great results but after 5 years without a road victory, maybe the Pole could be tempted elsewhere to finally break that duck. EDIT: Kasia finally won at Fleche Wallonne!
Also of note is that Chloe Dygert’s long-term contract, signed shortly before she suffered the horrific injury at the Worlds in Imola in 2020, is up at the end of this year. The American obviously has a big reason for not racing that much but you’d think the return on investment of what looked set to be a long-term signing of a major GC rider for 4 years hasn’t quite worked out. She’s been good in fits and starts over the last 2 seasons but could be a rider moved on to secure Vollering if they wanted.
Team dsm-firmenich PostNL
Another one where the Dutch rider to a Dutch team logic makes sense. The team hasn’t even been mentioned at all as a serious destination for Demi Vollering. Similar to Visma | Lease a Bike, their strategy in recent years has been to snap up the best and brightest from the junior ranks and develop them into contenders. Juliette Labous will be the focus of their re-signing efforts first as well with the French rider saying she won’t talk contracts until after May. Presumably, she will be looking to have a strong Vuelta to raise her value.
EF Education-Cannondale
We’ll finish with a left-field option in EF Education-Cannondale as probably the only Continental team likely to even come close to having the budget. The American team certainly made plenty of signings this off-season to get them immediately into a good place to challenge for UCI points which they’ll need for guaranteed Women’s WorldTour invites next season. That would make them a de facto WWT team in 2025, ready for a points challenge to join the top level officially in 2026. They’re off to a strong start already and it would be a big surprise if they don’t earn a Tour de France Femmes wildcard this year too. Whether they have the budget to sign a big star again is unclear as they already have the likes of Veronica Ewers, Kristen Faulkner and Alison Jackson under contract. The first pair in that trio are already signed for 2025.
Imogen Cotter, a significant figure in professional cycling, has announced her decision to retire from the sport via an Instagram post. Cotter, who has encountered notable obstacles, including a serious crash, conveyed appreciation to her team and reflected on her journey in the sport. In her announcement, Cotter mentioned her increasing discomfort with competitive racing, highlighting feelings of anxiety and fear during training rides. She recognised that prioritising her mental well-being was crucial and made the challenging decision to step away from professional cycling.
Despite the challenges, Cotter expressed pride in her accomplishments, particularly in her mental resilience following her crash and subsequent recovery. She acknowledged the steadfast support of her family, friends, and partner, Youri, throughout her career.
Imogen Cotter’s career
Imogen Cotter’s cycling journey commenced in 2019 when she embarked on her inaugural road-racing season. Joining S-Bikes Bodhi, she delved into the realm of professional cycling, navigating the challenges of competitive racing in the Belgian peloton. Despite her limited experience, Cotter quickly adapted, pushing herself to the limits and earning commendable results, including a second-place finish at the Nationals.
Imogen Cotter
In 2020, amidst uncertainties surrounding racing, Cotter returned to Ireland, where she explored Zwift racing as a means of staying motivated. Despite facing setbacks, she persevered and secured her first Belgian win, garnering attention from UCI teams. However, the toll of rigorous training took its toll on Cotter’s motivation, impacting her performance in prestigious races like the Tour of Flanders.
The following year, Cotter encountered another obstacle when she contracted COVID-19, disrupting her training regime. Despite the setback, she seized opportunities to represent Ireland and clinched victories, culminating in her first professional contract with Plantur Pura.
In 2022, Cotter faced adversity once again when she was involved in a severe car accident, resulting in multiple surgeries and a challenging recovery process. Undeterred, she made a triumphant return to racing in 2023 with Fenix Deceuninck, showcasing her resilience on the road.
As Cotter embarked on the 2024 season with Hess Cycling Team, she reflected on her journey, acknowledging the highs and lows that shaped her career. Despite her achievements, Cotter realised that the pursuit of professional cycling no longer brought her joy. Citing anxiety and a desire for a calmer lifestyle, Cotter announced her retirement from professional cycling.
The upcoming Ford RideGlasgow FreeCycle event, scheduled for Sunday, June 9th, aims to enhance Glasgow’s cycling legacy by offering a unique opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy cycling on traffic-free roads in the heart of the city.
This free event, organized in collaboration with Glasgow City Council and Glasgow Life, builds upon the city’s commitment to becoming more bike-friendly, as demonstrated by its status as the UK’s first UCI Bike City and the success of last year’s UCI Cycling World Championships.
Participants in the inaugural Ford RideGlasgow FreeCycle will traverse a scenic four-mile loop, passing through iconic landmarks such as Glasgow Green, Merchant City, and George Square. Along the route, Festival Zones will provide opportunities for riders to engage in free, family-friendly activities.
Bailie Annette Christie, Glasgow Life Chair, highlighted the city’s dedication to promoting cycling as a means of improving physical and mental well-being. She encouraged people from all backgrounds to join the event and experience the joy of cycling.
Hugh Brasher, Event Director of London Marathon Events, praised Glasgow’s cycling heritage and the event’s role in promoting active lifestyles and supporting sustainable transportation initiatives.
Lisa Brankin, Chair & Managing Director of Ford Britain & Ireland, expressed Ford’s commitment to promoting cycling through initiatives like the Ford RideGlasgow FreeCycle.
The Festival Zones, located at George Street and Glasgow Green, will offer a variety of activities, including bike stunt shows, cycle skills training, and entertainment for all ages.
Ford RideGlasgow FreeCycle will take place from 10:00 to 16:00 on Sunday, June 9th, with Festival Zones open throughout the weekend. For those without a bike, OVO bikes will be available for rent at docking stations across the city.
By leveraging Glasgow’s existing cycling infrastructure and investing in future enhancements, the city aims to further promote cycling as a sustainable mode of transportation and recreational activity for residents and visitors alike.
Marianne Vos crosses the finish line in Huy on April 22, 2009 during the Fleche Wallonne women's cycling race between Charleroi and Huy. Vos won the race for the third time, ahead of Emma Johansson of Sweden and Claudia Hausler of Germany. AFP PHOTO/JOHN THYS
Flèche Wallonne Femmes History
The women’s Flèche Wallonne, recently renamed Flèche Wallonne Femmes, has been a cornerstone event in women’s cycling since its inception in 1998, hosting many of the sport’s most formidable climbers. The race’s early history was dominated by Italian cyclist Fabiana Luperini, who clinched three wins in the first five editions and was a celebrated Giro Donne champion. Following Luperini, Nicole Cooke and Marianne Vos each had their periods of triumph, with Vos notably securing five victories between 2007 and 2013. Interestingly, since her last win, Vos has not returned to the podium.
Anna van der Breggen particularly shaped the race, achieving an unmatched streak of seven consecutive victories from 2015 to 2021. This included a memorable long-range solo break in 2017, where she and teammate Lizzie Deignan strategically overpowered their rival Kasia Niewiadoma. With van der Breggen retiring after the 2021 season, the field opened up for new champions.
In 2022, post-van der Breggen’s era, many expected Annemiek van Vleuten to dominate, yet it was Marta Cavalli who stepped up, capitalising on her form from a recent win at the Amstel Gold Race. The following year, 2023, saw Demi Vollering shine by winning on the Mur de Huy, the race’s defining climb. This 1.3km ascent, with an average gradient of 9.3% and sections soaring to 26%, is the crucial battleground where the race is decisively won. Vollering managed her effort on this challenging climb brilliantly, securing a well-earned victory through smart race management and strong climbing.
Surprisingly, Demi Vollering is yet to win a race in 2024. The Dutch star did the Ardennes treble last season but we already know that won’t be repeated after finishing 22nd at Amstel Gold Race this weekend. She’s come close to wins with 2nd at Brabantse Pijl and 3rd at Strade Bianche but hasn’t been truly knocking on the door in the same way as in 2023. She will still be the race favourite here but it’s going to be reduced compared to previous years. Teammate Niamh Fisher-Black might also do well as a pure climber on the Mur de Huy but should be on lead-out duty for Vollering on the steep slopes.
Kasia Niewiadoma has come so close over the years to winning Flèche Wallonne Femmes with 5 top-10 finishes and a pair of podiums too. The Pole always suits an uphill sprint to the line but hasn’t been able to hook things up as yet. She’s still chasing a road win after nearly 5 years but would still be a good podium shout. The likes of Ricarda Bauernfeind and Antonia Niedermaier are also strong climbers for Canyon SRAM but I can see them setting pace on the Mur de Huy for Kasia. Based on the Amstel Gold Race there’s a chance that Bauernfeind tries to attack before the Mur as well to put pressure on other teams.
Gaia Realini was 3rd in her first edition of Flèche Wallonne Femmes last season. It seems like a finish absolutely perfect for the diminutive climber but the question is whether she has an explosive enough finish to actually take the win in the final metres. Elisa Longo Borghini has a similar record to Kasia here in that she’s had a trio of podiums over the years and a load of top-10s on top too. We know she’s in good form and will form a dual threat with Realini.
Mavi Garcia
Mavi Garcia has been on a strong run at Flèche Wallonne Femmes in recent years with finishes of 4th, 5th and 5th in the last 3 years. The Spanish rider seems to be missing the punch needed to distance others for the win but has certainly been able to attack and put others under pressure. It seems likely we see her make a move which will be a useful springboard for whoever wins this year. Teammates Ella Wyllie and Caroline Andersson are also going to be useful and whilst they might not reach the same heights, either of them could sneak into the top 10.
The 2022 winner of Flèche Wallonne Femmes will be here again. Marta Cavalli has been struggling to reach the same heights since but is still a potential threat with the hope she will come good in a major race like this again. She’s only raced once in 2024 so far with a 49th at Trofeo Alfredo Binda in the books. Teammate Evita Muzic stepped up last year to finish 5th and is in some good form at the moment too. She was 10th at Strade Bianche, 9th at Trofeo Alfredo Binda and 2nd at GP Féminin de Chambéry this weekend as well. She won’t be mentioned too much but is absolutely one to watch again this year.
Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio has been almost perfectly consistent at Flèche Wallonne Femmes over the years with a full 10 top-10 placings in 13 editions. The South African has managed to tick off all of the finishing positions between 2nd and 7th and would love to finally hit the top step. Teammate Sarah Gigante will also be a useful climber here and is leaps and bounds in better shape than when she last raced here in 2021 and suffered a broken leg, broken collarbone, and a broken elbow back then. It will be tough to have a worse experience this year!
Claire Steels
We’re going to see the return to racing of Claire Steels after she fractured two of her vertebrae back at the UAE Tour Women. The Brit is returning at just the right time with Spain month around the corner and the Ardennes Classics here. She could be good here but the long layoff makes it tougher than normal to see it coming. Teammate Olivia Baril was 16th at Flèche Wallonne Femmes in 2022 and her form this season indicates that the Canadian might be able to improve on that. She’s taken a stage win at Vuelta Extremadura and 7th in GC before finishing 7th again at Trofeo Alfredo Binda too.
Erica Magnaldi doesn’t have a top-10 Flèche Wallonne Femmes result in 6 previous editions which is a surprising stat. She’s come close but for some reason, it hasn’t quite happened so far. The Italian is just coming in form at the right time too with a podium spot at GP Féminin de Chambéry this weekend.
Fenix-Deceuninck’s Yara Kastelijn managed to finish in the top-10 at Amstel Gold Race this weekend after getting into a long break and pulling all sorts of faces and turning herself inside out to stick with the move. She’s gone well at Flèche Wallonne Femmes previously with a 9th and 10th place in the last 2 seasons. A similar result seems possible this year too.
Like Magnaldi, it’s surprising that Juliette Labous only has a single top-10 finish on the Mur de Huy in 6 attempts over the years. The French rider is a very strong climber but I guess really needs a much longer effort to truly shine. 4th in GC back at Setmana Ciclista Valenciana and has been around 20th in the early hilly classics so far.
Veronica Ewers
Veronica Ewers should be a strong threat here with the American known for climbing well and for finishing 14th last season. She’s been very very quiet so far in 2024 though, with zero notable results ticked off at the moment. Teammate Kim Cadzow has the potential to be a threat too but finished well down here last season. She had a stunning March with 5th at Trofeo Oro in Euro and a GC win at Trofeo Ponente in Rosa. Shas has top-10 potential. Clara Koppenburg is a pure climber but similarly to Labous probably needs it to be longer rather than an explosive effort. Her best finish in Huy is 23rd.
Uno-X’s Katrine Aalerud has a good record here with an 11th and 15th place previously but it feels unlikely she will repeat that this year after not racing for a month previously. The Norwegian is a good punchy climber but there are question marks. Teammate Simone Boilard is certainly in some form though with top-20 results at Amstel Gold Race, Brabantse Pijl and Gent Wevelgem recently. I don’t think she can go head-to-head with the explosive climbers here but could be an attacking option to go clear early.
Most of the attention on Visma | Lease a Bike will be on Fem van Empel who is still waiting for a really strong road result in 2024 so far. We know she has explosive power for days and maybe this will be the race she delivers the result. Eva van Agt was 18th here last year and part of the break that looked good until the final ascent of the Cauberg. And whilst her breakaway companions finished in the top-10, Van Agt finished 21st in the end. Mijntje Geurts has also been quietly good here in the last 2 years finishing just outside of the top-10 as an 18 and then 19-year-old rider. She could be a sneaky good option.
Another surprising stat is that Ane Santesteban‘s best result at Flèche Wallonne Femmes is only 10th after many years of taking on the Mur de Huy. Some of that is down to working for team leaders but the Spanish rider should be a contender as we know she can do punchy climbs. She went well at GP Féminin de Chambéry this weekend in finishing 6th place in France.
Flèche Wallonne Femmes 2024 Outsiders
Marion Bunel
Marion Bunel is a strong climber with some good results already in 2024. She finished 5th at the UAE Tour Women after finishing in the same spot on Jebel Hafeet and has been picking up top-10s in French races since. She was a big threat to the WWT talents on the climbs at the Tour de l’Avenir last season and is one to watch on these tough slopes.
Lotte Claes was only 62nd last season at Flèche Wallonne Femmes but has been going well so far this season. She’s been flitting just outside of the top-10 mostly across a chunk of races that includes Trofeo Palma, Vuelta CV Feminas and Vuelta Extremadura Feminas. Whilst all those come in Spain, there’s a chance for the Belgian on home roads.
We’ve seen BePink’s Monica Trinca Colonel come from almost nowhere this season to take a bunch of great results. Picked up after impressing with strong power numbers at a trial, she’s finished 4th in GC at the Trofeo Ponente in Rosa and 12th this weekend at GP Féminin de Chambéry.
Cofidis’ options might end up being on Julie Bego after Nikola Noskova had to not start the Amstel Gold Race this week due to injuring her foot in training beforehand. Bego has already finished 4th at Trofeo Oro in Euro and 12th at Brabantse Pijl last week in her first season as an Elites rider.
Preparations for the rebooted 2024 Tour of Britain Women are advancing, with today’s announcement of the stage hosts setting the stage for a thrilling competition. The Grand Départ is scheduled for Thursday, 6 June, from Welshpool. The previous organisers Sweetspot unfortunately were unable to continue their organisation and British Cycling had to take over the running of the Women’s Tour from 2024 for the foreseeable future.
2024 Tour of Britain Route Women
The race kicks off in Welshpool, a town celebrated in cycling lore. Notably, it is close to where the men’s Tour of Britain featured a dramatic finish on the Great Orme in 2021, won by Wout Van Aert in a memorable sprint against Julian Alaphilippe, offering cyclists a scenic challenge beside the sea.
The first stage propels the riders from Welshpool to Llandudno, ensuring a demanding start. The second stage is a circuit in Wrexham, a town enveloped by the beautiful yet rugged terrain of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley.
The peloton will then move to England for the third stage in Warrington, which promises flatter roads suitable for sprinters. This town previously hosted the men’s race in 2021, celebrating Ethan Hayter’s victory.
Concluding in Greater Manchester, the final stage will depart from the National Cycling Centre, traversing tough regional climbs before culminating in Leigh. This stage is a highlight of Manchester’s European Capital of Cycling celebrations.
Lorena Wiebes
Stage Details for the Tour of Britain Women 2024
Stage 1 (Thursday, 6 June 2024): Welshpool to Llandudno
Stage 2 (Friday, 7 June 2024): Wrexham (circuit stage)
Stage 3 (Saturday, 8 June 2024): Warrington (start and finish)
Stage 4 (Sunday, 9 June 2024): Greater Manchester, starting from the National Cycling Centre and finishing in Leigh
Further details regarding the full routes, teams, and riders will be disclosed in the weeks ahead, adding to the anticipation of this major cycling event.
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