La Flèche Wallonne 2023, one day classic, April 19 (men's)

[SafeBet]

Ok, how the hell did Landa finish 3rd in this race? Did everyone else mess up their sprint/got boxed in or lost contact before the final climb?

Landa looked very good on a similar finish in Itzulia (and consistent overall this season). I have rarely seen him as punchy as he's been this year.

 

[Ricco']

It could have changed Bardet's result, although it also could have meant he'd blown up earlier.

Definitely he would blow up, but with the amount of speed he was carrying I think slowing down and then get up to speed again in that kind of grades made him spend more energy than if he kept powering away.

 

[dobrien]

Remco probably needs to actually drop him because he's the underdog in a sprint, that seems a long shot with Pogacar in this form.

Agreed, I also think Remco will need to drop him... Remco for his part is going to be hyper-motivated to defend in the rainbow jersey and if anyone can drop Pog it's going to be him. Looking forward to a big battle Sunday.

 

[Panda Claws]

Watch this suddenly be the fastest ascent ever

 

[Didinho]

Van Gils strong in 8th!

 

[HelloDolly]

Landa nearer to Pog than he was to Vingregaard in Basque Country race ....is that an indicator

 

[durtyfat7]

I know its still very early but with how good Landa is this season, do you guys think he's almost the best of the others behind Pogi and Ving?

 

[Peyroteo94]

We will have rain in Liege. Can we already say Pogi will win?

 

[ice&fire]

I know its still very early but with how good Landa is this season, do you guys think he's almost the best of the others behind Pogi and Ving?

He's definitely a strong candidate to disappoint us at the TDF contest for 3rd place.

 

[HelloDolly]

Landa happy but maybe could have been 2nd

Surprised to see him smile
say maybe if Pog and remco are fighting each other Sunday maybe they can pull a surprise

 

[Bolder]

I knew that was a done deal when Pog was riding seated while EVERYONE ELSE was en danseuse. Nice work from the rest of the field but sorry, they were completely outclassed.

Oh, and the tuft of hair is definitely back.

 

[Red Rick]

Watch this suddenly be the fastest ascent ever

Should be impossible. Started with a headwind and the group was bigger than normal all the way to the end.

 

[Red Rick]

Landa nearer to Pog than he was to Vingregaard in Basque Country race ....is that an indicator

I dont see why ot shouldnt be

 

[gunara]

I know its still very early but with how good Landa is this season, do you guys think he's almost the best of the others behind Pogi and Ving?

In Group A probably, but there is a Group B....

 

[tobydawq]

Should be impossible. Started with a headwind and the group was bigger than normal all the way to the end.

Wouldn't that be the first stretch of road of the season that wasn't ridden at record pace?

 

[JRanton]

barguil getting his annual top 10.

and pidcock really disappointing

I thought Pidcock was already struggling a bit on Cherave so not surprised

 

[Gigs_98]

This edition once again made me wonder how differently this race would be ridden if it didn't come 4 days before LBL. A guy like Landa clearly cared about this race, but he still chose a strategy he always knew would get him 2nd at best, because his real goal comes on sunday. And that's really what everyone except UAE did.

 

[Blanco]

Ok, how the hell did Landa finish 3rd in this race? Did everyone else mess up their sprint/got boxed in or lost contact before the final climb?

Cause he was damn strong!

 

[Red Rick]

Wouldn't that be the first stretch of road of the season that wasn't ridden at record pace?

Turini and Sassotetto were slow as ***

 

[topcat]

Pog pulls a rabbit out of the hat and wins Fleche-Wallonne (the world uphill skiing championships). It was his 883rd win this spring. It's a race that suits him cause there's an uphill stretch. He can only be beaten on the flat or downhill.
At Liege, I hope Remco attacks Pog on the flat, Pog attacks Remco uphill, the two of them gas each other and Ben Healy wins.

 

[Red Rick]

This edition once again made me wonder how differently this race would be ridden if it didn't come 4 days before LBL. A guy like Landa clearly cared about this race, but he still chose a strategy he always knew would get him 2nd at best, because his real goal comes on sunday. And that's really what everyone except UAE did.

Doesnt matter at all.

Fleche is a solved race strategically. There is 0 reason why it would be any different if it werent before Liege

 

[DNP-Old]

Any timers? This looked very slow on the eye, even for Mur standards.

 

[Red Rick]

Any timers? This looked very slow on the eye, even for Mur standards.

Same time as last year

 

[HelloDolly]

Landa looks much better than last year ...hope he can podium the Tour
Guess Hindley and Carapaz like last years Giro will be his competition
Though have to say both of these riders look worse than last year so far

 

[rallybanana]

Pogacar looking good in the competition to have lowest combined score over the three Ardennes races
2 - Pogacar
10 - Skjelmose
15 - Van Gils
21 - Pidcock
22 - Benoot