Don't miss the Flèche Wallonne this Wednesday, where Tom Pidcock is the clear favorite. As the world's elite cyclists tackle the grueling Wall of Huy, viewers with fresh coffee in hand, streaming online are set for a thrilling spectacle. The intense climb, combining pain with determination, promises a display of true sporting might.

This year's altered course adds an element of unpredictability to the race. Will the changes result in an unexpected twist, altering traditional strategies? Tune in to witness Pidcock’s attempt to dominate this legendary climb. The 198.6 km race starts in Charleroi at 11:35 AM and finishes between 4:10 PM and 4:40 PM in Huy. The race is live and on demand for FloBikes viewers in Canada.

Update For Flèche Wallonne 2024 Course

The course has undergone significant changes, most notably the infamous Mur de Huy climb, which will now be tackled four times instead of the usual three. This 1.3 km stretch with an average gradient of 9.6% remains the critical challenge of the race. The Côte de Cherave has been removed from the final local loop, making the strategic dynamics of the race more focused on the final climbs. The first 90 km of the race will be relatively easier this year, featuring only one categorized climb, the Côte d’Yvoir.

Flèche Wallonne Favorites To Watch

Tom Pidcock, fresh from his victory at the Amstel Gold Race, is a top favorite. His explosive style is well-suited for the Mur de Huy, where he's previously finished sixth. The British cyclist is in excellent form, adding an extra layer of excitement as he seeks to improve on his past performances.

Dylan Teuns, who didn't shine at the Amstel but has shown strong form in other spring classics, is another strong contender. Having won here in 2017 and placed third in other years, Teuns is always a threat on this course.

Marc Hirschi, the 2020 winner, is also in fine form, coming off a second-place finish at the Amstel. His team, UAE Emirates, also fields Juan Ayuso, another young talent to watch.

Keep an eye on others like Canadian Michael Woods, who has consistently performed well at the Flèche Wallonne, and up-and-comers like Mattias Skjelmose and Maxim Van Gils, who have shown they can compete with the best.

The Flèche Wallonne Féminine is set to be as fiercely contested as ever, with several top cyclists likely vying for victory on the steep slopes of the Mur de Huy. In previous editions, riders such as Annemiek van Vleuten, Anna van der Breggen, and Katarzyna Niewiadoma have shown their prowess on this challenging course. This year, keep an eye out for current leading climbers and punchy riders who excel in short, steep finishes: Demi Vollering, Gaia Realini, Elisa Longo Borghini.

Weather Conditions For Flèche Wallonne

The weather in Huy on race day is expected to be partly cloudy, a chance of rain, with mild temperatures in the mid-40°s F, which should provide ideal conditions for racing. Wind shouldn't play a significant role, allowing for a fair contest on the steep gradients of the Mur de Huy.

This year’s Flèche Wallonne is set to be a thrilling mid-week classic, with strategic changes to the course and a strong field of competitors vying for victory on one of cycling’s most iconic climbs.