Daniel Moreno won this race last year with a stunning acceleration on the Huy, staying just clear of a chasing group which included Dan Martin (Garmin-Sharp) – winner at Liege-Bastogne-Liege just days later. The victory, the biggest of Moreno’s career, was just reward for the tireless Spaniard, who has provided unwavering support for compatriot and defending world number one Joaquim Rodriguez. It was also a reminder of Moreno’s prowess when the roads start heading skyward.
This time out, Rodriguez is still attempting to overcome an injury picked up in a crash at the Amstel Gold Race which saw him fail to finish. It leaves Moreno as likely team leader for Katusha – even if Rodriguez recovers as expected. And with the backing of Purito, Moreno – who finished ninth on Sunday – will be rightly among the favourites to defend his title.
