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Racing

La Fleche Wallonne 2014: preview

Dani Moreno defends title against in-form Philippe Gilbert

If you take the race purely on the form book, Philippe Gilbert (BMC Racing) is number one contender – winner at the Brabantse Pijl and the Amstel Gold Race, the former world champion looks back to his best and is raring to go for more. Though not as suited to the uphill finish as out-and-out climbers like Moreno, his 2011 victory in the race is a sign he is more-than capable of winning on the Huy – and his race-winning acceleration on the Cauberg on Sunday shows he certainly has the legs.

Philippe Gilbert shows how deep he is prepared to dig as he rids himself of the leading group on the Cauberg at the Amstel Gold Race (pic: Sirotti)

Backed by a fiercely strong squad, from which Samuel Sanchez could also be a contender and Marcus Burghardt, Darwin Atapuma and Britain’s Stephen Cummings represent a phenomenal supporting cast, Gilbert will be the popular local choice for the race. He is one-third of the way into a repeat of his incredible 2011 hat-trick, and if his team-mates can deliver their team leader into a good position on the final ascent of the Huy that target could well come another step closer.

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