The Mur de Huy, La Fleche Wallonne

La Fleche Wallonne’s hill-top finish is the literal and figurative high-point of the second race of Ardennes Week. Its slopes may ease in the riders gently, but its 17 per cent ‘wall’ has proved to be the making – and the downfall – of many a great over the three decades on which it has represented the finish. The effort required to win atop the famous climb had already been proved by Marianne Vos in the women’s race, who was doubled over her handlebars in a state of exhaustion after winning earlier in the day.

By the time the men attacked, it was another world champion, Philippe Gilbert (BMC Racing), who looked strong. However, unlike the legendary Dutchwoman, Gilbert’s challenge faded as Daniel Moreno (Katusha) launched a stinging attack inside the final kilometre. Bursting from the wheel of Peter Sagan (Cannondale), Moreno – who had started the race expecting to support Joaquim Rodriguez – flew beyond Gilbert to catch and pass Colombian sensation, Carlos Betancur, and seal the biggest victory of his career.