On Wednesday, the renowned Flèche Wallonne race will be a challenge for Paul Seixas, the young prodigy from Decathlon CMA CGM. It’s also a great opportunity for many French riders. Explanations are eagerly anticipated.
Paul Seixas is at the center of attention Recently winning the Tour du Pays Basque (with 3 stage victories), the 19-year-old from Lyon is rapidly climbing the ladder of fame. Christian Prudhomme, a guest on Jean-Jacques Bourdin’s YouTube show, estimated a “90% chance” of Seixas participating in the Tour de France on July 4th. While waiting for the decision, Seixas faces a pivotal week in his schedule: the Flèche Wallonne on Wednesday, followed by Liège-Bastogne-Liège on Sunday. Competing against Tadej Pogacar and Remco Evenepoel, his recovery ability and how he handles the weight of expectations will be closely observed. Seixas thrives on challenges. He is ready.
Kévin Vauquelin and many French riders itching to race Norman Kévin Vauquelin (Ineos Grenadiers) has a habit of shining at the Flèche Wallonne, finishing 2nd in 2024 and 2025. His strong start to the season indicates successful integration into the British team. Currently 7th in the Tour de France, Vauquelin aims for a significant result to strengthen his position. Lenny Martinez (Bahrain), Benoît Cosnefroy (UAE Team Emirates), Valentin Paret-Peintre (Soudal Quick-Step), and Romain Grégoire (Groupama-FDJ) also seek to make their mark. The French tradition is at stake, with the Flèche Wallonne historically highlighting French riders.
A Wall that lives up to its name The Flèche Wallonne, spanning 200 km with 11 difficulties including the iconic Mur de Huy climbed three times, launches from Herstal at 11:35 and culminates at the summit of the Mur de Huy around 16:10. The 1.3 km climb at 9.6%, with sections reaching 20%, poses a formidable challenge. The peloton battles fiercely during the final ascent, with riders pushing their limits to conquer this daunting climb, known for its dramatic finishes.
Foreign contenders among the French favorites With Tadej Pogacar and Remco Evenepoel absent, contenders like Tom Pidcock (UK), Isaac Del Toro (Mexico), Ben Healy (Ireland), and Matteo Jorgenson (USA) are expected to shine at the Flèche Wallonne. Danish rider Mattias Skjelmose, Norwegian Tobias Johannessen, Swiss Mauro Schmid, and Italian Christian Scaroni are also contenders worth watching.
“PFP” and the women’s race Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, along with Dutch riders Anna van der Breggen, Demi Vollering, and Puck Pieterse, and Polish rider Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney are the headliners in the women’s race, set to finish in Huy after navigating 9 challenging climbs including the Mur de Huy twice. Arrival is expected around 17:40.
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