La Flèche Wallonne 2019: The Route

Wednesday 24 April - La Flèche Wallonne serves a route of 195 kilometres, which is pepped up with eleven climbs. The finale is excruciating with Côte de Cherave and the infamous Wall of Huy inside the last 7 kilometres.

The Flèche Wallonne and the Wall of Huy are intertwined. Year after year the pack attacks the steep final ascent in closed formation. In 2019 again, or are we up for a different scenario? A successful late attack perhaps?

Following the start in Ans, where Liège–Bastogne–Liège used to finish, the route winds through the hills of the Ardennes. The ascent of the Côte de Tancrémont and Côte des Forges stand out before the riders enter a local circuit, which is a copy of the last three editions of the race. The lap includes Côte d’Ereffe (2.1 kilometres at 5%) and Côte de Cherave (1.3 kilometres at 8.1%) before the drag up the Wall of Huy.

The first time over the Wall is with two rounds of 29 kilometres remaining. Following the Côte d’Ereffe the route continues to the village Marchin and back towards Huy. Just before entering the town the Flèche Wallonne turns left to attack the Côte de Cherave. With rocks on the right and houses on the left, it’s a tough ascent on a straight road. From the top of the Cherave to the foot of the Wall of Huy is 4.2 kilometres. The route moves through the village of Ahin and along the banks of the Meuse before the local Wall in Huy appears.

The 1.3 kilometres climb rises with an average grade of 9.6%, yet that statistic is misleading as the climb really kicks in after 400 metres. With 11% for 400 metres, 17% for 100 metres, and 14% for 300 metres the Wall shows its razor sharp teeth. The last 100 metres level out to 6%.

Other interesting reads: results/race report and start list of La Flèche Wallonne 2019.