Arrow and Liege, almost a nursery rhyme; the tongue twister that the cycling enthusiast knows perfectly and that heralds the tasty spectacle of the Ardennes .

While waiting for the dean, the classic monument more suitable for men from big tours (together with the Giro di Lombardia ), we have to deal with the arrival on the rugged Huy wall .   The Freccia Vallone is the race that perhaps best expresses its essence through the name; because to win it is necessary to be like an arrow, suddenly sprinting up a short and steep climb, anticipating all opponents with timing and legs.

So, looking at the final 1300 meters, with an average gradient of 9.6% (and a maximum of 26%), the first man that comes to mind is Julian Alaphilippe .   The reigning bi-world champion does not seem in the best of condition, but this race is sewn on him like a suit of prestigious tailoring. It is no coincidence that "the musketeer" is the winner of last year and has excelled three times in his career.

The same goes for Alejandro Valverde , who holds the record for victories at the Freccia: five. “El Bala” can still have his say and, although he turns 42 next April 25, we can bet that in the final meters he will be there, together with the best, to fight for the victory.

The most anticipated, however, will be Tadej Pogacar . The new phenomenon of world cycling has shown that it can compete on any terrain and is ready to unleash its power even on the Huy wall.  

Attention also to Jonas Vingegaard , another sparkling young talent; the Dane is very strong on the climb and we are curious to see him at work even on a finish like this.  

Other riders very well suited to the Freccia Vallone are the expert Michael Woods and the young Pidcock , and Cosnefroy , as well as the Colombians Martinez and Higuita (unpredictable for better or for worse).  

Then there is Remco Evenepoel : the arrival on paper is not very suitable for his characteristics, but when the Belgian shows up at the start he never does it to play the part of the extra.

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