Evenepoel full of confidence after Amstel ahead of Flèche Wallonne, but Soudal Quick-Step remains wary of early UAE attacks

It will be the second time the two-time Olympic champion has lined up for this challenging classic, which traditionally ends on the steep Mur de Huy. In 2022, Evenepoel finished only 43rd before winning Liège-Bastogne-Liège for the first time a few days later. At that time, Julian Alaphilippe was the leader in the Flèche Wallonne, but this time, all eyes will be on the 25-year-old Belgian.

Sports director Klaas Lodewyck is confident their leader can compete at the highest level, especially after his performances in the Brabantse Pijl and the Amstel Gold Race. "We have a strong and experienced squad, led by Remco, who has shown again last Sunday that he is in good shape," he said in a press release. Just like in the Limburg one-day race, he will get support from Ilan Van Wilder, Mauri Vansevenant, Pascal Eenkhoorn, and Maximilian Schachmann. Pepijn Reinderink and Louis Vervaeke will be replaced by Junior Lecerf and Pieter Serry.

Of course, the Mur de Huy will play a major role, but the Belgian former rider is looking beyond the last mile and a half. A new climb has been added in the final phase. "The local circuit and the presence of Cherave will make the race a bit harder, and some teams could push a big tempo there to make things difficult for others," he says, referring to UAE Team Emirates - XRG. In any case, Soudal Quick-Step is prepared for anything. "After our most recent results, we have a lot of motivation and we hope to get a good result again."