The Flèche Wallonne (126.5 km) is the second classic of the Ardennes triptych, after the Amstel Gold Race. It starts at 8.30am and features the typical finish on the Mur de Huy. Liv Racing is counting on the following riders: Alison Jackson, Jeanne Korevaar, Marta Jaskulska, Pauliena Rooijakkers, Sabrina Stultiens and Soraya Paladin.
Pauliena Rooijakkers had a good feeling about her participation in the Gold Race. She rode in the attack for a long time. “Lars Boom assigned us to attack which, in itself, worked out well. I was able to push the limits on the Cauberg, considerably narrowing the group. And then Grace Brown went on the attack. I knew immediately: you can’t let her go. I have to admit that I was already riding at my limit at that point”, says the Dutch rider.
“The form is good, we’ll take the confidence to the Flèche Wallonne. There are some defining moments in this race where you have to be at the front which remains difficult as it is a nervous, hard race. If I can get in front, I hope to be of value to the team. Soraya Paladin is in great form. I was surprised at how easily she rode in the Amstel, it’s nice to be racing with her. I’m looking forward to seeing what she can do on the Mur de Huy.”
Photo credits: Cor Vos