HUY, Belgium (AP) " Alejandro Valverde of Spain won the Fleche Wallonne (Walloon Arrow) for a record fifth time after a fourth straight title in the Belgian classic on Wednesday. Valverde continued his excellent form with an attack that was unanswered by his rivals 250 meters from the finish in the brutal Mur de Huy, one of cycling's most difficult climbs. Valverde, who will turn 37 next week, last year became the first rider to win the Fleche Wallonne four times. The Mur de Huy has a 26 percent gradient at its steepest point, and Valverde knows it perfectly. Valverde will be among the favorites, having already won it three times.

Source: New Zealand Herald April 19, 2017 15:45 UTC