Midweek cycling races like Dwars door Vlaanderen and Flèche Wallonne often provide compelling action, revealing rider form and rewarding bold strategies, sometimes even surpassing their weekend counterparts in excitement. The recent Flèche Wallonne Femmes exemplified this, with Demi Vollering narrowly clinching victory against a charging Puck Pieterse on the Mur de Huy. In the men’s race, Paul Seixas secured a win, setting the stage for an anticipated Liège-Bastogne-Liège showdown featuring Tadej Pogačar and Remco Evenepoel. Additionally, Tom Pidcock showcased strong performance at the Tour of the Alps, and Jordan Jegat achieved his first professional win at Grand Besançon Doubs.
Midweek Races: More Than Just Warm-ups
Wednesday Classics, though sometimes overlooked, offer valuable insights into rider form and team strategies. For many, a midweek race is more accessible for viewing than a weekend event. These races provide opportunities for second and third-tier teams to take risks and for top riders to make a statement before major weekend events. A brief distraction from the daily grind, these races are a welcome addition to the cycling calendar.
Flèche Wallonne Femmes: A Thrilling Finish
The women’s Flèche Wallonne delivered a nail-biting conclusion. Despite an early strong breakaway by Axelle Dubau-Prévot and Katrine Aalerud, they were caught as they neared the Mur de Huy. Demi Vollering launched her attack from the base of the climb, appearing to secure a comfortable win. However, Puck Pieterse mounted a dramatic late surge, closing the gap significantly and nearly overtaking Vollering at the line. Vollering held on for the win, with Pieterse finishing second, Paula Blasi third, Kasia Niewiadoma fourth, and Anna van der Breggen fifth. The strong showing by these riders suggests an exciting Liège-Bastogne-Liège race is on the horizon.
Liège-Bastogne-Liège: A Generational Clash on the Horizon
This Sunday’s Liège-Bastogne-Liège promises a thrilling contest between cycling’s current stars. Tadej Pogačar, aiming to win all five Monuments, faces strong competition from Remco Evenepoel, a two-time winner of the race, and the rapidly emerging Paul Seixas, who has been consistently performing well and recently won the Flèche Wallonne. While these three are the favorites, other strong riders like Tom Pidcock (though potentially fatigued from the Tour of the Alps), Skjelmose, Ciccone, Cosnefroy, Grégoire, and Vauquelin will also be contenders. The challenging, punchy profile of the race, combined with the caliber of the riders, points towards another spectacular Monument.
Tour of the Alps: Pellizzari Leads, Pidcock Impresses
The Tour of the Alps is proving to be a selective warm-up for the Giro d’Italia. After three stages, Giulio Pellizzari leads the general classification, closely followed by Thymen Arensman. Aleksandr Vlasov and Egan Bernal are also in contention. Tom Pidcock secured a dominant victory on Stage 3, showcasing his strength after a recent crash. Despite Pidcock’s win, Pellizzari’s climbing abilities make him a strong contender for the overall victory as the race heads into its queen stage.
Grand Besançon Doubs: Jordan Jegat’s Maiden Professional Win
Jordan Jegat of TotalEnergies secured his first professional victory at the Classic Grand Besançon Doubs. Despite recent knee issues, Jegat out-climbed Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale’s Matthew Riccitello and Léo Bisiaux in a strong finale. Jegat expressed his happiness at achieving this milestone, highlighting his patience, timing, and execution. Although Riccitello later won the Tour du Jura, Jegat’s performance marks him as a rider to watch.
Other Cycling News
- London will host the first-ever Team Time Trial in the Tour de France Femmes in 2027, with the race also extending through Yorkshire and the North of England.
- Bergamo will host the start of Il Lombardia and the Gran Fondo Il Lombardia in October, with Tadej Pogačar aiming for a sixth consecutive victory.
- The 2026 USA Cycling Collegiate Road National Championships will take place in Madison, Wisconsin, from May 8-10.
- A poll on purchasing bikes directly from Asia showed mixed responses, with a slight majority open to the idea if specifications match, but a significant portion remaining hesitant.
- Benoit Cosnefroy was crowned the winner of the PEZ Weekend Omnium for his consistent podium finishes at both the Amstel Gold Race and De Brabantse Pijl.
- Lloyds and British Cycling have launched Lloyds ReCycle Hubs, a UK-wide initiative to make cycling more accessible by refurbishing and redistributing donated bikes.
Mike’s Ride of the Week: Bend’s Lower Bridge Group Ride
Mike describes a challenging but rewarding group ride in Bend, Oregon, highlighting the stunning scenery and the camaraderie among outdoor enthusiasts. The ride, despite its difficulty, offered spectacular views and an opportunity to connect with fellow cyclists and local businesses.