Team Emirates-XRG's Pogačar back on top with Flèche Wallonne victory

BRUSSELS, 24 April (BelTA - Emirates News Agency) - Tadej Pogačar decimated his opposition to win La Flèche Wallonne on Wednesday afternoon, with the Slovenian taking his second title in three years.

The UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider gained a note of retribution for Sunday’s runner-up spot at the Amstel Gold Race, by attacking with 500m to go of the Mur de Huy and crossing the finish line some 10 seconds ahead of the next-best rider.

Making his attack whilst seated in his saddle, the world champion powered away from the rest of the peloton and would not be seen again before the finish. It was an attack made on the corner named in honour of the two-time champion Claude Criquielion, and just like the great Belgian, Pogačar emerged victorious at Flèche Wallonne sporting the rainbow bands as world champion.

Kévin Vauquelin sealed second place for Arkéa-B&B Hotels, with Q36.5 Pro Cycling’s Tom Pidcock taking third at a 12-second deficit.

In a repeat of last year’s Flèche Wallonne, Belgium lashed the peloton with a barrage of rain, wind and less than moderate temperatures, forcing the riders to don rain jackets and wet-weather gear up until the finale.