Fleche Wallonne – Original Screenprint
Southwood, Eliza
£350.00
Availability: In stock
Product Description
Fleche Wallonne – Original Screenprint
Artist: Eliza Southwood
Price: £350
Publication date: Not stated but c.2015
Format: Original Screenprint
Condition: Fine condition, unframed
Size: 84cm x 113cm
Edition: 28 copies, signed by the artist
One of the ‘Spring Classics’. Originally commissioned by Rapha for a non-selling exhibition in Manchester. Signed and numbered in pencil by the artist. In very fine condition. Scarce.
Fleche Wallonne – Original Screenprint
La Flèche Wallonne is a classic one-day professional cycling race held in the Wallonia region of Belgium. It is part of the UCI World Tour and, along with Liège-Bastogne-Liège, forms part of the Ardennes Classics. La Flèche Wallonne is famous for its short but brutally steep climbs, especially the iconic Mur de Huy, which has become the defining feature of the race.
Key Features of the Race:
- Date and Timing: The race takes place in mid-April, typically on the Wednesday between the Amstel Gold Race and Liège-Bastogne-Liège, forming part of the spring Classics season.
- Location: The race is primarily held in the Wallonia region of Belgium. It typically starts in Charleroi or a nearby town and finishes in Huy.
- Distance: The race is shorter than other Monument races, usually around 195-200 kilometres, but the intense finishing circuit and repeated climbs make it a very challenging race.
The Mur de Huy:
The Mur de Huy is the most famous feature of La Flèche Wallonne. This climb is tackled multiple times during the race and is always the decisive point for the final sprint.
- Length: About 1.3 kilometres long.
- Average Gradient: Roughly 10-12%, but some sections reach up to 25%, making it extremely steep.
- Tactical Importance: The race almost always comes down to the final ascent of the Mur de Huy. The climb’s steepness forces riders to time their effort perfectly, often resulting in a sprint among the strongest punchers at the top.
Race Dynamics:
- Repeated Climbs: The race traditionally ends with three circuits around the Mur de Huy, and other nearby climbs like the Côte d’Ereffe and Côte de Cherave also contribute to the wear and tear of the riders. These climbs whittle down the peloton, but the decisive moment always comes on the Mur de Huy.
- Tactical Battle: The unique nature of the finish means that tactics are key. The race generally favours puncheurs—riders with explosive power on short, steep climbs. Riders need to conserve energy throughout the race and position themselves well before the final ascent, as the steep gradients often leave no room for error.
- Controlled by Teams: La Flèche Wallonne often sees a relatively controlled race, as teams work to position their leaders for the final ascent of the Mur de Huy. Breakaways rarely succeed due to the controlled nature of the race and the decisive nature of the final climb.
Famous Winners:
La Flèche Wallonne has been won by many of cycling’s greatest riders, particularly those who specialise in explosive finishes on steep climbs. Some notable winners include:
- Alejandro Valverde: A five-time winner (2006, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017), Valverde has an unmatched record at Flèche Wallonne, thanks to his ability to time his final sprint perfectly on the Mur de Huy.
- Alaphilippe: The French rider Julian Alaphilippe has also been a multiple winner (2018, 2019, 2021), showcasing his exceptional punch on the final climb.
- Anna van der Breggen: In the women’s race, van der Breggen has dominated, winning the race seven times in a row between 2015 and 2021, making her the most successful rider in the history of the event.
Unique Aspects:
- Mur de Huy Finish: The final ascent of the Mur de Huy is one of the most iconic and challenging finishes in cycling. Riders often slow to a crawl as they tackle the steepest sections, and the winner is usually the rider who can time their final burst of power perfectly.
- Predictability: While the race is highly anticipated, it is often considered one of the more predictable Classics, as the outcome is usually decided on the Mur de Huy. It rarely features long solo attacks or breakaways, unlike other Monument races like Paris-Roubaix or Liège-Bastogne-Liège.
Recent Winners:
- 2021: Julian Alaphilippe (Men), Anna van der Breggen (Women)
- 2022: Dylan Teuns (Men), Marta Cavalli (Women)
- 2023: Tadej Pogačar (Men), Demi Vollering (Women)
Women’s Race:
The women’s edition of La Flèche Wallonne follows a similar route and is equally defined by the Mur de Huy. It has grown in prestige over the years and is part of the UCI Women’s World Tour. Riders like Anna van der Breggen and Marianne Vos have dominated the race, with van der Breggen’s seven consecutive victories (2015-2021) being one of the most remarkable achievements in cycling history.
Significance:
- Ardennes Week: La Flèche Wallonne is a key race in the Ardennes Classics week, sitting between Amstel Gold Race and Liège-Bastogne-Liège. It is often seen as a test for riders aiming for Liège-Bastogne-Liège, particularly those who excel on short, sharp climbs.
In summary, La Flèche Wallonne is a unique race defined by the dramatic final climb up the Mur de Huy. It is a race that rewards explosive climbers and puncheurs who can navigate the steep gradients and position themselves well for the final battle on one of the most iconic climbs in professional cycling.
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