Alaphilippe’s record Mur de Huy ride Vs Flèche Wallonne winners since 1986

*Julian Alaphilippe overtakes Primoz Roglic near the finish line atop Mur de Huy on Wednesday to win his third La Flèche Wallonne and break the record on the climb*

Julian Alaphilippe timed his effort to perfection on the brutal ascent of Mur de Huy on Wednesday to overhaul Primoz Roglic and take victory at La Flèche Wallonne.

Roglic (Jumbo Visma) went early but Alaphilippe (Deceuninck-QuickStep) waited a little before fully pulling the trigger. He upped his effort as he got closer to the line as his rival faded back into 2nd place.

The 1km climb to the line features pitches of up to 20 per cent and it's a pure test of who is in top form at this time of year; Alaphilippe now with three wins.

Alaphilippe’s ride up the climb on Wednesday broke the record that had been held by Alejandro Valverde; the French rider clocking 2:40 this year compared to Valverde’s 2014 time of 2:41.

Related News

Lara Gillespie attacks Dolomite stage as Giro hits high mountains

Video - Italy's hero Balsamo mobbed mid-stage during Giro TT

Philippe Gilbert
won in 2011 and rode the Mur de Huy in 2:44, the 3rd fastest time of any
winner of the race.

Last year’s winner, March Hirschi, the 2010 winner Cadel Evans and 2007 victor Davide Rebellin all clocked the same time for the climb on their way to victory; 2:45.

However, while world champion Alaphilippe may have broken the Mur de Huy record this year on his way to his third win, he still has some way to go when it comes to collecting more victories than anyone else. Movistar rider Valverde has won the race no fewer than five times.

Of other former winners still racing, Rebellin, has three wins; the Italian still competing at Continental level at the age of 49 years. Both he and Valverde have had doping bans imposed on them during the careers.