April 21st, 2014, Boncelles, Belgium – Wednesday will see the Specialized-lululemon team in Belgium again for La Flèche Wallonne Féminine, the 4th installment of the Women’s UCI World Cup Series.
While there are no cobbles in this Belgian classic, the riders will tackle 12 climbs as the race winds its way twice around the town of Huy over the 127km’s of the race.
The steep ascent of the Mur de Huy on top of which is the finish line, characterizes the race. Over 1.3km, it rises to a gradient of 26% in parts.
“The Mur de Huy is always a battle,” said rider Evelyn Stevens. “In the past few years the race has always been decided on it; but you never know what can happen in a bike race.”
Two years ago, Stevens took it to (then) 4 time winner Marianne Vos on the climb of the Mur de Huy, overcoming the reigning champion to the finish. She said having won the race before just makes it even more special to line up.
“It was an amazing day, the team rode flawlessly and to win it at the end was so special,” she added.
Having had a good lead-up, with two stage wins and 3rd overall in the recent Energiewacht Tour, Stevens said the team is keen for a repeat of 2012!
“The team is definitely motivated. We left Energiewacht on a great note and are looking forward to Fleche,” she said. “This will be an exciting race, like all the big one day races!”
