Wanty-Groupe Gobert headed to Flèche Wallonne (1.WT, 19/04) with offensive plans. The start took place in Binche, home base of our main sponsor Wanty. Fabien Doubey was motivated and went into the counterattack after a few kilometers. Doubey was part of the breakaway for more than 150 kilometers. Our rider summitted the first ascent of the famous Mur de Huy in first place. Afterwards our young Frenchman felt the effects of his efforts. On the final climb of Mur de Huy Alejandro Valverde took his fifth victory in Flèche Wallonne. Our Xandro Meurisse climbed to 40th place, two spots before Thomas Degand.

Thomas Degand:

"The legs weren't bad on Mur de Huy. Without the rupture in the pack I could have finished top 25. The plan of the team was to ride offensively today, to show our team colours. With Fabien Doubey his breakaway that succeeded. We always try to do everything we can."

Results

1. Alejandro Valverde

2. Daniel Martin

3. Dylan Teuns

40. Xandro Meurisse

42. Thomas Degand

50. Guillaume Martin

70. Dion Smith

89. Andrea Pasqualon

118. Marco Minnaard