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Gallery: 15 years of La Flèche Wallonne

Past winners from Verbrugghe to Valverde

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Alexandre Moos (R-Phonak) and Oscar Freire (L-Rabobank) ride in front the pack during the 202km Fleche Wallonne in 2006.

Alexandre Moos (R-Phonak) and Oscar Freire (L-Rabobank) ride in front the pack during the 202km Fleche Wallonne in 2006.
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Nicki Sørensen (Team Saxobank) in the 2012 Fleche Wallonne.

Nicki Sørensen (Team Saxobank) in the 2012 Fleche Wallonne.
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2001 winner Rik Verbrugghe.

2001 winner Rik Verbrugghe.
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Marieo Aerts (Lotto) out climbs Unai Etxebarria (Euskatel) in 2002.

Marieo Aerts (Lotto) out climbs Unai Etxebarria (Euskatel) in 2002.
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Michael Boogerd (Rabobank), Bo Hamburger (Team CSC-Worldonline) and Alexander Vinokourov (Telekom) in 2001.

Michael Boogerd (Rabobank), Bo Hamburger (Team CSC-Worldonline) and Alexander Vinokourov (Telekom) in 2001.
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Riders make their way up the Huy climb in 2001.

Riders make their way up the Huy climb in 2001.
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The peloton climbs the Mur de Huy during the 78th edition of the La Fleche Wallonne in 2014. The 199km parcours scaled the Mur de Huy climb three times, with the final 9.3 per cent average ascent providing the finish to the race.

The peloton climbs the Mur de Huy during the 78th edition of the La Fleche Wallonne in 2014. The 199km parcours scaled the Mur de Huy climb three times, with the final 9.3 per cent average ascent providing the finish to the race.
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Daniel Martin of Team Garmin-Sharp, Alejandro Valverde of Movistar Team and Michal Kwiatkowski of team Omega Pharma - Quick Step celebrate on the podium after the 78th 'La Fleche Wallonne' in 2014.

Daniel Martin of Team Garmin-Sharp, Alejandro Valverde of Movistar Team and Michal Kwiatkowski of team Omega Pharma - Quick Step celebrate on the podium after the 78th 'La Fleche Wallonne' in 2014.
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Alejandro Valverde (Team Movistar) celebrates crossing the finish line to win the 78th edition of the La Fleche Wallonne in 2014.

Alejandro Valverde (Team Movistar) celebrates crossing the finish line to win the 78th edition of the La Fleche Wallonne in 2014.
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Ramunas Navardauskas (Garmin-Sharp) leads Preben Van Hecke (Topsport Vlaanderen-Baloise) and Jonny Clarke (UnitedHealthcare) in an early breakaway during the 78th edition of the La Fleche Wallonne in 2014. The 199km parcours scaled the Mur de Huy climb three times, with the final 9.3 per cent average ascent providing the finish to the race.

Ramunas Navardauskas (Garmin-Sharp) leads Preben Van Hecke (Topsport Vlaanderen-Baloise) and Jonny Clarke (UnitedHealthcare) in an early breakaway during the 78th edition of the La Fleche Wallonne in 2014. The 199km parcours scaled the Mur de Huy climb three times, with the final 9.3 per cent average ascent providing the finish to the race.
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Eduard Vorganov (Team Katusha), Marc de Maar (United Healthcare ProCycling Team) and Christophe Kern (Team Europcar) react after falling during the 78th 'La Fleche Wallonne' in 2014.

Eduard Vorganov (Team Katusha), Marc de Maar (United Healthcare ProCycling Team) and Christophe Kern (Team Europcar) react after falling during the 78th 'La Fleche Wallonne' in 2014.
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Richie Porte rides ahead of the peloton during the 77th edition of La Fleche Wallonne in 2013.

Richie Porte rides ahead of the peloton during the 77th edition of La Fleche Wallonne in 2013.
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Richie Porte chats with Mathew Busche during the 77th edition of La Fleche Wallonne in 2013.

Richie Porte chats with Mathew Busche during the 77th edition of La Fleche Wallonne in 2013.
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 Stephen Cummings of Great Britain and the BMC Racing Team leads the peloton through the Belgian Countryside during the 77th edition of La Fleche Wallonne in 2013.

 Stephen Cummings of Great Britain and the BMC Racing Team leads the peloton through the Belgian Countryside during the 77th edition of La Fleche Wallonne in 2013.
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Andy Schleck of team RadioShack-Leopard leads the pack during the 77th Fleche Wallonne in 2013.

Andy Schleck of team RadioShack-Leopard leads the pack during the 77th Fleche Wallonne in 2013.
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Phillippe Gilbert rides during the 77th Fleche Wallonne in 2013. Daniel Moreno, whose team leader Joaquim Rodriguez won in 2012 - beat Colombians Sergio Henao and Carlos Alberto Betancur to the line in the 205km race.

Phillippe Gilbert rides during the 77th Fleche Wallonne in 2013. Daniel Moreno, whose team leader Joaquim Rodriguez won in 2012 - beat Colombians Sergio Henao and Carlos Alberto Betancur to the line in the 205km race.
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Mario Aerts (Lotto) wins the race in 2002.

Mario Aerts (Lotto) wins the race in 2002.
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Jens Heppner (Telekom), Alex Zulle (Team Coast) and Walter Beneteau (Bonjour) in 2002.

Jens Heppner (Telekom), Alex Zulle (Team Coast) and Walter Beneteau (Bonjour) in 2002.
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CSC-Tiscali Directeur sportfif Bjarne Riis talks with Michael Blaudzun in 2002.

CSC-Tiscali Directeur sportfif Bjarne Riis talks with Michael Blaudzun in 2002.
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Davide Rebellin (Serramenti) celebrates as he crosses the finish line to win the Fleche Wallonne in 2009.

Davide Rebellin (Serramenti) celebrates as he crosses the finish line to win the Fleche Wallonne in 2009.
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Andy Schleck and Frank Schleck (Team CSC) in 2008.

Andy Schleck and Frank Schleck (Team CSC) in 2008.
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Frank Schleck (Team CSC) in 2006.

Frank Schleck (Team CSC) in 2006.
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Bo Hamburger (Casino) wins the race in 1998.

Bo Hamburger (Casino) wins the race in 1998.
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Axel Merckx (Lotto Davitamon) in 2005.

Axel Merckx (Lotto Davitamon) in 2005.
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The peloton in 2005.

The peloton in 2005.
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Davide Rebellin of German team Gerolsteiner celebrates in 2004 as he crosses the finish line to win the Fleche Wallonne.

Davide Rebellin of German team Gerolsteiner celebrates in 2004 as he crosses the finish line to win the Fleche Wallonne.
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 Stefan Adamsson (Team Coast) in 2003.

 Stefan Adamsson (Team Coast) in 2003.
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Jan Ullrich (Team Coast) in 2003.

Jan Ullrich (Team Coast) in 2003.
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The peloton climbing the Mur de Huy in 2003.

The peloton climbing the Mur de Huy in 2003.
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Ivan Basso (Fassa Bortolo), Andrea Peron (Team CSC) and Carlos Sastre (Team CSC).

Ivan Basso (Fassa Bortolo), Andrea Peron (Team CSC) and Carlos Sastre (Team CSC).
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Igor Astarloa (Saeco) takes the win from Aitor Oza Eizaguirre (iBanesto) in 2003.

Igor Astarloa (Saeco) takes the win from Aitor Oza Eizaguirre (iBanesto) in 2003.
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The peloton in the last kilometer before Mur de Huy in 2002.

The peloton in the last kilometer before Mur de Huy in 2002.
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The peloton climbing up Mur de Huy in 2002.

The peloton climbing up Mur de Huy in 2002.
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Daniel Moreno (Team Katusha) celebrates as he crosses the finish line to win the 77th edition of the 'La Fleche Wallonne' in 2013.

Daniel Moreno (Team Katusha) celebrates as he crosses the finish line to win the 77th edition of the 'La Fleche Wallonne' in 2013.
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The peloton makes its way through the Belgian countryside during the 76th La Fleche Wallonne in 2012.

The peloton makes its way through the Belgian countryside during the 76th La Fleche Wallonne in 2012.
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Russian Serguei Ivanov rides in the leading pack during Fleche Wallonne in 2007.

Russian Serguei Ivanov rides in the leading pack during Fleche Wallonne in 2007.
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Davide Rebellin (Gerolsteiner/Ger) celebrates as he crosses the finish line of the 2007 Fleche Wallonne.

Davide Rebellin (Gerolsteiner/Ger) celebrates as he crosses the finish line of the 2007 Fleche Wallonne.
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Igor Astarloza (L-Barloworld) and David Etxebarria (R-Liberty Seguros-Wurth team) look at their compatriot Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne-Iles Baleares) during the 2006 Fleche Wallonne, a 202km ProTour event staged between Charleroi and Huy. The Iles Baleares rider edged out his compatriot Samuel Sanchez and Karsten Kroon of the Netherlands.

Igor Astarloza (L-Barloworld) and David Etxebarria (R-Liberty Seguros-Wurth team) look at their compatriot Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne-Iles Baleares) during the 2006 Fleche Wallonne, a 202km ProTour event staged between Charleroi and Huy. The Iles Baleares rider edged out his compatriot Samuel Sanchez and Karsten Kroon of the Netherlands.
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Ivan Basso (Csc Tiscali) is helped by a mechanic during the 2006 Fleche Wallonne.

Ivan Basso (Csc Tiscali) is helped by a mechanic during the 2006 Fleche Wallonne.
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Germany's Patrik Sinkewitz (T-Mobile) rides in the pack during the 2006 Fleche Wallonne.

Germany's Patrik Sinkewitz (T-Mobile) rides in the pack during the 2006 Fleche Wallonne.
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Spain's Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne-Iles Baleares) celebrates as he crosses the finish line of the 70th Fleche Wallonne in 2006. Valverde won ahead of compatriot Samuel Sanchez (Euskatel) and Karsten Kroon (Csc Tiscali).

Spain's Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne-Iles Baleares) celebrates as he crosses the finish line of the 70th Fleche Wallonne in 2006. Valverde won ahead of compatriot Samuel Sanchez (Euskatel) and Karsten Kroon (Csc Tiscali).
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Germany's Jens Voigt (CSC Tiscali) rides in the leading group during the 69th Fleche Wallonne in 2005.

Germany's Jens Voigt (CSC Tiscali) rides in the leading group during the 69th Fleche Wallonne in 2005.
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Frederic Besy (Cofidis) climbs the Huy during the 69th Fleche Wallonne in 2005.

Frederic Besy (Cofidis) climbs the Huy during the 69th Fleche Wallonne in 2005.
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Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas - Bianchi) celebrates as he crosses the finish line of the 69th Fleche Wallonne in 2005. Di Luca won ahead of Kim Kirchen (Fassa Bortolo) and Davide Rebellin (Geroslteiner).

Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas - Bianchi) celebrates as he crosses the finish line of the 69th Fleche Wallonne in 2005. Di Luca won ahead of Kim Kirchen (Fassa Bortolo) and Davide Rebellin (Geroslteiner).
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pack rides during the first pass of Huy wall, during the 2005 Fleche Wallone.

pack rides during the first pass of Huy wall, during the 2005 Fleche Wallone.
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Russia's Alexandre Botcharov (Credit Agricole) rides during the 68th Fleche Wallonne in 2004.

Russia's Alexandre Botcharov (Credit Agricole) rides during the 68th Fleche Wallonne in 2004.
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Tyler Hamilton (Phonak) pedals during the 68th Fleche Wallonne in 2004.

Tyler Hamilton (Phonak) pedals during the 68th Fleche Wallonne in 2004.
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Davide Rebellin (Gerolsteiner), Danilo di Luca (Saeco) and Matthias Kessler (T-Mobile) force the pace during the 68th Fleche Wallonne in 2004. Rebellin finished ahead of di Luca and Kessler.

Davide Rebellin (Gerolsteiner), Danilo di Luca (Saeco) and Matthias Kessler (T-Mobile) force the pace during the 68th Fleche Wallonne in 2004. Rebellin finished ahead of di Luca and Kessler.
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 Italian Paolo Bettini(Quick Step/Bel) rides in the pack during the 2007 Fleche Wallonne.

 Italian Paolo Bettini(Quick Step/Bel) rides in the pack during the 2007 Fleche Wallonne.
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Luxemburg's Kim Kirchen(T-Mobile) takes the lead during the 2007 Fleche Wallonne.

Luxemburg's Kim Kirchen(T-Mobile) takes the lead during the 2007 Fleche Wallonne.
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Philippe Gilbert (La Francaise des jeux) grabs a drink during the 2007 Fleche Wallonne.

Philippe Gilbert (La Francaise des jeux) grabs a drink during the 2007 Fleche Wallonne.
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The peloton makes its way through the Belgian countryside during the 76th La Fleche Wallonne in 2012.

The peloton makes its way through the Belgian countryside during the 76th La Fleche Wallonne in 2012.
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Joaquim Rodriguez (Team Katusha) on his way to claiming victory during the 2012 Fleche Wallonne.

Joaquim Rodriguez (Team Katusha) on his way to claiming victory during the 2012 Fleche Wallonne.
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Dan Martin (Garmin - Barracuda) crosses the finish line to take 6th place during the 76th La Fleche Wallonne in 2012.

Dan Martin (Garmin - Barracuda) crosses the finish line to take 6th place during the 76th La Fleche Wallonne in 2012.
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Joaquim Rodriguez Oliver of Spain and Katusha crosses the finish line to win the 76th La Fleche Wallonne 2012.

Joaquim Rodriguez Oliver of Spain and Katusha crosses the finish line to win the 76th La Fleche Wallonne 2012.
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Belgian national champion Philippe Gilbert of BMC Racing finishes third during the 2012 Fleche Wallonne.

Belgian national champion Philippe Gilbert of BMC Racing finishes third during the 2012 Fleche Wallonne.
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The peloton makes it's way up the Mur de Huy during the 2011 Fleche Wallonne.

The peloton makes it's way up the Mur de Huy during the 2011 Fleche Wallonne.
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Damiano Cungeo of Lampre ISD during the 75th La Fleche Wallonne in 2011.

Damiano Cungeo of Lampre ISD during the 75th La Fleche Wallonne in 2011.
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The peloton makes it's way through the Belgian countryside during the 2011 Fleche Wallonne.

The peloton makes it's way through the Belgian countryside during the 2011 Fleche Wallonne.
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Philippe Gilbert of Belgium and Omega Pharma-Lotto crosses the finish line to win the 75th La Fleche Wallonne in 2011.

Philippe Gilbert of Belgium and Omega Pharma-Lotto crosses the finish line to win the 75th La Fleche Wallonne in 2011.
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Bradley Wiggins (Team Sky) rides in the peloton during the 74th Fleche Wallonne in 2010.

Bradley Wiggins (Team Sky) rides in the peloton during the 74th Fleche Wallonne in 2010.
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A white cow stands in a field as the pack passes during the 74th edition of the one-day cycling race Fleche Wallonne, 198 km from Charleroi to Huy, in 2010.

A white cow stands in a field as the pack passes during the 74th edition of the one-day cycling race Fleche Wallonne, 198 km from Charleroi to Huy, in 2010.
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Cadel Evans (BMC Racing) crosses the finish line to win during the 74th Fleche Wallonne in 2010.

Cadel Evans (BMC Racing) crosses the finish line to win during the 74th Fleche Wallonne in 2010.
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Joaquim Rodriguez of team Katusha, winner Cadel Evans of BMC Racing and third placed Alberto Contador of team Astana celebrate on the podium of the 2007 Fleche Wallonne.

Joaquim Rodriguez of team Katusha, winner Cadel Evans of BMC Racing and third placed Alberto Contador of team Astana celebrate on the podium of the 2007 Fleche Wallonne.
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Cadel Evans (Silence -Lotto) and Kim Kirchen (High Road) ride in the pack during the 2008 Fleche Wallonne. Kirchen won the race.

Cadel Evans (Silence -Lotto) and Kim Kirchen (High Road) ride in the pack during the 2008 Fleche Wallonne. Kirchen won the race.
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Oscar Freire, Alexandre Vinokourov, Danilo Di Luca and Davide Rebellin climb the 'Wall of Huy' during the Fleche Wallonne in 2005. Di Luca won ahead of Luxembourg's Kim Kirchen and Italian Davide Rebellin.

Oscar Freire, Alexandre Vinokourov, Danilo Di Luca and Davide Rebellin climb the 'Wall of Huy' during the Fleche Wallonne in 2005. Di Luca won ahead of Luxembourg's Kim Kirchen and Italian Davide Rebellin.
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The podium: Michael Albasini (Greenedge Cycling Team), Joaquin Rodriguez Oliver (Team Katusha - Katuscha), Philippe Gilbert (BMC Racing Team)

The podium: Michael Albasini (Greenedge Cycling Team), Joaquin Rodriguez Oliver (Team Katusha - Katuscha), Philippe Gilbert (BMC Racing Team)
(Image credit: Bettini Photo)
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Bauke Mollema (Belkin) giving it his all

Bauke Mollema (Belkin) giving it his all
(Image credit: Tim de Waele/TDWSport.com)
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Not a great day for Andy Schleck in the end

Not a great day for Andy Schleck in the end
(Image credit: Tim de Waele/TDWSport.com)
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Rui Costa and Lampre-Merida teammate Damiano Cungeo

Rui Costa and Lampre-Merida teammate Damiano Cungeo
(Image credit: Fotoreporter Sirotti)

Like the other Ardennes Classics, Flèche Wallonne is defined by its climbs and in particular – given the Belgian Classic is the only WorldTour race ending with a summit finish – its finish. Eleven ascents in total will pepper the 205.5km route of the 79th edition on Wednesday, culminating with a triple ascent of the ultra-steep Mur de Huy.

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As Alasdair Fotheringham wrote in his preview of the race, the ascent of the Mur is one of the most dramatic and hallowed in the cycling calendar, with the focal point of the 1.3km climb the well-known 'S' bend mid-way up. This particular chicane, by far the hardest of the Mur, sees the road's gradient ramp up to a lung-bursting 24 per cent, and it is no coincidence that this is this point where numerous race-winning attacks have been launched in the past.

On the eve of the 2015 race, we've compiled a gallery of some of those past attacks and stars, dating back to Rik Verbrugghe's win in 2001.