A mono-syllable name, symbolic of a race that allows of no let-ups, a race classified as "exceptional" by the ICU. The name of a small town with such steep climbs that imagination can run riot. With its 20% gradients, the Huy "wall" has been the key feature of the "Flèche Wallonne" for more than 20 years. Indeed, as it has to be taken on no less than twice before the final assault, it has to be considered the linchpin of this highly prized classic race, the determining moment.

From Charleroi, due to receive the finish of the first stage of the Tour de France next July and which was also the starting point of the "Grande Boucle" in 1975, as far as Huy, 200 kilometres further on, the jagged course across the Ardennes suits hard hitters with lots of determination. Over the last 30 kilometres, the Bohissau and Ahin climbs provide ideal terrain for the audacious to break away.

Last year, the "Flèche Wallonne" had a Spanish winner for the first time in its history. Igor Astarloa, often in the rankings for the World Cup trials last summer, but never a winner, at last managed to seize an opening during the most difficult sections of the terrible "Wall". Six months later at Hamilton, Canada, Astarloa managed to obtain the rainbow jersey…

Since 1998, the "Flèche Wallonne" women's race has joined the men's race. It enjoys World Cup endorsement. A race against which others are measured, praised last year as the greatest race in the feminine cycling calendar.