April 25, 2007 — Today the pro men and women will compete at Flèche Wallonne, the mid-week Ardennes classic that began in 1936. The men will cover 202.5 kms, and the women 104 kms, as the challenging course which includes the 1,300 metre Mur de Huy, will test their mettle.

Last year’s winner Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d’Epargne) will be out to defend his title at the 71st edition of Flèche Wallonne — look for an exclusive interview with Valverde soon at pedalmag.com — and Canada’s Michael Barry (T-Mobile) is on the start line today and will send a report following the race.

Road World Cup 2007 leader and recent Flanders winner, Nicole Cooke (Raleigh Lifeforce Creation), will be out to 3-peat at the 10th Women’s Flèche Wallonne as she’s won the race in 2005 and 2006.

Mountain Passes & Hills

– Km 65.5 – Mur de Huy (1er passage) 1.3 km climb to 9.3% – Category hills
– Km 84.5 – Côte d’Ereffe 2.2 km climb to 5.6% – Category hills
РKm 97.5 РMur de Huy (2̬me passage) 1.3 km climb to 9.3% РCategory hills
РKm 115 РC̫te de Pailhe 1.0 km climb to 4.3% РCategory hills
– Km 137 – Côte de Peu d’Eau 2.5 km climb to 4.2% – Category hills
РKm 142.5 РC̫te de Haut-Bois 1.4 km climb to 5.4% РCategory hills
РKm 152.5 РC̫te de Thon 1.2 km climb to 7.1% РCategory hills
РKm 160.5 РC̫te de Bonneville 1.1 km climb to 7.9% РCategory hills
РKm 172.5 РC̫te de Bohissau 3.4 km climb to 4% РCategory hills
РKm 188 РC̫te de Ahin 2.5 km climb to 6% РCategory hills
– Km 202.5 – HUY (Mur de Huy) 1.3 km climb to 9.3% – Category hills

courtesy of Le Tour