ProTeam Maxim Van Gils takes a strong third place in La Flèche Wallonne

"I really had to push myself for that final on the Mur de Huy, it was horribly cold," tells a shivering but satisfied Maxim Van Gils. "I was shivering on my bike and could barely stand on the pedals. I knew I had to keep an eye on Stephen Williams, but he was behind me and suddenly came from the left, which surprised me a bit. Maybe I didn't deliver my best performance on the Mur de Huy, but I think that applied to everyone. I gave it my all and I'm pretty satisfied with that."

With rain pouring down relentlessly all afternoon - it even briefly snowed - this edition of La Flèche Wallonne turned into a true elimination race. Many favorites dropped off, resulting in a particularly thrilling race. Maxim Van Gils (24) and Andreas Kron (25) remained attentive at the front throughout the afternoon. Just after the second passage of the Mur de Huy - the men had to conquer the climb a total of 4 times this year - Danish rider Soren Kragh Andersen accelerated. He gained almost a minute and a half, but from the chasing peloton, Van Gils, along with Vauquelin, Santiago Buitrago, Richard Carapaz, and Williams, initiated the pursuit.

When everything came back together about ten kilometres from the finish line, Maxim Van Gils comfortably stayed at the front of the group. La Flèche Wallonne was ultimately decided, as tradition dictates, on the Mur. Williams made a decisive move in the final 300 meters to which no one had an answer. Maxim Van Gils pushed hard until the end and earned his spot on the podium in Huy.

"This is my favorite week of spring classics. The Amstel last weekend wasn't good, we know that. But as a team, we felt good. Fortunately, we remained motivated to give it our all here in La Flèche Wallonne, and we succeeded. I think this makes up for a lot, we can be satisfied."

Pictures: PhotoNews