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Triptych of the Ardennes

Alejandro Valverde faces, starting on Sunday, three of the most important Classics of the World Tour calendar: Amstel Gold Race, Flecha Valona and Liege-Bastogne-Liège. A triptych that starts in The Netherlands and continues in Belgium where the cyclist of Movistar Team accumulates seven victories between The Muur of Huy (4) and the Doyenne (3).

The Amstel Gold Race, the youngest of these three races, is the only one that he has not won. Nevertheless, he accumulates three podiums -2nd in 2015 and 2013 and 3rd in 2008-. This race starts from Maastricht and includes important changes over past editions. The mythical ascent to the Cauberg, historical judge of the AGR, moves away several kilometers away from the finish line. Therefore, it loses part of its importance in the end. The succession of ‘bergs’ -small climbs in the Limburg Region- always select the group of the favorites.

Next Wednesday, Fleche Wallone will be disputed, a race ??which Valverde has won in its last three editions. The steep climb to Huy decides every year a in which the Movistar Team rider holds the record of triumphs. To those already mentioned, it must be added the achieved in 2006.

The triptych concludes on Sunday 23rd with Liege-Bastogne-Liège, the well-known Doyenne and one of the five monuments of this sport. Valverde has won it in 2006, 2008 and 2015 – he is only Spanish that has achieved this goal – and he also has three other podiums. Rosier, La Redoute, Roche-aux-Faucons and Saint Nicolas are its most emblematic climbs in its current route.

Photo: Movistar Team