Pogacar overcomes wet conditions to win Fleche Wallonne

Tadej Pogacar, the reigning world champion, won a second Fleche Wallonne title in Belgium despite the harsh and wet conditions.

As the Slovenian crossed the line 10 seconds clear of France’s Kevin Vauquelin, who finished second for the second year in a row, washed up with mud on his face and jersey.

Tom Pidcock, a Brit for the fifth time, placed third in the race, which is his career-best finish.

Although it’s beautiful, Pogacar said, “You don’t like it as much because of the tough finish.”

“It’s a really great feeling, the weather wasn’t so good, but winning again is everything,” the author said.

Pogacar entered the race after placing second in his previous two competitions, trailing only Mattias Skjelmose and Mathieu van der Poel at the Paris-Roubaix.

As Remco Evenepoel’s rival Remco Evenepoel’s rival began to fade, the three-time Tour de France champion launched an attack 400 meters from the finish line on the steep Mur de Huy, one of 11 climbs on the 205km course.

Evenepoel finished ninth overall after only his second race since recovering from a serious injury.

Skjelmose, a Danish rider, slid out of the race after about 40 kilometers of wet racing in a tight corner.