Ardennes Classics: Here We Come

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Apr 19
3 min read

19.04.2025

Tudor Pro Cycling is ready to tackle its first full Ardennes Classics campaign - a prestigious trio of WorldTour races: Amstel Gold Race, La Flèche Wallonne, and Liège-Bastogne-Liège.

The team arrives with a strong and experienced roster, headlined by Julian Alaphilippe and Marc Hirschi — two riders with a proven track record across these challenging races.

Alaphilippe has a well-known history here, counting 15 Top-10s, including three victories at Flèche Wallonne (2018, 2019, 2021). Hirschi is also a proven contender, having won Flèche Wallonne in 2020, and stood on the podium in both Amstel Gold and Liège, with several additional top results to his name.

Originally set to share their appearance at the Ardennes, Julian and Marc had the opportunity to fine-tune their form and teamwork during last week’s Itzulia Basque Country, alongside the core group of riders who will support them in the coming races.

Both riders are enthusiastic and highly motivated.

Marc Hirschi: “These races suit me very well. I have great memories here - my win at Flèche in 2020, and a strong performance in Liège that same year. This part of the season is always a big target for me.”

Looking ahead to Sunday’s Amstel Gold Race, Hirschi recalls the tactical nature of the race: “Amstel is a very open race: anything can happen. The roads are fast and technical, and the outcome often depends on being in the right place at the right time. Having multiple riders in the game late in the race could make a significant difference.”

Alaphilippe confirms that sentiment: “Amstel is unpredictable. It’s long, with many short, sharp climbs and constant changes in direction. The route demands full focus, and the group that contests the win could also form early, so staying alert all day is crucial.”

Turning to La Flèche Wallonne, Alaphilippe spoke with particular fondness:

“Flèche is a special race for me. It’s where I achieved my first major victories. Winning on the Mur de Huy is an unforgettable feeling - it’s beautiful and brutal at the same time.”

Hirschi added insight into the mental impact of the final climb: “The Mur de Huy is not only physically but also mentally challenging. Timing your effort is essential. You can’t underestimate the steepness of the climb: if you move too early, you risk losing everything. It’s a race where positioning, patience, and legs all play a key role.”

For the first time in team history, Tudor Pro Cycling will also line up at the Monument Liège–Bastogne–Liège, concluding the Ardennes week with one of the sport’s most prestigious one-day events.

Alaphilippe: “My mindset is currently perfect. I am happy to be finally in one of my favorite times of the year. I am motivated and feel good, and I want to go home without regrets. As long as I am at the start of any race, the chase for success continues and I’ll always give my best, for myself and the team.”

Hirschi: “I may not have shown the best condition, but I know how to approach these races. I hope I will see the benefits from last week’s efforts and to make the most of every opportunity.”

Sports Director Matteo Tosatto is optimistic about the upcoming week:

“We’re excited to be here. It’s our third participation in Amstel, and we’re debuting at both Flèche and Liège. We’ve selected a strong squad, with Julian and Marc as our leaders. With their experience and past results, we believe we can be competitive. While we won’t reveal all of our tactics, having multiple options towards the finale of the race will be important. Ultimately, it will come down to the legs.”