Stevie Williams set for “really special” return to La Flèche Wallonne
When Stevie Williams lines up at La Flèche Wallonne on Wednesday it will be with number one on his back.
The 2024 edition of the Belgian Classic is one that few will forget, not just because it was Israel – Premier Tech’s first UCI WorldTour one day race win, but for the brutal conditions in which Williams won with just 44 riders finishing atop the Mur de Huy.
“It was a fantastic race last year for me and to come back a year later as defending champion with number one on my back is going to be really special,” explains Williams.
Although Williams will line up as defending champion, his 2025 season has been marred by injury and having just returned to racing last week at the Giro d’Abruzzo, Williams is still unsure of his form.
“I’ve not had the cleanest run since Australia with a knee problem, so there’s no denying that my form is nowhere near last year,” admits Williams. “It’s been a bit of a disruptive two months or so, but we’re here at the race now and it deserves full respect as it’s one of the most prestigious Classics on the calendar. So I will give it everything and race fully motivated and whatever result I come out with will be it.
“If I was looking back a few weeks ago, there was a good chance I wasn’t going to be here. So I’m really grateful to even be here at the start line. I really wish that it could be different. I wish I could be coming here off a really perfect season and the greatest legs I’ve ever had, but this is not the case. But I’m really looking forward to being back here in Belgium with the team and it’s really nice to be back on the road with them.”
The Welshman is joined by a strong and experienced team including George Bennett (pictured above with Williams), Simon Clarke, Alexey Lutsenko, and Nick Schultz, as well as debutants Nadav Raisberg and Joe Blackmore, who lines up after strong performances at the opening Ardennes races.
Williams’ suitability to the parcours comes down to the fact there’s no hiding at Flèche Wallonne with the race typically coming down to the final test of the legs on the steep slopes of the Mur de Huy.
He adds: “This year we are back with the normal route with the Côte d’Ereffe and Côte de Cherave and then three times up the Mur de Huy so it’s quite a unique race in the sense that there’s no real secret to it. I think that’s what makes it one of the coolest races on the calendar as well.”
IPT at La Flèche Wallonne (Wednesday April 23)
Riders: George Bennett (NZL), Joe Blackmore (GBR), Simon Clarke (AUS), Alexey Lutsenko (KAZ), Nick Schultz (AUS), Nadav Raisberg (ISR), Stevie Williams (GBR)
Sports Directors: Daryl Impey (RSA), René Mandri (EST), Steve Bauer (CAN)
