Flash Valon

Flash Valogne is organized by the Belgian newspaper Les Sports . The first competition took place in 1936 , cyclists covered the distance of 236 km from Tournai to Liege . Over the years, the race has repeatedly changed the starting and ending points and the length. The maximum distance was 300 km in 1938 . In 1939, the start was postponed by Mons , in 1948 - in Charleroi . In 1960, the race changed direction, the starting point was Liege, and the ultimate Charleroi (or Marsinell since 1965 ). For several years, Flash Valon started and finished in the same place: Verviers ( 1974 - 1978 ) and Yui ( 1983 - 1985 ). Since 1986, the race began at Spa and ended at Yui. Since 1990, the race has not exceeded 210 km.

In 2005 - 2007, the number of UCI ProTour cycling races was included. Since 2009, it has been included in the standings of the UCI World Ranking .

The bicycle race is part of the Belgian Ardennes classics along with Liege - Bastogne - Liege . Previously, both competitions were held one after another the next day, for which they were called "Ardennes weekend . "

Currently, the distance is 199.5 km. The race starts from Charleroi and ends east of Yui in three circles with an ascent to Mount de Juy , which includes several steep sections with a slope of more than 15%. The finish line is at the end of the third climb at the top of the Yui Wall.

• In 1954 , Ferdinand Kübler was initially disqualified for an indirect sprint.
• In 1974 , Walter Godefroth , originally in third place, was disqualified for a positive test result on a doping control.
• In 1977 , Freddie Martens was initially disqualified for a positive test result on a doping control.
• In 1986 , Kim Andersen , the first runner-up, was disqualified for a positive test result on a doping control.
• In 1990 , Gert-Jan Tönisset , originally in third place, was disqualified for a positive test result on a doping control.

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• Official site (English) (French)