La Fleche Wallonne 2023: Demi Vollering stars on Mur de Huy to win as Lizzie Deignan returns from childbirth

Demi Vollering (SD Worx) starred on the Mur de Huy to take victory at La Fleche Wallonne and continue her impressive season. Vollering attacked from the base of the final climb and held off the impressive Liane Lippert (Movistar) to win by five seconds.

Trek-Segafredo were rewarded for animating much of the day with the final spot on the podium for Gaia Realini. Ad It was the Dutchwoman’s fourth win of the year following successes at Strade Bianche, Dwars door Vlaanderen and Amstel Gold.

Flèche Wallonne'I’m still a bit in the unknown' — Deignan set for comeback at Ardennes Classics16 HOURS AGO After the breakaway was swallowed up with 44km remaining, the race was lit up on the second ascent of the Mur as Annemiek van Vleuten (Movistar) went on the attack. The Dutchwoman dragged Elisa Longo Borghini (Trek-Segafredo), Kasia Niewiadoma (Canyon/SRAM Racing) and Ashleigh Moolman Pasio (AG Insurance-Soudal Quick-Step) along, prompting a hasty chase from Vollering and SD Worx.

After the front group came back together and a couple of moves were snuffed out, Amanda Spratt (Trek-Segafredo) managed to get a gap and disappear down the road. With the Australian chasing an unlikely solo win, Trek-Segafredo – who welcomed Lizzie Deignan back to the team after giving birth – allowed their rivals to chase as they protected Elisa Longo Borghini for the finale.