The Tour de France may be over but many riders who were not part of the world's biggest race, have already started to build up some form for a very hectic autumn season. For many the best way to do that is by participating in the Belgian Tour de Wallonie whose hilly terrain has allowed it to obtain a reputation as the perfect preparation towards bigger goals and a status as the race that really kick off the second part of the season. Starting at 14.15 you can follow the queen stage of the race on CyclingQuotes.com/live.

Wallonia is known for its many climbs and it is no wonder that the Tour de Wallonie is a race for the riders that excel in the Ardennes classics as the race passes many of the places that are known from the Liege-Bastogne-Liege. The famous Redoute, Macquisard, Stockeu and Haute Levee hills were all part of the route for the first stage and it was no big surprise that Ardennes specialist Alexandr Kolobnev took his first win since 2010. The second stage ended in the expected bunch sprint from which Tom Boonen took his first win this year while the third stage saw a flurry of attacks launched against Kolobnev. Ultimately, it was brought back together for a small 44-rider sprint from which Greg Van Avermaet came out triumphant. Kenny Dehaes took a beautiful win in a bunch sprint yesterday.

Todat the race comes to its conclusion with a 144,7km stage which is also the queen stage of the race. The first part is not difficult and travels through some slightly rolling terrain with just a single category 3 climb along the way. However, race leader Kolobnev has every reason to fear the final 13km which contain two ascents of the feared Mur de Thuin. It is only 500m long but has an average gradient of 9,4% and a long stretch with a 13% gradient. From the last passage, only 600 flat metres remain and so there is little time to regain any lost ground. The same finale was used in 2011 when Van Avermaet was first across the line and so secured the overall win in the race. Van Avermaet is also involved in the GC battle this year but in recent days Marco Marcato has appeared to be the strongest rider in the race. The question is whether the Paris-Tours winner can make up 33 seconds on Kolobnev.

With Radioshack, Ag2r, Belkin, BMC, FDJ, Garmin-Sharp, Katusha, Lotto-Belisol, Omega Pharma-Quick Step and Vacansoleil all in the race, the start list is star-studded. Starting at 14.15 you can follow the race live here.