In the absence of Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix winner, Fabian Cancellara, Radioshack-Leopard had to look for other options to shine at the Flèche Wallonne. Though none of the riders made it onto the podium they nevertheless came away pleased with their performances.

Tony Gallopin felt confident at the bottom of the Mur de Huy and found himself sitting next to the big guns of the race, looking to do something alongside the pre-race favourites.  “I was in a good position at the bottom of the climb,” he told the RadioShack-Leopard website.  “At 500m I was probably fifth or sixth so when the best tried to go, I wanted to go also.  But within 50 metres my legs exploded and then the last 250m it was very, very hard.  But this was my first time here and I needed the experience so it was good for me.”  Gallopin was the best placed team rider in 16th.

After yet another DNF showing at the Amstel Gold Race last Sunday, Andy Schleck felt good in yesterday’s race and wanted to test his legs before Sunday:  “I wanted to try something today.  Two guys were in front and I wanted to close the gap but I couldn't.  In the end I am happy about my race.  Yes, I exploded in the end because of my earlier efforts, but this gives me confidence. There is still a lot of pressure for the rest of the season but I’m used to it.”

Maxime Monfort commented on the stranglehold imposed on the peloton by the BMC in their attempts to set up the finale for Philippe Gilbert and looked forward to a less stressful race on Sunday. “It was such a tightly controlled race by BMC.  It was mission impossible for other teams, but collectively we did a good race.  On the last passage of the Mur I tried to counter-attack but it wasn’t possible with BMC’s controlling.  Sunday [at Liège-Bastogne-Liège] will be the same but the group will be less nervous so there will be more chances.”