Katusha’s Joaquím Rodríguez has won Flèche Wallonne, but his 2009 second place remains his best result in Liège-Bastogne-Liège. Prior to Sunday’s edition of the last Ardennes Classics of the season, Rodriguez remains indifferent of the threat posed by reigning world champion Philippe Gilbert (BMC).

“I’m not afraid of Gilbert,” Rodriguez pointed out in Belgian daily Sporza. “He’s good, but not quite good enough.”

Rather than the Belgian, Rodríguez points his finger firmly at his compatriot, Alejandro Valverde (Movistar), whom he identifies as the main threat to his own ambitions.

“Valverde is the favourite,’ Rodríguez said. “We are similar on the climbs and won’t be able to ride away from one another, but he is faster in the sprint.”

Rodríguez has seen his Ardennes season interrupted due to a crash in the Amstel Gold Race, which forced him to withdraw from the race, and put his participation in Flèche Wallonne and Liège-Bastogne-Liège in doubt. Despite a relatively disappointing sixth in Flèche behind teammate Moreno, Rodriguez insists that he has put his injury behind him.

“I still have a little pain, but once I’m warmed up it goes away,” he explained. “Other than the crash my preparation for Liège was perfect. During Flèche Wallonne I was missing the right rhythm, but now I’m fine.”

You can follow the action from Liège-Bastogne-Liège live here on Cyclingquotes.com from 14.30 on Sunday.