Cycling fans and bettors as well are getting ready for one of the most anticipated races of the Ardennes Classics with the 89th edition of La Flèche Wallonne scheduled to take place on April 23, 2025 on. The race this year looks to be an exciting battle on top of the famous Mur de Huy, a hill known for its strong gradients and deliberate finishes.
La Flèche Wallonne 2025 Overview
| Date | Wednesday, April 23, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Distance | 205.2 km |
| Start | Ciney, Belgium |
| Finish | Mur de Huy (1.3 km at 9.6%, peaking near 20%) |
| Climbs | 11 categorized ascents, including three passages over the Mur de Huy |
Often deciding the winner in the last few hundred meters, the race’s climax on the Mur de Huy is a show of both strategy and endurance.
Top Contenders and Betting Odds
Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)
The reigning world champion and 2023 Flèche Wallonne winner, Pogačar enters the race as the favorite. His recent performances, including a strong showing in the Tour of Flanders, underscore his form. Bettors will find him at the shortest odds, reflecting his dominance on such terrain.
Odds: ~1.50 via N1Bet
Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-QuickStep)
Fresh off a victory at the Brabantse Pijl, Evenepoel is poised to challenge Pogačar. His explosive climbing and time-trialing abilities make him a formidable opponent, especially if he launches an early attack. Odds for Evenepoel are slightly longer than Pogačar’s, offering value for those anticipating an upset.
Odds: ~7.50 via N1Bet
Mattias Skjelmose (Lidl-Trek)
Skjelmose’s recent triumph at the Amstel Gold Race, where he out-sprinted both Pogačar and Evenepoel, has elevated his status. His confidence and form suggest he could be a dark horse, with bookmakers adjusting his odds accordingly.
Odds: ~13.00 via N1Bet
Thibau Nys (Lidl-Trek)
Touted by teammate Skjelmose as possibly the only rider able to outclimb Pogačar on the Mur de Huy, Nys is a young star. Reflecting his underdog attitude, his odds are lengthier; but, for risk-tolerant bettors he could provide notable profits.
Odds: ~6.50 via N1Bet
Julian Alaphilippe (Tudor Pro Cycling Team)
A three-time winner of La Flèche Wallonne, Alaphilippe’s experience on the Mur de Huy is unparalleled. Although his performance has been erratic, his knowledge of the course still keeps him in competition.
Odds: ~41.00 via N1Bet
Why Mathieu van der Poel is Absent from La Flèche Wallonne 2025
Although it begs questions, Mathieu van der Poel’s absence at La Flèche Wallonne 2025 fits with his planned season. Renowned for his explosive force and adaptability across disciplines, Van der Poel has chosen to forego the Mur de Huy’s steep gradients in favor of training for forthcoming goals, notably Liège-Bastogne-Liège. His racing calendar was painstakingly tailored to maximise peak performance, and the steep, punchy peaks of Flèche do not fit his strengths in the same way longer, rolling terrain does. Van der Poel has also usually concentrated more on races where he can unleash his signature long-range strikes than on ones requiring the kind of rapid uphill accelerations that define Flèche. His absence forces the focus squarely on other candidates and creates value in the betting markets as punters discuss the new race dynamics without one of the most well-known cyclists in the modern history.

Mathieu Van Der Poel at Paris-Roubaix 2025 (Ansa)
Where to watch La Flèche Wallonne 2025
You can catch the live broadcast of La Flèche Wallonne through various platforms based on where you’re located:
- Europe: Eurosport and Discovery+ will provide full coverage from the startline to podium.
- USA and Canada: FloBikes will stream the race live, with coverage starting at 6:45 a.m. EDT.
Make sure to check local listings for exact timings and availability.
Who to Bet On for La Flèche Wallonne 2025
For a more deep dive into the cycling betting strategies, including market analysis and bookmaker reviews, refer to our extensive article on cycling betting.
🥇 Primary Pick: Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)
If you’re looking for the safest bet with the highest probability of success, Pogačar is your man. He’s not just in top form – he’s made this kind of finish his playground. He dominated here in 2023 and remains the outright favorite for 2025. His explosive power suits the Mur de Huy perfectly, and his consistency makes him a reliable pick in the outright market.
- Recommended Market: Outright Win
- Why: Peak form, prior success on this course, and world-class team support
- Risk Level: Low
- Return Potential: Moderate (short odds)
🥈 Value Pick: Mattias Skjelmose (Lidl-Trek)
If you’re chasing value with a legitimate chance of a win, Skjelmose stands out. He’s already beaten both Pogačar and Evenepoel at Amstel Gold this year, showing he can actually compete really well against the big names. He’s priced longer than the favorites, which means more bang for your buck if he pulls it off.
- Recommended Market: Each-Way or Top 3 Finish
- Why: Proven form, confidence from recent wins, tactical nous
- Risk Level: Medium
- Return Potential: High
Dark Horse: Thibau Nys (Lidl-Trek)
If you’re willing to take a punt on a breakout performance, Thibau Nys might be your golden ticket. He’s raw but rising fast, and his teammate Skjelmose himself has backed him as a Mur de Huy threat. He’s a long shot, yes, but a top 3 finish is well within reach – and would pay out handsomely.
- Recommended Market: Top 3 Finish or Podium Bet
- Why: Underdog odds, elite climbing ability, high-risk/high-reward
- Risk Level: High
- Return Potential: Very High
Fade Alert: Julian Alaphilippe
Alaphilippe is a legend on this hill, no doubt. But form matters – and his recent performances suggest he’s not quite at the level needed to win here in 2025. Unless you’re playing a nostalgia card, it’s wise to skip him in your betting slips.
Best cycling betting sites and Bonuses
| 🏆Betting site | 💰Welcome offer | 🤑Promo code |
|---|---|---|
| WinSpirit | Welcome bonus 100% up to 100$; 25% Freebet | TIPS.GG |
| Thunderpick | Welcome offer +100% up to 600€ | TIPSGG |
| GG.bet | Freebet up to 50USD | TIPSGG |
| N1Bet | Welcome offer 120% up to 600$ | TIPSGG |
| Stake | 200% promo code bonus up to 500$ | TIPSGG |