Although reduced in kilometers compared to monument races, the Flèche Wallonne has a long and glorious tradition: it has already been run 88 times and its honor roll includes all the big names, from Coppi to Merckx, from Hinault to Pogacar, passing through Moser and Saronni. What makes this edition special is an anniversary: the 40 years since the first finish on the Huy Wall, where Claude Criquielion won in '85, who passed away just ten years ago and to whom the steepest curve has been dedicated. A 205-kilometer route, starting from the new location of Ciney with about a dozen côtes, including three passages on the iconic Huy ramp, 1300 meters at an average 10% gradient with peaks of 20%: the last one is worth a place in the honor roll. A short and extremely open classic in its prediction, which winks at attackers and generally those who climb well: Italy has conquered it eighteen times, first with Fermo Camellini in 1948, last with Davide Rebellin who scored his third victory in 2009. Here are the ten faces most likely to smile at the top of the Wall.

Tadej Pogacar. He wins because after second places at Roubaix and Amstel he wants to make amends, because he has already dropped everyone on the Wall two years ago, because he always tries and will make no exception here. He doesn't win because he has the Liège trio in his sights and doesn't want to overexert himself.

Remco Evenepoel. He wins because he's returned from injury in spectacular form, because he wants to be a protagonist on his home roads, because he wants to quickly reclaim what misfortune took from him. He doesn't win because on a finish like this he finds people more explosive than himself.

Mattias Skjelmose. He wins because he came close two years ago, because winning the Amstel by beating Pogacar and Evenepoel is a great boost, because the tough finale stimulates and doesn't scare him. He doesn't win because he's thinking about Liège and his teammate Thibau Nys has excellent cards to play.

Tom Pidcock. He wins because he has the right characteristics for this classic, because he's returned after a month in excellent condition, because this season he's collected less than he deserved. He doesn't win because he rarely found the right feeling with this race.

Dylan Teuns. He wins because he's already succeeded on this finish, because Flèche and Liège are the races he likes most, because for a Belgian winning in the Ardennes always has a special value. He doesn't win because compared to previous springs he seems less in form.

Max Van Gils. He wins because he has the qualities to do so, because in the two editions he's faced he finished eighth then third, because at 25 he has the maturity to play a leading role. He doesn't win because after starting the season well he seems to have lost his way a bit.

Tiesj Benoot. He wins because he's calibrated his spring on the Ardennes races, because he's already finished twice in the top ten, because without Van Aert he has the complete trust of the team. He doesn't win because racing well in a classic doesn't necessarily mean being able to win it.

Santiago Buitrago. He wins because he's perfectly suited to a finale like this, because he's one of the few South Americans who have a feeling for Northern races, because the only time he showed up he finished fifth. He doesn't win because the final climb is more suitable for his teammate Lenny Martinez than for him.

Julian Alaphilippe. He wins because he's perfect for this classic, because he's won on the Wall three times (plus two second places), because he wants to send a signal to his new team. He doesn't win because he struggles with the new generation and his teammate Marc Hirschi picks the right day.

Kevin Vauquelin. He wins because he came very close a year ago, because he has the explosiveness to do well on finales like this, because he's less controlled compared to other favorites. He doesn't win because so far this season he's done better in less frequented races than in the main ones.