New Zealander and regular Neutral Service contributor Miss Meow is on a mission deep in the heartlands of European cycling, taking as many photos of women’s races as she can possibly manage. This week, she went to the Fleche Wallonne and caught some of the best shots of the action on the notorious Mur de Huy that you’ll ever see.
Futurumshop-Zannata’s Anouska Koster out on the parcours for a warm-up
Team USA: saying a secret prayer behind their backs or cracking their knuckles before a fight?
Boels-Dolmans, home to Our Lizzie (second left)
Astana-BePink’s Alena Amialiusik, whom many believed could win
The mighty Rabobank-Liv. Marianne Vos, third from the left, said she wasn’t going after the victory but she still remained a force to be reckoned with
British-registered Wiggle-Honda
Britain’s Olympic track champion Jo Rowsell
On the start line
Ashleigh Moolman (Hitec) and Emma Pooley (Lotto-Belisol) demonstrating why they’re called two of the best climbers in the sport
Lauren Hall (USA) and Trixi Worrack (Specialized-Lululemon)
Audrey Cordon (Hitec), seen here leading Rabo’s Lucinda Brand and Orica’s Carlee Taylor, worked hard to put the pressure on rivals so that Elisa Longo Borghini could go for the win.
The ever-popular Marijn De Vries of Giant-Shimano – one of the friendliest people in women’s cycling.
Big crowds wait on the Mur.
Linda Villumsen of Wiggle-Honda’s solo attack lasted for 20km, ending when the finish line was virtually in sight. For many fans, this was the highlight of the race.
Pauline Ferrand Prevot edges ahead of Lizzie Armitstead and Evelyn Stevens to take the victory
If you’e ever wondered just how steep the Mur is, it’s this steep
16 photographs above © Miss Meow. Do not re-use without first gaining permission.
(© C A Flockton)
(© C A Flockton)
(© C A Flockton)
3 photographs above © C A Flockton. Do not re-use without first gaining permission.