Aleksandr Vlasov: "I really gave it my all today and it paid off in the end"

Aleksandr Vlasov's debut at Flèche Wallone had one of the best outcomes the Russian climber could've expected, as he saw the likes of Julian Alaphilippe and Tadej Pogacar behind him, storming to a an unexpected third place atop the Mur de Huy.

With Jai Hindley and Patrick Konrad in the lineup for BORA - hansgrohe Vlasov wasn't the only option, however he was throughout the day protected and had terrific legs coming into the final climb where everything was decided. "I am very happy with my first participation in Flèche Wallonne. The race was quite nervous because everyone was fighting for position. I knew that I had to start the final climb as far ahead as possible, and then in the finale I tried to follow Valverde," he said.

Having entered the final steep pitches in strong position, he didn't have to spend unnecessary energy that would prove valuable. He was no match to the fierce attack of Dylan Teuns, however he powered through to cross the line in third place: "I really gave it my all today and it paid off in the end. And who knows, after my podium finish here, maybe I will try it again next year."

"Now we’re focusing on Liège-Bastogne-Liège. I'm in good shape now, so we'll see what's possible there," he concluded. Being a race more suited towards the climbers, he will find favourable terrain in the over 4000 meters of climbing this coming weekend, and will be a contender for the podium just as he's achieved yesterday.