VIDEO: Tom Pidcock, Marc Hirschi, Mattias Skjelmose and more favourites struggling already at cold and wet La Fleche Wallonne

The horrific weather conditions are playing havoc with the pre-race favourites' chances at La Fleche Wallonne 2024. Among those struggling already are the likes of Tom Pidcock, Mattias Skjelmose and Marc Hirschi.

With around 60km still to go, last Sunday's Amstel Gold Race winner, Pidcock is already in difficulty, out the back on the Mur de Huy and not looking incredibly happy either. With Liege-Bastogne-Liege coming up this Sunday, could the INEOS Grenadiers leader abandon early to rest up for the weekend?

Skjelmose meanwhile, runner-up to Tadej Pogacar at La Fleche Wallonne last year was caught out in the crosswinds and after mounting a massive effort to get back into contact with the front on the flat, the Lidl-Trek leader immediately began to struggle on the climb.

As did, former La Fleche Wallonne winner, UAE Team Emirates' Marc Hirschi. The Swiss national champion was seemingly the protected rider of UAE in the early portion of the race but doesn't look like matching his 2nd place from Amstel Gold Race last weekend.