Henao value to end Valverde's spell of dominance

Eurosport 2, 1.30pm Wednesday
Race starts 10.10am

For the past three years Alejandro Valverde has been nigh on unstoppable along the rolling roads of the Ardennes.

The Spaniard has conquered La Fleche Wallonne, the middle race of Ardennes Classics week, in each of the last three seasons and he is understandably a short-priced favourite to continue his golden run this year.

Victory atop the Mur de Huy would be Valverde's fifth in the race and while his credentials are rock-solid, backing a rider at odds-on in such an unpredictable race requires plenty of faith.

Michal Kwiatkowski was pipped on the line by Gilbert at Amstel Gold on Sunday and he must be a danger but it could be that Sky nominate Sergio Henao, who set Sunday's race up for the Pole, as their leader.

Colombian champion Henao finished seventh in two years ago and in 2013 showing he can compete with the more punchier climbers in the peloton.

Recommendation
S Henao
1pt each-way 15-2 Sky Bet