Downing challenges on Ardennes classic stage of Wallonie
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

The fourth and hardest stage of the Tour de Wallonie in Belgium, from Vlieslam to Villers-le-Bouillet, saw Russell Downing in fighting form. He took tenth place on a selective day of 11 climbs, including the Liege-Bastogne-Liege steep slogs of Stockeu and Le Rosier.
Despite being closely marked by the leaders' teams, Downing managed jump across a gap to the break towards the end, finished tenth on the stage and moved up to fifth place overall, just eight seconds behind the race leader, Laurent Mangel (Fr) of Saur-Sojasun.
"It was a very tough day, but I was really pleased with how I went because I've not raced since the nationals and have backed off my training a bit before building for the end of the season. I was fourth on an earlier stage, then ninth yesterday," Downing told Cycling Weekly after the stage.
There's one more day to go in the race, a stage from Chaudfontein to Lontzen. It starts hilly but flattens out towards the end.
"I'm going to try and get some bonuses early on, then if that's not enough I'll get ready for the finish and try and get a time gap there.
"The team are up for it and so am I," Downing added.
Thank you for reading 10 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Founded in 1891, Cycling Weekly and its team of expert journalists brings cyclists in-depth reviews, extensive coverage of both professional and domestic racing, as well as fitness advice and 'brew a cuppa and put your feet up' features. Cycling Weekly serves its audience across a range of platforms, from good old-fashioned print to online journalism, and video.
-
-
Inspired by bikepacking events overseas, Rapha introduces the Rapha Yomp Rally
Rapha today announced the launch of the inaugural Rapha Yomp Rally, a five-day 375-mile adventure across some of the most stunning mixed-terrain roads California has to offer.
By Anne-Marije Rook • Published
-
From false promises and heartbreak to hope - How Heidi Franz is bouncing back from the last-minute collapse of B&B Hotels
Mind games, false promises and a life left in limbo. How American Heidi Franz navigated the B&B Hotels demise and found a kickstart to her new European life
By Anne-Marije Rook • Published