With former winner Ferrand-Prévot at the start, the yellow-and-black squad showed itself attentive at the front of the race. Viktória Chladoňová joined a strong breakaway and impressed on the steep climbs, but due to the controlling work of the peloton she did not play a decisive role in the fight for victory.

In the finale, everything came down to the last lap. On the Côte de Cherave, the peloton split apart and Ferrand-Prévot positioned herself in a group of favourites heading towards the Mur de Huy. On the decisive climb, the Frenchwoman was well placed but ultimately fell short of contesting the win.

“I felt good today,” Ferrand-Prévot reflected afterwards. “The team did a strong job throughout the race, which was great to see. On the final climb I didn’t feel completely empty, but unfortunately my legs weren’t as strong as I had hoped.”

On Sunday, Ferrand-Prévot will have another opportunity when the spring campaign concludes with Liège–Bastogne–Liège. “Today I was missing a bit of explosiveness, but Sunday is a different kind of race. Liège–Bastogne–Liège is a tougher race over the entire day. I’m really looking forward to it.”