Publications
Partners
Binche, Belgium - Last year's Fleche Wallonne winner Joaquim Rodriguez will be at the start line on Wednesday for the 2013 edition of the race despite falling in Sunday's Amstel Gold Race.
Rodriguez suffered bruising to his left thigh after the fall, but his participation in the race was confirmed by his team Katusha following a two-hour training session on Tuesday.
"I will be wearing the number one which is a source of motivation," said the 33-year-old Catalan climber, known as 'Purito'.
"But I know it will be very difficult for me to repeat last year's victory. You need to be on top form to win a Classic.
"I am a bit disappointed because this week of the Ardennes Classics was one of my main objectives for the season," he added.
Rodriguez, who finished second in 2010 and 2011 before winning atop the Mur du Huy last year, is hoping to be back to full fitness in time for Sunday's Liege-Bastogne-Liege.
