Five underdogs and rising talents to watch at Flèche Wallonne

Alan Hatherly is rapidly establishing himself as one of the most interesting crossover riders in the peloton. Coming from the mountain biking scene, he has built his profile on short, explosive efforts, precisely the kind required on the Mur de Huy. He already hinted at that potential last season, and in 2025 he appears to be confirming it.

There is a clear sense that he has taken another step forward, both physically and tactically, and this race could offer the perfect terrain to translate that into a result. 

With the Giro d’Italia also part of his program, Team Jayco AlUla is carefully shaping his development as a road rider, but Flèche Wallonne presents a rare opportunity where his natural strengths align perfectly with the demands of the race.

Ramses Debruyne fits the mould of a modern puncheur, and his progression over the past seasons has been steady and convincing. Riding for Alpecin Premier Tech, he continues to build on each campaign, adding depth and consistency to his performances.

His recent racing block, including Paris Nice, Volta a Catalunya and Itzulia, underlined his ability to handle high level competition. In each of those races, he was visible on the stages that suited his characteristics. 

That form carried into Brabantse Pijl, where he was among the strongest riders, making the decisive group before being caught late in the finale.

Haimar Etxeberria’s trajectory has been one of the most notable in recent seasons. After joining Equipo Kern Pharma as a stagiaire in 2024 and immediately impressing, he secured a professional contract for the following year. His development did not slow down there.

During the 2025 season, he continued to make such a strong impression that he earned a move to Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe for 2026. At the recent Amstel Gold Race, he played a key supporting role for Remco Evenepoel, showing both strength and maturity in a demanding race scenario.

With Evenepoel not starting in Flèche Wallonne, the dynamic within the team shifts, opening the door for other riders to take their chances. That creates a compelling opportunity for Etxeberria, whose explosive profile makes him particularly well suited to a Mur de Huy effort.

Milan Vader’s path back to the top level has been anything but straightforward. Originally a mountain biker, he transitioned to the road and endured a heavy crash during Itzulia Basque Country in 2022, which led to a long and demanding rehabilitation.

By 2023, he had fully recovered and delivered immediate results, including a podium at Okolo Slovenska and an overall victory at the Tour of Guangxi, marking a breakthrough at WorldTour level. That season also marked the end of his mountain bike commitments, allowing him to focus entirely on the road.

The following year did not bring the same level of success, prompting a move to the Pinarello-Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team in search of more personal opportunities. His first season there required adaptation, something not uncommon when changing environments. Heading into 2026, the expectation is that he can convert that transition into performance. Flèche Wallonne stands out as a key target, with its demands closely matching his skill set.

Update: Milan Vader won't start.

Riders working in support roles often operate outside the spotlight, but their contribution can be decisive. Anders Halland Johannessen is a prime example. Frequently riding alongside his twin brother Tobias Anders Johannessen, he plays a crucial role in shaping race outcomes, even if the results sheet does not always reflect it.

The dynamic between the two is particularly notable, with Anders often providing the platform for Tobias to perform. Their coordination and understanding make them one of the more effective pairings in the peloton.

That said, Anders’ own capabilities should not be overlooked. He has shown that he can seize opportunities when they arise, and in a race as selective as Flèche Wallonne, scenarios can quickly open up. If circumstances allow, he could emerge not just as a key support rider, but as a contender in his own right.