The Future of La Fleche Wallonne

There can only be one winner of the Fleche. After 200k in the saddle, a handful of riders will contest the win on the Mur de Huy. Others however, will be happy to finish with the main group as they continue to gain knowledge in their young careers. Euro Peloton takes a look at the future of cycling, and possibly at this year's late season stars.

Gesink, like his teammate Mollema, is rising fast in the sport of cycling

Robert Gesink probably won't win for his Rabobank team at the Fleche or Liege, but he is most certainly a rider to watch for the rest of 2008 and beyond. The 21 year old showed himself at the Tour of California, and then came within seconds of winning Paris-Nice, which signalled to the world that the young Dutchman is for real. Watch for him in the Tour de France.

Schleck hasn't shown yet this year, but he will soon

Andy Schleck finished second overall in last year's Giro d'Italia, but has yet to gain any results in 2008. He has targeted the Wallonnian classics, but as of yet has not shown himelf as a contender. Perhaps he is saving himself for Liege, but one thing is abundantly clear: Schleck is for real. Only 22 years old, Schleck's upside is limitless as he gains knowledge and confidence. He should show well at the Tour de Swiss or Dauphine, and then again at the Tour de France.

Mollema time trialing at this year's Tour of California

Bauke Mollema is probably a year away from big time results, but he resembles Andy Schleck one year ago in many ways. Like Schleck, Mollema had two wins as a 20 year old, including the prestigious Tour de l'Avenir. Thus far this season, the youngster has finished a very respectable 6th overall at the Vuelta a Castilla y León, behind race winner Alberto Contador. Look for him to impress at the Vuelta Espana, where he'll ride in support of Dennis Menchov.

Ignitiev has all the tools to be great rider in the near future

Mikhail Ignatiev arrives at the Fleche to continue to gain experience in his young career. And while he is only 22 years old, his nine pro victories over the past two years point to immense talent and potential. Ignatiev resembles CSC's veteran duo of Jens Voigt and Fabian Cancellara in that he likes to attack a few kilometes from the line in hopes of time trialing home for victory. Ignatiev will fly the flag for his mother Russia for many years to come. Watch him at this year's Giro, as he's sure to be in a ton of breaks and will contend for a stage win at some point.

Today, as the peloton winds through the Belgian country side, the crowd will call out names like Evans, Valverde, Rebellin, and Cunego, but the above riders too will pass by. By 2009, these riders above may be among the names called out when next year's favorites roll out for the 73rd edition of the Fleche Wallone and the 95th edition of Liege-Bastogne-Liege.