Ethias-Tour de Wallonie

The route typically includes at least one summit finish, a rolling time trial, and several stages decided on short climbs in the final 20 kilometers. Wallonia's geography means few flat roads, so even transition stages include enough elevation to shed pure sprinters and keep the general classification tight. The race is usually won by a climber or puncheur who can time trial competently and avoid losing time on technical descents or in crosswinds through the Meuse valley. Stage wins are often decided by small groups on uphill finishes around 5 to 8 percent, where positioning out of the final corner matters more than sustained climbing power.