Hylonicum

Light and residues, by Nicola Polloni

Chasing the Peloton

La Flèche wallonne 2022

Photographed on the Mur de Huy, the climb that decides the Flèche Wallonne. On the wall, the race stops being speed and becomes pressure: bent backs, clenched mouths, riders forced close by the gradient – each part of the moving group, each suffering the climb alone. The sequence holds the instant when endurance becomes visible, and the body continues because stopping has not yet been allowed.

Large sign reading “La Flèche Wallonne” at the cycling event in Huy.
Empty race road in Huy with barriers, houses, and event branding before the riders arrive.
Empty finish or race approach with barriers, banners, tents, and spectators waiting along the road.
Group of cyclists climbing closely together during La Flèche Wallonne, with spectators behind barriers.
Tight group of cyclists riding uphill, bodies bent low over handlebars and faces marked by effort.
Close side view of cyclists in race kit riding tightly together, with one Bora rider in the foreground.
Cyclists compressed together on the climb, with riders leaning forward under effort.
Side view of cyclists passing spectators and barriers during La Flèche Wallonne.
Two cyclists riding side by side in front of spectators, one in a dark kit and one in a light kit.
Group of cyclists climbing past stone buildings, with riders tightly packed and spectators watching.
Cyclists packed shoulder to shoulder on the climb, with helmets, arms, and handlebars overlapping.
Dense group of cyclists climbing in front of stone houses and spectators.
Spectators sitting on a grassy slope while waiting for the race to pass.
Wide view of the peloton approaching through a corridor of barriers and spectators.
Cyclists climbing past spectators, with a leading rider in a white kit and others close behind.
Tight view of riders in the peloton, with overlapping wheels, jerseys, and bent backs.
Side view of two cyclists climbing, one in a striped jersey and one in an Ineos kit.
Cyclists passing close to the crowd, with a Bora rider leaning low in the foreground.
Two cyclists climbing with visible effort.
Lone cyclist climbing.
Cyclist riding alone past barriers and spectators on the La Flèche Wallonne route.
Crowd gathered near tents and a church during La Flèche Wallonne in Huy.

Places and dates
Huy, 2022.