Valverde claims record fourth Fleche Wallonne title

Movistar team rider Alejandro Valverde of Spain crosses the finish line to win the Fleche Wallonne Classic cycling race in Huy April 22, 2015. REUTERS/Francois Lenoir

(Reuters) - Spain's Alejandro Valverde became the first man to win the Fleche Wallonne classic four times when he lived up to expectations in Wednesday's 196-km one-day race.

The Movistar rider perfectly timed his attacks in the final ascent in the Mur de Huy, a 1.3-km climb at an average gradient of 9.8 percent, to add to his 2006, 2014 and 2015 titles.