Cycling and Huy have a long-standing love affair. After the health crisis that marred the two previous editions, cycling fans will soon throng the roadsides of the Mur de Huy all along the 900-metre slope where the race will be decided.Huy's passion for cycling goes a long way back. The first cycling race there was held on 15 August 1869, on the occasion of the annual fair. A velodrome was built in 1919.The Flèche Wallonne first visited Huy in 1936, tackled the Mur de Huy for the first time in 1982 and has had its finish at the top of the climb since 1984. The Tour de France went through Huy six times before 8 July 1995, when our town was honoured to host an individual time trial to Seraing. Six years later, the mass-start stage to Verdun began here, while in 2006 the peloton travelled from Huy to Saint-Quentin.2015 saw an even greater celebration when the Mur de Huy hosted the finish of stage 3 of the Tour de France on 6 July, right where the winners of the two Flèche Wallonne races will be crowned on 20 April.

In 1976, the old municipalities of Saint-Rémy, Housse, Saive, Barchon, Trembleur and Mortier merged to form the municipality of Blegny.Its lands have often been partitioned among multiple sovereigns and have seen numerous armies march through.In 1914, the Fort de Barchon forestalled the German invaders, buying enough time for the French army to regroup and thus save Paris. Thanks to this heroic deed, Liège was awarded the illustrious Legion of Honour on behalf of all the towns and cities in the province.Today, the 13,000 people who call Blegny home contribute to the growth of many professional activities (from farming and industry to services), non-profit organisations, sports clubs and cultural associations.Our heritage boasts numerous gems, such as Blegny-Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage site.Blegny has always been a land of cycling. It was the cradle of champions such as Jean Rossius, Raymond Impanis, Pierre Nihant and, of course, Joseph Bruyère, a winner of the Old Lady who wore the yellow jersey and served as Eddy Merckx's loyal domestique.Mayor Marc Bolland is proud that Blegny is home to the Pesant Club liégeois and hosts numerous races, such as the Grand Prix de Wallonie (men's and women's), the Tour de la Basse-Meuse, the Tour de la Province de Liège and the U23 Liège–Bastogne–Liège, not to mention MTB, cyclo-cross and BMX events. The Flèche Wallonne's start from Blegny-Mine is a big accolade and a wonderful gift.