Alejandro Valverde wins Fleche Wallone for record fifth time

Alejandro Valverde has four individual stage wins in the Tour de France

Alejandro Valverde secured his fifth success in the Fleche Wallonne, with Ireland's Dan Martin taking second in a summit finish on the Mur de Huy.

The experienced Movistar rider has made the Ardennes classic his own since 2014, winning four straight editions a decade after his first success in 2006.

Luxembourg's Bob Jungels launched an attack before the Cote de Cherave but was caught on the third and final ascent of the Mur de Huy, leaving the in-form Spanish veteran Valverde to again claim the honours on Wednesday.

Valverde held off the challenge of Martin by one second at the end of the 204.5 kilometre ride with Belgian rider Dylan Teuns also finishing on the podium in third.

"The Ardennes classics are courses that I love. I feel a bit like I'm at home here," said Valverde. "I'm in excellent physical condition, I had to take advantage of it.

Chris Froome (L) and Valverde have had many battles on the road

"The team worked right from the first kilometre, we had the belief we were going to win. It's a course that suits me very well, it's made to measure for me."

The 36-year-old Valverde, has won the Tour of Murcia, Tour of Andalusia, Tour of Catalunya and Tour of the Basque Country this year.

It was an extraordinary 10th victory of the season for the former Vuelta winner, who vowed to return to Fleche Wallonne next year before challenging his rivals ahead of Sunday's Liege-Bastogne-Liege.

Valverde is a three-time winner (2006, 2008 and 2015) of the event which forms part of cycling's five "Monument" races.

Valverde is a seasoned winner around the world

For Martin, it was the second time in four years the Irishman was denied by Valverde and his third podium finish here.

"I came second again, it looks like I'll have to wait for Valverde to retire," Martin said following the race.

The Quick-Step rider was runner-up to the Spaniard in 2014 and came third in last year's event.

Final result after 204.5 km:

1. Alejandro Valverde (Spain / Movistar) 5h 15m 37s

2. Daniel Martin (Ireland / Quick-Step) +1"

3. Dylan Teuns (Belgium / BMC Racing) same time

4. Sergio Henao (Colombia / Team Sky) same time

5. Michael Albasini (Switzerland / Orica) same time

6. Warren Barguil (France / Sunweb) same time