alejandro valverde successfully defended his fleche wallonne title on wednesday as chris froome finished back in 123rd .
movistar rider valverde sprinted to victory ahead of julian alaphilippe and michael albasini in a race which saw former winner philippe gilbert pull out after a crash in the final 12 kilometres but was able to get back on his bike and finish .
team sky 's sports director gabriel rasch praised froome for finishing the race and said he expects the former tour de france winner will be fine to take part .