The 110th edition of Liège-Bastogne-Liège unfolded as a testament to the saying, “une démonstration,” with Tadej Pogačar delivering a masterful performance that left his rivals in awe. The UAE Team Emirates rider executed his plan flawlessly, dictating the pace and controlling the race from start to finish.
Pogačar’s dominance was evident from the onset, with his team setting a relentless pace that kept the early breakaway in check. As the race approached La Redoute, the pivotal climb that has often decided the outcome of Liège-Bastogne-Liège, Pogačar unleashed his attack. His acceleration left Ben Healy, Richard Carapaz, and the rest of the contenders trailing in his wake.
From the top of La Redoute, Pogačar extended his lead steadily, maintaining complete control of the effort. His remarkable level of performance allowed him to ease up on the final climbs while his pursuers pushed themselves to the limit. The gap between Pogačar and the chasing group grew to over two minutes, effectively ending any hopes of a showdown in the closing stages.
The chasers, resigned to fighting for podium positions, had their own battles to navigate. Egan Bernal impressed with his aggressive riding, while Romain Bardet’s tenacity earned him a well-deserved second place. Maxim Van Gils and Mauri Vansevenant also performed well, demonstrating their potential for future success.
Among the disappointments, Israel-Premier Tech failed to deliver on expectations, with Stevie Williams struggling to make an impact. EF Education-EasyPost’s efforts to break away were also unsuccessful, as Ben Healy and Richard Carapaz were unable to shed their pursuers.
The final sprint for third place featured a mix of experienced riders and rising stars, including Romain Gregoire, Antonio Tiberi, and Kevin Vermaerke. While they gained valuable experience, none could match the extraordinary performance of Tadej Pogačar, who has once again proven his unparalleled dominance in the world of cycling.
