Tadej Pogacar Secures Third Victory at Liège-Bastogne-Liège

Cycling star Tadej Pogacar once again showcased his remarkable form by winning the 111th edition of the Belgian classic Liège-Bastogne-Liège. This victory comes just days after his triumph at Flèche Wallonne, marking Pogacar’s third win at this Ardennes race following his previous victories in 2021 and 2024. With this achievement, he has now secured nine triumphs at one of cycling’s five monuments.

The race spanned 252 kilometers, starting and finishing in Liège, where the 26-year-old finished with a commanding lead of 1:03 minutes. He outpaced Italian runner-up Giulio Ciccone and Irish cyclist Ben Healy after a solo performance.

Pogacar launched his decisive attack approximately 35 kilometers from the finish line on the Côte de La Redoute, distancing himself from his competitors. The anticipated showdown with Remco Evenepoel did not materialize as the Belgian fell significantly behind. Notably, no German professional cyclist managed to place in the top ten.

With this win, Pogacar matches the legendary Eddy Merckx, who in 1972 won Liège-Bastogne-Liège after securing the title of world champion and Tour de France winner. Evenepoel, who had previously won the race twice, expressed confidence before the home race, stating, „I know every pothole on the road.“

Initially, the leading riders had to contend with a breakaway group of twelve, which built up a lead of up to six minutes over the main field. However, as the race progressed, this advantage diminished, and the group was ultimately caught about 60 kilometers from the finish. Shortly thereafter, Pogacar took center stage.

Pogacar has had an impressive start to the season, having won not only Flèche Wallonne but also Strade Bianche and the Tour of Flanders. His performances at Paris-Roubaix and the Amstel Gold Race, however, saw him finishing in second place.

The final remaining monument of the year, the Giro di Lombardia, is set to take place on October 11. The first of this year’s three major tours, the Giro d’Italia, will begin on May 9. However, reigning champion Pogacar will skip the Italian tour.