In the 112th edition of Liège-Bastogne-Liège, Tadej Pogačar secured his fourth victory in this prestigious Classic, further solidifying his dominance in the cycling world. The Slovenian rider’s performance was nothing short of exceptional, as he overcame a formidable challenge from 19-year-old French prodigy Paul Seixas, who claimed a remarkable second place. Belgian cyclist Remco Evenepoel completed the podium, finishing third. (liege-bastogne-liege.be)
Pogačar’s triumph in Liège-Bastogne-Liège adds to his impressive tally of Monument victories, now totaling 13. This win also marks his third consecutive victory in this race, a feat not achieved since Eddy Merckx’s reign in the 1970s. (theguardian.com)
The race unfolded with a high-paced start, setting a record average speed of 44.4 km/h. A significant early crash split the peloton, with Pogačar’s UAE Team Emirates-XRG playing a pivotal role in neutralizing the breakaway. The decisive moment came on the Côte de La Redoute, where Pogačar launched a powerful attack. Seixas, demonstrating remarkable resilience, managed to stay with the world champion until the final climb of the Côte de la Roche-aux-Faucons. It was here that Pogačar’s superior strength allowed him to break away, crossing the finish line solo. (liege-bastogne-liege.be)
Seixas’ performance was a revelation. His second-place finish not only highlights his potential but also signals the emergence of a new challenger to Pogačar’s dominance. The young Frenchman had previously made headlines by winning La Flèche Wallonne, becoming the youngest rider to do so. His resilience in Liège-Bastogne-Liège suggests a promising future in the sport. (cyclingnews.com)
Evenepoel’s third-place finish was bittersweet. Despite his efforts, he was unable to match the pace set by Pogačar and Seixas in the final kilometers. However, securing a podium spot in such a competitive field underscores his capabilities and potential for future successes. (liege-bastogne-liege.be)
Italian cyclists also made their mark, with Christian Scaroni finishing eighth and Filippo Zana tenth. Their performances are encouraging signs for Italian cycling, indicating a resurgence of talent on the international stage. (ansa.it)
Looking ahead, Pogačar’s next objectives include the Giro di Romandia and the Giro di Svizzera, leading up to the Tour de France. The cycling world eagerly anticipates whether Seixas will make his Grand Tour debut at the Tour de France, a decision that remains uncertain as of now. (lemonde.fr)
In summary, the 2026 Liège-Bastogne-Liège not only reaffirmed Pogačar’s status as a dominant force in cycling but also introduced Paul Seixas as a formidable contender for the future. The race was a testament to the evolving dynamics of the sport, promising exciting rivalries in the seasons to come.
Highlights:
- Liège-Bastogne-Liège 2026: All you need to know, Published on Friday, April 24
- ‘I have never seen anything like this’ – Paul Seixas sends warning to Pogačar and Evenepoel for Liège-Bastogne-Liège with ‘masterclass’ on Ardennes debut, Published on Wednesday, April 22
- Paul Seixas exceeds expectations, but Tour de France participation remains uncertain, Published on Sunday, April 26