Cycling: Pogacar’s Solo Triumph at Liege-Bastogne-Liege

Tadej Pogacar of UAE Team Emirates delivered a masterclass performance at Liege-Bastogne-Liege on Sunday, claiming his sixth Monument victory in a stunning solo attack. The Slovenian rider made his move with 34km to go during the 254km race, taking advantage of the iconic Cote de la Redoute climb to surge ahead of the field.

Pogacar’s dominance was evident as he crossed the finish line a remarkable one minute and 39 seconds ahead of second-placed Romain Bardet. Dutchman Mathieu van der Poel secured third place after winning a sprint to the line.

This victory marked Pogacar’s second triumph at Liege-Bastogne-Liege, a race that holds special significance for him. Last year, he was forced to abandon the event due to a crash, and in 2022, he withdrew following the tragic passing of his fiance’s mother.

Reflecting on his emotional journey, Pogacar shared, “It was quite emotional for me all day riding on the bike, thinking of Urska’s mother two years ago and we had to go home. Then last year when I broke my hand so the last two years were really difficult.”

The strategy to attack on the Cote de la Redoute was meticulously planned by Pogacar and his team, and it paid off handsomely. “We rode hard on the climbs, and safe on the downhills and on La Redoute — we did exactly what we said and from then on it was suffering to the finish,” he explained.

Pogacar’s remarkable performance at Liege-Bastogne-Liege solidifies his status as one of the top cyclists in the world, showcasing his strength, determination, and tactical acumen on the road. Fans can look forward to more thrilling performances from this cycling prodigy in the future.