Pogacar battles determined Evenepoel at Liege-Bastogne-Liege

Posted : 26 April 2025

Remco Evenepoel is gearing up to challenge reigning champion Tadej Pogacar in the iconic Liege-Bastogne-Liege race on Sunday, a demanding journey through the undulating Ardennes terrain. The showdown promises fireworks as the two modern titans of cycling prepare to lock horns in one of the sport’s most prestigious single-day races.

The duo have dominated recent editions of the 252-kilometre classic, having shared victories across the last four years. First held in 1892, this Monument has become a proving ground for elite cyclists, and Sunday’s 111th edition is expected to be no different.

Pogacar, the fearless Slovenian, has earned a reputation for his thrilling, all-in racing approach. The 26-year-old rarely backs down from a challenge and has become a symbol of excitement in the cycling world. However, Sunday’s contest poses a significant test, as Evenepoel—Belgium’s Olympic champion and local favourite—makes his comeback from a bizarre injury involving a car door.

The 25-year-old Belgian is brimming with confidence, declaring earlier this week that overcoming Pogacar is precisely what he’s paid to do. At La Fleche Wallonne on Wednesday, Pogacar managed to pull away from Evenepoel on the brutal final ascent, although Evenepoel later blamed his drop in performance on poor weather preparation, having removed his jacket too early.

While Pogacar celebrated a solid team effort, the exhaustion etched on his face suggested the effort took its toll. Both he and Evenepoel came close in last weekend’s Amstel Gold Race but were narrowly edged out by Mattias Skjelmose, hinting at how evenly matched they are ahead of Sunday.

The infamous Roche-aux-Faucons climb could play a key role, sitting 13 kilometres from the finish and offering a late chance for Evenepoel, the reigning world time-trial champion, to close any gaps. The Belgian showed he’s back in top shape after a brilliant ride at Brabantse Pijl, where he outpaced Wout van Aert in dominant fashion.

With star riders like Van der Poel, Van Aert, and Roglic missing, the spotlight is firmly on Pogacar and Evenepoel. The Slovenian, already a champion of the Tour de France, Giro, and world stage, will look to affirm his greatness on Evenepoel’s home turf. If he succeeds, it will be yet another highlight in an already legendary career.

Pogacar battles determined Evenepoel at Liege-Bastogne-Liege

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