BELGIUM: Tadej Pogacar of UAE Team Emirates delivered a spectacular performance to win the Liege-Bastogne-Liege race for the third time.
The 26-year-old Slovenian and reigning world champion launched a decisive solo attack 34 kilometers from the finish line, ultimately crossing it a full minute ahead of Italy’s Giulio Ciccone and Ireland’s Ben Healy. His major rival, Belgium’s Remco Evenepoel who had claimed victory the past two years finished over three minutes behind. Already regarded as one of the sport’s greats, Pogacar’s third title here, after wins in 2021 and 2024, further cements his legendary status. He also became only the second cyclist in history, after Eddy Merckx, to win both the Tour of Flanders and Liege-Bastogne-Liege within the same year. Reflecting on his accomplishment, Pogacar said: “It feels great to finish the first part of the season like this. I’m just happy the season has gone perfectly so far.”
Race Highlights
Pogacar broke clear of his rivals on the steep Cote de la Redoute climb. He completed the demanding 252-km course in six hours and nine seconds, securing a commanding win.
He later shared: “It wasn’t actually the plan to attack at La Redoute, but the pace was so intense that I noticed many teams were losing support riders… I decided to test my legs at the top and see if I could create a gap. Once I saw it was working, I fully committed because I felt strong, even on the following climb.”
On social media, he expressed gratitude, posting: “The legs did the talking, but it took a village to get here. Liège Bastogne–Liège what a way to wrap up the spring. Thank you, team, thank you everyone. Grateful for every moment and every person behind me.”
Fans flooded his post with praise, commenting: “Another amazing race with the best team thank you, Tadej, for the show!”, “What a classic season you’re a true champion,” “Incredible performance!”, and “You’re the GOAT of the 21st century, POGI!”
Pogacar’s Record-Breaking Form
With nine monument victories to his name, Pogacar now ties Roger De Vlaeminck for third-most wins all-time, trailing only Eddy Merckx’s 19. At just 26 years old, he’s also the first cyclist ever to podium at six straight monument races.
If he finishes on the podium at the Giro di Lombardia in October, he’ll make history as the first rider to podium at all five monuments within a single year.
Pogacar now plans a brief rest before returning to action at June’s Criterium du Dauphine as part of his preparation for his next big target: a fourth Tour de France title in July.
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