Preview: Liège-Bastogne-Liège

Pogacar vs. Evenepoel for Triple Crown Glory

Liège-Bastogne-Liège: The Quest for La Doyenne Glory

The upcoming edition of Liège-Bastogne-Liège, "La Doyenne," sets the stage for a compelling battle as two recent champions, Tadej Pogacar (2021, 2024) and Remco Evenepoel (2022, 2023), aim for their third victory in the prestigious Belgian Monument. Achieving this would see either of them become only the sixth rider to conquer La Doyenne three times. The legendary Eddy Merckx holds the record with an impressive five wins between 1969 and 1975. Adding to the intrigue, Bob Jungels, the 2018 winner, will also be on the start line.

Beyond the immediate battle for victory, Tadej Pogačar has the opportunity to achieve a unique milestone in cycling history. With two previous victories in Liège-Bastogne-Liège and four wins in Il Lombardia (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024), a third triumph in La Doyenne would make him the first rider ever to have at least three victories in both Liège-Bastogne-Liège and Il Lombardia. This remarkable feat would further solidify his status as one of the most versatile and accomplished Classics riders of his generation.

Most Wins:

• Eddy Merckx (Belgium): 5 wins (1969, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975)

• Alejandro Valverde Belmonte (Spain): 4 wins (2006, 2008, 2015, 2017)

• Moreno Argentin (Italy): 4 wins (1985, 1986, 1987, 1991)

• Alfred De Bruyne (Belgium): 3 wins (1956, 1958, 1959)

• Alfons Schepers (Belgium): 3 wins (1929, 1931, 1935)

Tadej Pogacar has also reached the podium three times previously. A select group of eight riders have stood on the podium at least four times, including notable names like Michael Boogerd, Frans Verbeeck, and Raymond Impanis, who each achieved four podium finishes without a victory. The record for the most podium appearances is seven, shared by Alejandro Valverde and Eddy Merckx.

Most Podiums:

• Alejandro Valverde Belmonte (Spain): 7 podiums (2006, 2007, 2008, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017)

• Eddy Merckx (Belgium): 7 podiums (1967, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975)

• Davide Rebellin (Italy): 5 podiums (2000, 2001, 2004, 2008, 2009)

• Michael Boogerd (Netherlands): 4 podiums (1999, 2003, 2004, 2005)

• Moreno Argentin (Italy): 4 podiums (1985, 1986, 1987, 1991)

• Frans Verbeeck (Belgium): 4 podiums (1970, 1971, 1973, 1976)

• Walter Godefroot (Belgium): 4 podiums (1967, 1968, 1973, 1975)

• Raymond Impanis (Belgium): 4 podiums (1947, 1948, 1954, 1955)

Eddy Merckx also holds the distinction of the most top 10 finishes in Liège-Bastogne-Liège, having crossed the line within the top ten on an impressive ten occasions.