Liège-Bastogne-Liège: Tadej Pogacar Crashes
Pogacar Solos to Victory at Liège-Bastogne-Liège
LIÈGE, Belgium (AP) — Tadej Pogacar continued his dominant spring campaign with a solo victory at Liège-Bastogne-Liège on Sunday, marking his third win in the oldest cycling monument. “It feels great to end the first part of the season like this,” Pogacar said after the race.
The world champion celebrated his victory by pointing to the sky as he crossed the finish line,dedicating his triumph to Urska Zigart.PogacarS win marks his ninth monument victory.
Pogacar’s Decisive Attack
Pogacar launched a decisive attack on the Côte de la Redoute, a steep climb approximately 35 kilometers from the finish. None of his rivals could match his pace, including Remco Evenepoel, who was returning from injury, and Tom Pidcock. “I thought I’d just test my legs,” Pogacar said, adding with a smile, “Then I continued.”
Giulio Ciccone of Italy, riding for Lidl-Trek, finished second, 1 minute, 3 seconds behind Pogacar. ben Healy of Ireland (EF Education Easy-Post) took third. Evenepoel finished in 59th place, more than three minutes behind the winner. georg Zimmermann (Intermarché-Wanty) was the highest-placed German rider, finishing 48th.
Echoes of Merckx
pogacar becomes only the second cyclist to win Liège-Bastogne-liège after winning the Tour de France and a World Championship in subsequent years, a feat previously achieved by Eddy Merckx. The 26-year-old joins Merckx and Sean Kelly as the only riders to podium in each of the first four monuments of a season.
This spring, Pogacar’s campaign included victories at Liège-Bastogne-Liège, FLèche Wallone, and the Tour of Flanders, in addition to his Strade Bianche win in early March. He also secured second place in his Roubaix debut,third at Milan-Sanremo,and second at Amstel Gold Race. Pogacar is expected to compete in the Critérium du Dauphiné in June before defending his title at the Tour de France.
A twelve-rider breakaway defined much of the race, but the group splintered as the race progressed. The final breakaway attempt was neutralized 60 kilometers from the finish, setting the stage for Pogacar’s solo victory.
# Tadej Pogacar’s Dominant Victory at Liège-Bastogne-Liège: Your Top Questions Answered
Here’s a breakdown of Tadej Pogacar’s remarkable victory at Liège-Bastogne-Liège, explained in a Q&A format to provide a complete understanding of the race and Pogacar’s achievement.
## what happened at Liège-Bastogne-Liège?
Tadej Pogacar secured a solo victory at the 2024 Liège-Bastogne-liège, marking his third win in the oldest cycling monument. He demonstrated his remarkable form by launching a decisive attack on the Côte de la redoute, approximately 35 kilometers from the finish. This win underscores his dominance in the spring classics.
## What is Liège-Bastogne-liège?
Liège-Bastogne-Liège is one of cycling’s five Monuments (the oldest and most prestigious one-day races).It is indeed a grueling race held annually in Belgium, famous for its challenging climbs and demanding course. The 2024 edition was no different.
## How did Pogacar win?
Pogacar’s victory was secured through a powerful solo attack. He broke away from the leading group on the Côte de la Redoute, and his rivals were unable to match his pace. He maintained his led to the finish line, crossing the finish line alone in a dominant display of strength and skill.
## Who came in second and third place?
Giulio Ciccone finished in second place, 1 minute and 3 seconds behind Pogacar. Ben Healy took third place.
## what did Pogacar say about his victory?
After the race, Pogacar said, “It feels great to end the first part of the season like this”. He celebrated his victory by pointing to the sky and dedicated his triumph to Urska Zigart. When asked about the decisive attack. He added with a smile, ”I thought I’d just test my legs.”
## Which other cyclists have won Liège-Bastogne-Liège after winning the Tour de France and a World Championship?
Pogacar joins Eddy Merckx as the only cyclists to win Liège-Bastogne-Liège after winning the Tour de France and a World championship in subsequent years, according to the provided text.
## What other major races has Pogacar won this spring?
This spring, Pogacar:
* won Liège-Bastogne-Liège
* Won Flèche Wallonne
* Won the Tour of Flanders
* Won Strade Bianche
* Was 2nd at Paris-Roubaix
* Was 3rd at Milan-Sanremo
* Was 2nd at Amstel Gold Race
## What is a “breakaway” in cycling?
A breakaway in cycling refers to a group of riders who have escaped from the main pack (the peloton) and are riding ahead, trying to stay away until the finish. In this race,the final breakaway attempt was neutralized 60 kilometers from the finish,setting the stage for Pogacar’s solo victory.
## What is the Côte de la Redoute?
The Côte de la Redoute is a steep climb in the Liège-Bastogne-liège race. This year, Pogacar launched his decisive attack on this challenging ascent, separating himself from the competition.
## Is Pogacar considered one of the greatest cyclists?
Based on his performance and victories, Pogacar is certainly establishing himself as one of the best cyclists of this generation. His win at Liège-Bastogne-Liège, combined with his other extraordinary results, underscores his talent and dominance. He joins Merckx and Sean Kelly as the only riders to podium in each of the first four monuments of a season.
## What are the “Monuments” in cycling?
The “Monuments” are cycling’s five most prestigious one-day races:
* Milan-San Remo
* Tour of flanders
* Paris-Roubaix
* Liège-Bastogne-Liège
* Giro di lombardia
## When is Pogacar expected to compete next?
He is expected to compete in the Critérium du Dauphiné in June before defending his title at the Tour de France.
## Summary of Results: Liège-Bastogne-Liège 2024
Here’s a quick recap of the top finishers:
| rank | Rider | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Tadej Pogacar | N/A |
| 2nd | Giulio Ciccone | Lidl-Trek |
| 3rd | Ben Healy | EF Education Easy-Post |
| … |