Another spectacular day of racing for cycling fans. The men’s and women’s Liège-Bastogne-Liège delivered some memorable stuff–and we were reminded just how damn hard pro cycling is.
Holmgren and Vallières Mill shine
Isabella Holmgren and Magdeleine Vallières Mill delivered a strong Canadian showing, both landing in the top 10 at Liège-Bastogne-Liège Femmes. Holmgren, from Oro-Medonte, Ont., was right in the mix for the podium deep into the finale, ultimately taking sixth after following key moves over the final climbs. Vallières Mill crossed eighth, capping a steady ride. After the race, Holmgren said she had never suffered like that before—which is saying a lot, considering some of her big results.
Isabella Holmgren on Liège-Bastogne-Liège: ‘I don’t think I’ve ever suffered like that before’
The race turned on the Côte de La Redoute, where Demi Vollering launched a decisive solo with 35 km to go, riding clear to her third victory in Liège. Holmgren chased alongside Puck Pieterse and Kasia Niewiadoma but couldn’t hold position when the final selections were made on the Roche-aux-Faucons, just missing out on a podium result.
The Pogi and Seixas show
Tadej Pogačar claimed a fourth Liège-Bastogne-Liège title with a decisive late move, dedicating the win to his late former teammate Cristian Camilo Muñoz. The world champion attacked on the Côte de La Redoute, with only Paul Seixas able to follow initially. The French teenager held on until the final climb, where Pogačar surged again to seal the race.
It was certainly an impressive display by Seixas–we haven’t seen someone able to hold the world champ’s wheel like that for some time.
Remco Evenepoel rounded out the podium after the chase regrouped behind. Earlier, Canadians Hugo Houle and Michael Leonard were part of a large, aggressive breakaway that animated the opening hours. Leonard finished as top Canadian in 54th after the race split apart on the climbs.
Canadian Cycling Magazine’s James Bunga was on the scene in Liège, and snapped some great photos. Relive all the fun again below.
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Canadian Cycling Magazine…