Pogacar against Evenepoel, Seixas, and Pidcock in Liège 2026: schedules, favorites, and where to watch for free

The cycling spring curtain falls this Sunday with one of those races that need no introduction. The Liège-Bastogne-Liège 2026 arrives with a lineup full of stars and the feeling that we are facing one of those days that can mark an era. Pogacar defends his dominance, Evenepoel wants to challenge him for the throne, Pidcock ensures excitement, and Seixas arrives as the great unknown that could shake everything up.

Liège 2026, a total test with Pogacar, Evenepoel, and Seixas on stage

The 112th edition of La Doyenne takes place on April 26 over 259.5 kilometers, starting and finishing in Liège. It is the oldest monument on the calendar and also one of the most complete, with a route that combines endurance, elevation gain, and the ability to decide both solo and in a small group.

Date, times, and where to watch Liège-Bastogne-Liège 2026

Liège-Bastogne-Liège 2026 will take place on Sunday, April 26, with departure from Liège at 10:00 and an estimated arrival around 16:00, depending on the race pace.

In Spain, the event can be followed for free starting at 13:10 through RTVE Play, which will offer the decisive stretch live. For those who want to watch the entire race, it will be available from the start on Eurosport, HBO Max, and other associated platforms that include its signal.

Route of Liège-Bastogne-Liège 2026

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The route of 259 km maintains the classic structure with a more controlled first half towards Bastogne and a return to Liège where all the toughness is concentrated. The race adds about 4,100 meters of elevation gain, making it a demanding test but open to different profiles.

The selection begins to take shape from the Côte de Wanne, about 88 kilometers from the finish, before chaining Stockeu, Haute-Levée, Rosier, Maquisard, and Desnié in a progressive wear-down.

The key point will again be La Redoute, 34 kilometers from the finish, where Pogacar has broken the race in recent editions. After cresting, the terrain remains demanding and allows for consolidating differences before the last major difficulty, the Roche-aux-Faucons, located 13 kilometers from the finish. From there, a descent and return to Liège, with room for both a definitive attack and a tactical finish.

Pogacar against all in Liège-Bastogne-Liège 2026

Tadej Pogacar is the big favorite. He has won three of the last five editions, and the last two he resolved with long-range attacks that went unanswered. This year he arrives with a preparation more focused on this race, which further strengthens his candidacy.

Remco Evenepoel is the most solid rival on paper. He already knows what it is to win here, having done so in 2022, and his ability to open gaps on climbs and maintain them fits perfectly with the finish in Liège.

Paul Seixas brings the unpredictable factor. He arrives at the best moment of his short career after dominating the Flèche Wallonne, but here he will have to prove that he can sustain that level for almost 260 kilometers against rivals of another dimension.

Tom Pidcock is another name to watch. He was already second in this race, and his profile fits well in a route where he can move before the finish or hold on in a small group. His condition after the Tour of the Alps will determine how far he can aspire.

Behind, names like Giulio Ciccone, Mattias Skjelmose, Lenny Martinez, Santiago Buitrago, Mauro Schmid, or Romain Grégoire complete a second tier with real podium options if the race opens up or the favorites falter.

Liège-Bastogne-Liège usually does not deceive. It is a race that ultimately puts everyone in their place after almost 260 kilometers of accumulated wear. Therefore, beyond names and predictions, what will be truly interesting is to see how and where the race breaks. Whether it will be again at La Redoute, if someone holds on until the Roche-aux-Faucons, or if, for once, the outcome is decided among several in the streets of Liège.