Tadej Pogacar wins an epic Liege-Bastogne-Liege 2024 with a devastating attack on La Redoute
The low temperatures and rain made the 2024 Liege-Bastogne-Liege epic, in which Tadej Pogacar showed he was a level above super cyclists like Mathieu van der Poel or Tom Pidcock. A well-planned and executed race by UAE made it possible for Pogacar to launch a devastating attack on the toughest part of La Redoute, to which no one could respond.
Devastating attack by Pogacar to win an epic Liege-Bastogne-Liege 2024
With temperatures below 4°C and most cyclists dressed warmly, the Liege-Bastogne-Liege 2024 started in Wallonia. The weather conditions changed during the 259 km of this fourth Monument, and although the sun came out, rain and cold were the protagonists of this epic edition.
In the first 30 kilometers, a predictable and numerous breakaway of 9 cyclists was consolidated, but it was soon evident that UAE was directing the race from the peloton. The script of the first half of the race had few surprises, and despite the advantage of the escapees, everything seemed under control from behind.
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At 98 km from the finish line, just as the breakaway was about to be neutralized, a significant crash occurred in the peloton involving up to 8 cyclists, including Van der Poel. It was undoubtedly one of the key moments of the race as the peloton split in two and the world champion was left in a more delayed group along with other favorites, like Tom Pidcock.
With the breakaway neutralized and UAE pulling the first group, British rider Tom Pidcock took the spotlight to jump from the rear group and along with Van der Poel, Pello, and Aranburu, among others, managed to catch up with the leading group. An effort that could have taken its toll in a closely contested finish if Pogacar had given any opportunity.
C’est le moment ! Attaque de @TamauPogi dans La Redoute
— Liège-Bastogne-Liège (@LiegeBastogneL) April 21, 2024
It’s Pogi time in La Redoute#LBL pic.twitter.com/E3ikHHO268
At 35 km from the finish line, on the iconic climb to La Redoute and with an easy pedaling, Pogacar imposed a devastating pace that left the rest of the favorites as mere mortals. From there to the finish line, rain and sun alternated again, but nothing stopped the Slovenian who crossed the line in first place with over a minute and a half lead over Bardet, second place, and two minutes over Mathieu van der Poel, third place.
With this victory, Pogacar adds his sixth Monument and confirms his great form for the upcoming Giro d'Italia starting in 2 weeks.