Classic Liège-Bastogne-Liège | Remco Evenepoel wins a second title

(Liège) Thanks to an impressive attack, world champion Remco Evenepoel won the Liège-Bastogne-Liège cycling classic for the second year in a row on Sunday, while Tadej Pogacar, his main rival, fell and suffered a fracture on the left wrist.

Back in the race after three weeks of training at altitude, Evenepoel was the strongest of an event contested in difficult and rainy conditions, and he remained undefeated in this prestigious race. The versatile Belgian had also beaten all his rivals last year, in his first participation in “La Doyenne”.

Evenepoel negotiated the 258.1 km of the event in 6h 15 minutes 49 seconds, or 66 seconds ahead of Briton Thomas Pidcock and Colombian Santiago Buitrago Sanchez.

Canadian Michael Woods finished 12th, one minute 48 seconds behind the winner, while Quebecer Guillaume Boivin failed to cross the finish line.

For his part, Pogacar was forced to retire after 85 kilometers and will have to undergo an operation. It was not possible to know on Sunday whether this injury will prevent him from participating in the Tour de France, which will be held from July 1.

Informed of the misfortunes of his rival, Evenepoel said he wished he was doing well.

“It’s a shame he couldn’t complete the race, but that’s part of the competition. Anyone can fall; I experienced it too. »

Earlier, on Sunday, the Dutch Demi Vollering had won the women’s section, in 3:50:47.

Quebecers Olivia Baril (4:05:14) from Rouyn-Noranda, Clara Émond (4:05:28) from Quebec and Magdeleine Vallières Mill (4:05:42) from Sherbrooke finished 65th, 67th and 71st respectively.