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Liège-Bastogne-Liège
Liège-Bastogne-Liège, also known as La Doyenne (The Oldest), is the oldest of the five Monuments of cycling and is considered the highlight of the Ardennes Week. The one-day race takes place every year in April in the Belgian region of Wallonia and leads riders over approximately 260 kilometers through the challenging Ardennes with their characteristic short but extremely steep climbs.
History and Tradition
Liège-Bastogne-Liège was first held in 1892, making it the oldest still existing cycling race in the world that takes place annually. The name precisely describes the route: The race starts in Liège, leads south to the turning point in Bastogne and then returns to Liège.
The Legend of La Doyenne
The nickname "La Doyenne" not only emphasizes the great age of the race, but also its special status in the cycling world. While Paris-Roubaix stands for cobblestones and the Tour of Flanders is known for its hellingen, the short, brutal climbs of the Ardennes define the character of Liège-Bastogne-Liège.
The Key Climbs
The Ardennes Classics are characterized by their typical Côtes - short, steep climbs that often lead through wooded areas. At Liège-Bastogne-Liège, riders must tackle up to ten of these challenging hills in the last 100 kilometers.
The Most Famous Côtes
Côte de La Redoute - The Decisive Climb
The Côte de La Redoute is considered the key climb of the race. Located about 35 kilometers from the finish, this is often the point where the favorites launch their decisive attacks. With sections of up to 22% gradient and an average gradient of almost 9% over 2 kilometers, La Redoute separates the wheat from the chaff.
Finale of Liège-Bastogne-Liège
The last 40 kilometers with all climbs:
- Côte de la Haute-Levée (km 210)
- Côte de La Redoute (km 225)
- Côte des Forges (km 233)
- Côte de la Roche-aux-Faucons (km 245)
- Côte de Saint-Nicolas (km 254)
- Flat finale to Liège (km 260)
Records and Legends
Record Winners
Eddy Merckx, the "Cannibal" of cycling, dominated Liège-Bastogne-Liège in the early 1970s with five wins. His record has not been surpassed to this day. Alejandro Valverde achieved remarkable consistency in the Ardennes with four wins over eleven years.
Memorable Races
2011 - Philippe Gilbert's Solo Triumph: The Belgian Philippe Gilbert attacked as early as 60 kilometers from the finish and rode alone to victory - a rare solo adventure in the modern era of tactical racing.
1980 - Bernard Hinault's Snow Race: In freezing temperatures and snowfall, Hinault won after one of the toughest editions of all time. Only 21 of 174 starters reached the finish.
2020 - Primož Roglič's Sprint Victory: The Slovenian proved his versatility and defeated Julian Alaphilippe in the sprint - a rare outcome for this selective race.
Tactics and Race Characteristics
Typical Race Progression
- Early Breakaway Group (km 0-100) - Control by favorite teams
- Ardennes Begin (km 100-180) - Pace increases, field gets smaller
- Decisive Phase (km 180-240) - Attacks on La Redoute
- Final Selection (km 240-255) - Small leading group
- Sprint/Solo to Finish (km 255-260)
Rider Requirements
Liège-Bastogne-Liège demands a unique requirement profile:
- Explosive Power: For the repeated steep climbs
- Base Endurance: Over 6 hours of racing time over 260 kilometers
- Recovery Ability: Quick recovery between the Côtes
- Tactical Skill: Knowing when to attack
- Mental Strength: Persevering despite physical exhaustion
Typical Winner Profiles
Unlike Paris-Roubaix (GC riders) or Milan-Sanremo (sprinters), Liège-Bastogne-Liège is usually won by Ardennes specialists or complete all-rounders with good sprint qualities:
- Punchers with explosive climbing power
- Light GC riders
- Riders with good sprint from small group
- Tactically skilled individual fighters
The Ardennes Week
Liège-Bastogne-Liège traditionally forms the highlight and conclusion of the Ardennes Week, which includes three important one-day races:
- Amstel Gold Race (Netherlands) - Sunday
- Flèche Wallonne (Belgium, Wednesday) - with the famous Mur de Huy
- Liège-Bastogne-Liège (Belgium, Sunday) - La Doyenne
Triple Crown of the Ardennes
Only a few riders have won all three Ardennes Classics in one year:
- Davide Rebellin (2004)
- Philippe Gilbert (2011)
- Alejandro Valverde (2006, only Amstel and Flèche)
The "Ardennes Triple Crown" - winning all three races in one year - is one of the rarest achievements in cycling.
Modern Race
Route Today
The modern route has evolved over the years but maintains the classic structure:
- Start: Liège (Quai Mativa)
- Turning Point: Bastogne (after approx. 130 km)
- Decision: Ardennes finale with the legendary Côtes
- Finish: Liège (Avenue Blonden or Boulevard de la Sauvenière)
Women's Race
Since 1997, there has also been Liège-Bastogne-Liège Femmes for women. The race is shorter (approx. 140 km), but contains the same famous climbs and has developed into one of the most prestigious one-day races in women's cycling.
Significance in the Cycling Calendar
As one of the five Monuments of cycling, Liège-Bastogne-Liège stands on a par with:
- Milan-Sanremo (Italy)
- Tour of Flanders (Belgium)
- Paris-Roubaix (France)
- Giro di Lombardia (Italy)
The 5 Monuments
- Milan-Sanremo: Longest race, sprinter's chance
- Tour of Flanders: Hellingen + cobblestones
- Paris-Roubaix: Hell of the North, pavé
- Liège-Bastogne-Liège: Ardennes Côtes, oldest race
- Giro di Lombardia: Autumn classic, Italian Alps
A victory at La Doyenne defines careers and secures a place in the history books of cycling.
Checklist: Factors for Victory
Which elements lead to success at Liège-Bastogne-Liège?
- Form at the Right Time - Ardennes timing is crucial
- Strong Team - Helpers for pace-making and positioning
- Explosive Legs - For repeated attacks on steep Côtes
- Tactical Intelligence - Knowing when to attack
- Weather Resistance - Often cold, wet conditions in April
- Experience - Knowledge of climbs and critical moments
- Sprint from Small Group - If it comes to a group finish
- Mental Strength - 6+ hours of suffering ability