Highlights: 2026 Liège–Bastogne–Liège | Race favorites solo to victory
260km and 11 classified climbs, this is the 112th edition of Liège–Bastogne–Liège
Under blue Ardennes skies, the 2026 edition of Liège–Bastogne–Liège – the oldest of the Monuments – unfolded with a blend of tension and inevitability. The rolling roads of Wallonia lulled the peloton into a fragile calm before the decisive climbs of La Redoute and La Roche-aux-Faucons – ripped the races apart. What followed, in both the men’s and women’s events, were finales defined by power, timing and the ability to dig deep.
Men’s Race Highlights
The men’s race ignited on La Redoute, where Tadej Pogačar first tested his rivals with his trademark acceleration that shattered the front group. Only Paul Seixas could respond, clinging on with remarkable composure as the pair opened a gap. Initially, it looked like the young Frenchman might match the world champion’s pace – but on the brutal slopes of Roche-aux-Faucons, Pogačar’s pace was simply too much for Seixas and he let the champs wheel – and any chance of victory – go.
Up front, Pogačar’s solo run into Liège felt almost ceremonial. Refusing to crack completely, Seixas rode a measured final few kilometers to hold onto second – his breakthrough ride sealed not just by strength, but by tactical maturity beyond his years. Behind, Skjelmose who was clearly the third best rider on the climbs today, rode solo in third place for a while before the chase group caught him. In the end, Remco Evenepoel won the sprint from a select group, to secure third place.
Women’s Race Highlights
The women’s race crescendoed in similarly dramatic fashion, with Demi Vollering orchestrating the finale with authority. The race began to splinter on La Redoute, but it was on Roche-aux-Faucons that Vollering made her winning move with an attack that moved her clear of the rest. Among the followers was Puck Pieterse, who responded and kept the contest alive for a while. Yet as the gradient increased, Vollering continued to power clear and she committed fully to a solo bid.
Behind the flying Vollering, Pieterse, van der Breggen and Niewiadoma formed the chase group but were unable to close or maintain the gap to the lone leader. Vollering’s ride into Liège was one for the books and she finished 1min29 clear of the chase group. Puck Pieterse won the sprint for second place edging out Niewiadoma who took the final podium spot ahead of veteran van der Breggen. //