TADEJ POGACAR AND MAURITIUS’ KIM LE COURT CLAIM LIÈGE-BASTOGNE-LIÈGE GLORY…..read more…..
In a breathtaking display of power, strategy, and sheer determination, Tadej Pogačar and Kim Le Court etched their names into cycling history by winning the men’s and women’s editions of the prestigious Liège-Bastogne-Liège race. The historic Belgian classic, known as “La Doyenne” for being the oldest of cycling’s Monuments, delivered drama, heartbreak, and moments of pure sporting brilliance as two champions from very different backgrounds stood atop the podium.
Tadej Pogačar, the Slovenian phenomenon and two-time Tour de France champion, proved once again why he is considered one of the greatest talents of his generation. Meanwhile, Kim Le Court, the rising star from Mauritius, stunned the cycling world by securing her first Monument victory, an incredible feat that signals a new chapter not only for her career but for African cycling as a whole.
For Pogačar, the race unfolded as a masterclass in patience and devastating timing. After a cautious start where he allowed his rivals to control the early pace, the UAE Team Emirates leader made his move with 30 kilometers to go, on the grueling slopes of La Redoute — the climb that has often been the springboard for race-defining attacks.
With his trademark effortless cadence and explosive acceleration, Pogačar distanced the competition almost immediately. Neither reigning champion Remco Evenepoel, who suffered an ill-timed mechanical, nor French star Julian Alaphilippe could mount a response. By the final 10 kilometers, it became clear that the battle was no longer for first place, but for the remaining spots on the podium.
Crossing the finish line solo in Liège, Pogačar raised his arms high, a broad smile on his face. It was a moment of redemption after crashing out of the 2023 edition and a statement of his dominance early in the 2025 season.
“It’s incredible to win here,” Pogačar said after the race. “Liège is one of the most beautiful and hardest races in the world. Last year I had bad luck, but this year everything went perfectly. I felt great on the climbs, the team was amazing, and I just went full gas when I saw the opportunity.”
Behind him, the sprint for second place was won by Britain’s Tom Pidcock, with Denmark’s Mattias Skjelmose rounding out the podium in third. Evenepoel, heroic despite his mechanical issues, finished a gutsy fifth.
Yet, as Pogačar basked in his moment of triumph, another, perhaps even more surprising story was unfolding in the women’s race.
Kim Le Court, who has been steadily rising through the ranks but remained relatively unknown on the European stage, produced the ride of her life. Riding for AG Insurance–Soudal Team, Le Court made a daring solo move with just over 25 kilometers to go, attacking on the Côte de la Roche-aux-Faucons and catching the favorites off guard.
Heavy hitters like Demi Vollering and Lotte Kopecky hesitated, perhaps underestimating the determination of the Mauritian rider. That split-second of indecision was all Le Court needed. Pushing herself to the absolute limit, she maintained a slim but steady advantage over a hard-charging group of elite chasers.
As she entered the final kilometer alone, the realization of what she was about to achieve seemed to hit her. Tears were visible as she crossed the line, hands trembling in victory.
“This is unbelievable,” Le Court said, visibly emotional during the post-race interview. “I dreamed of racing and winning in Europe. To do it here, at Liège-Bastogne-Liège, among the greatest riders in the world — it’s more than I ever imagined. I raced with my heart today.”
Her victory marks a historic moment for Mauritius, making her the first cyclist from the small island nation to win one of cycling’s Monuments. The ripple effect of her win is expected to inspire a new generation of African and island athletes to believe in the possibility of competing — and winning — on the world stage.
Behind Le Court, Dutch rider Demi Vollering led the chase group home to take second place, while Italy’s Elisa Longo Borghini finished third after a brutal day of racing.
Both races showcased the unpredictable beauty of Liège-Bastogne-Liège — a race where strategy, strength, and courage all intertwine on the punishing Ardennes hills. For Pogačar, the win reinforces his status as the man to beat heading into the Grand Tours. For Kim Le Court, it is the beginning of what promises to be an inspiring journey.
As fans lined the streets and celebrated these hard-fought victories, it was clear that Liège-Bastogne-Liège had delivered another unforgettable chapter to its rich, storied history. And for both Pogačar and Le Court, the road to greatness now stretches even further ahead — fueled by dreams, daring, and glory.
