“`html
Will the “Old Lady” Finally Deliver the Pogacar vs. Evenepoel Showdown We’ve Been Waiting for?
Table of Contents
- Will the “Old Lady” Finally Deliver the Pogacar vs. Evenepoel Showdown We’ve Been Waiting for?
- Liège-Bastogne-Liège 2025: Will Pogacar vs. Evenepoel Finally Happen? An Expert Weighs In
Forget the Super Bowl; this Sunday, cycling fans are glued to their screens for Liège-Bastogne-Liège, the “Doyenne” (Old Lady), the fourth monument of the season. Why? Because Tadej Pogacar and Remco Evenepoel, two titans of the sport, are set to collide in a battle that’s been years in the making. Will it finally happen? Or will another surprise winner emerge, like Mattias Skjelmose did at the Amstel Gold Race?
A Week of Near Misses and Soaked Arrows
The week leading up to Liège has been a tantalizing appetizer. At the Amstel Gold Race,Pogacar was shadowed,ultimately losing in a three-man sprint to Skjelmose. But Evenepoel arguably made a bigger statement,single-handedly driving Skjelmose to Pogacar,a rare sight of the Slovenian not converting a solo attack into victory.
Then came the Flèche Wallonne, a mid-week classic known for its brutal Mur de Huy finish. Pogacar, sporting the rainbow jersey of the world champion, dominated, launching a blistering attack 400 meters from the line in the pouring rain. he left Kevin Vauquelin and Tom Pidcock in his wake, securing his second flèche Wallonne victory. Evenepoel finished ninth, perhaps saving his legs for the longer, more demanding Liège-Bastogne-Liège.
Liège-Bastogne-Liège: A History of Missed Connections
The Doyenne hasn’t exactly been a happy hunting ground for head-to-head battles between Pogacar and Evenepoel. It’s been a series of near misses and unfortunate circumstances. Think of it like a rom-com where the protagonists keep missing each other at the airport.
2021: Pogacar’s triumph, Evenepoel’s Recovery
In 2021, Pogacar claimed his first Liège victory, but Evenepoel was still recovering from a serious crash at the Tour of Lombardy. He wasn’t at his best, and the anticipated duel never materialized.
2022: Evenepoel’s Breakthrough, Pogacar’s Loss
The following year, evenepoel secured his first Liège-Bastogne-Liège win, but Pogacar was absent due to the tragic passing of his mother-in-law. A bittersweet victory for the young Belgian.
2023: The Crash and the Solo Victory
2023 promised the showdown everyone craved, but disaster struck. pogacar crashed with 85 kilometers remaining, fracturing his wrist and abandoning the race. Evenepoel seized the chance,riding to his second consecutive victory.It was like watching the Yankees lose their star pitcher in the first inning.
2024: pogacar’s Redemption, Evenepoel’s Absence
Last year, Evenepoel was sidelined, recovering from an accident in the Basque Country. Pogacar, hungry for redemption, dominated the race, adding another monument to his palmares. The rivalry remained on hold.
The Stakes Are High: Legacy and Legend
This year, the stage is finally set. Both Pogacar and Evenepoel are in top form, hungry for victory, and eager to prove their dominance. This isn’t just about winning a race; it’s about cementing their legacy in cycling history. It’s about etching their names alongside legends like Eddy Merckx,who,as the article notes,remains the only rider to have won both the Tour of Flanders and Liège-Bastogne-Liège.
For Pogacar, a win would further solidify his status as one of the greatest cyclists of all time. He’s already conquered the Tour de France twice, and adding a third Liège-Bastogne-Liège title would be another feather in his cap. He’s aiming to close out the classics season with a bang,a “fragorous” finish,as the original article puts it.
For Evenepoel,victory would be a statement of intent.After a difficult winter, he’s looking to prove that he’s back to his best and ready to challenge Pogacar for supremacy in the years to come.He wants to show the world that he’s not just a one-day racer but a Grand Tour contender as well.
The Contenders: beyond the Two-Man Show
While the focus is undoubtedly on Pogacar and Evenepoel, liège-Bastogne-Liège is never a two-man race. The article mentions Mattias Skjelmose and Tom Pidcock as potential spoilers. skjelmose, fresh off his Amstel Gold race victory, is riding high on confidence. Pidcock, a versatile rider with a strong sprint, finished third at Flèche Wallonne and was Evenepoel’s “Dauphin” in 2023. He’s always a threat.
The French contingent,
Liège-Bastogne-Liège 2025: Will Pogacar vs. Evenepoel Finally Happen? An Expert Weighs In
Time.news delves into the highly anticipated Liège-Bastogne-Liège 2025, exploring the potential showdown between cycling stars Tadej Pogacar and Remco Evenepoel. To gain deeper insights, we spoke with renowned cycling analyst, Dr. Anya Petrova, about the dynamics of the race and what fans can expect.
Time.news: Dr. Petrova, thanks for joining us. Liège-Bastogne-Liège, or “La Doyenne,” is almost here, and everyone’s talking about Pogacar versus Evenepoel. Why is this race so special, and why is this rivalry generating so much buzz?
dr. Petrova: Thanks for having me. liège-Bastogne-Liège is one of cycling’s five Monuments – the oldest and most prestigious one-day races. It demands incredible endurance and tactical prowess. The pogacar-Evenepoel rivalry is so captivating because they represent two different eras and styles of cycling. Both are incredibly talented, both have already won Liège-Bastogne-Liège twice [2] [3] , and a true head-to-head battle has eluded us for years due to various circumstances. There’s a real hunger to see who will emerge victorious.
Time.news: The article mentions a history of “missed connections” between these two at liège-Bastogne-Liège. Can you elaborate on why their paths haven’t crossed decisively in this race before?
Dr.Petrova: Absolutely. In 2021, when Pogacar won, Evenepoel was still recovering from a major crash. in 2022, Evenepoel took the victory, but pogacar was absent due to a personal tragedy. Then,in 2023,Pogacar crashed out early,paving the way for Evenepoel’s second win. And last year, Evenepoel was injured. It’s been a series of unfortunate events that have prevented a true showdown.
Time.news: Pogacar seems to be coming off a strong Flèche Wallonne win. How might that performance affect his strategy and confidence going into Liège-Bastogne-Liège?
dr.Petrova: Winning Flèche Wallonne in the rainbow jersey of the world champion is a notable psychological boost. He clearly has the form. However, Liège-Bastogne-Liège is a different beast – longer and more demanding. Evenepoel skipping Flèche Wallonne to save his legs could prove a very smart move.
Time.news: The article emphasizes that Liège-Bastogne-Liège is rarely a two-man race. Who else should fans be watching out for as potential contenders?
Dr. Petrova: That’s a crucial point. Mattias Skjelmose,fresh off his Amstel Gold Race win,has to be considered a threat. He’s riding with immense confidence.tom Pidcock is another rider to watch; his versatility and strong sprint make him hazardous, especially if he can stay with the leaders in the final kilometers.The young riders are dominating the Spring Classics [1]
Time.news: Any final expert tips for our readers as they prepare to watch Liège-Bastogne-Liège?
Dr. petrova: Remember that Liège-Bastogne-Liège is a war of attrition. The rider with the best endurance, tactical awareness, and crucially, team support, will likely prevail. Don’t focus solely on Pogacar and Evenepoel; keep an eye on those dark horse contenders who could sieze their possibility. And most importantly, enjoy the spectacle! It’s a historic race with the potential for a truly unforgettable moment.