Tadej Pogacar delivered a stunning performance today, April 27, 2025, winning the 111th edition of Liège-Bastogne-Liège and securing his place in cycling history with his ninth Monument victory. The Slovenian cyclist, riding for UAE Team Emirates - XRG, showcased his exceptional skills on the challenging Belgian terrain, dominating the race with a decisive attack on the Côte de La Redoute, 34 kilometers from the finish line.
Pogacar's victory marks his third at Liège-Bastogne-Liège, having previously triumphed in 2021 and 2024. His time of 6 hours, 0 minutes, and 9 seconds not only earned him the win but also set the stage for a remarkable spring campaign, where he achieved four victories and three podium finishes across seven races. This includes his wins at the Strade Bianche, Tour des Flandres, and Flèche Wallonne, along with second-place finishes at Paris-Roubaix and the Amstel Gold Race, and a third at Milan-Sanremo.
As the race unfolded, Pogacar's competitors were left trailing in his wake. After his attack on the Côte de La Redoute, no one could match his pace. "It wasn't necessarily the plan to attack there, but I saw that the peloton was quite damaged by previous efforts, so I decided to give it a go," Pogacar reflected after his victory. His strategy proved effective as he rapidly extended his lead, finishing 1 minute and 20 seconds ahead of his closest rivals, Giulio Ciccone and Ben Healy, who completed the podium in second and third place, respectively.
The race began with a competitive spirit, as a breakaway group formed early on. However, this group was caught 60 kilometers from the finish during the ascent of the Col du Rosier. As the race progressed, the tension mounted among the favorites, with Pogacar’s attack on the iconic Côte de La Redoute marking the turning point of the event. While many anticipated a fierce battle between Pogacar and fellow competitor Remco Evenepoel, the Belgian struggled and ultimately finished 59th, over three minutes behind the winner.
Despite the lack of suspense regarding the lead, the race saw fierce competition for the remaining podium spots. Ciccone and Healy, both strong climbers, managed to fend off a late challenge from Julian Alaphilippe and Tom Pidcock, who were part of the chasing group. Ciccone ultimately out-sprinted Healy to claim second place, further solidifying his reputation as a formidable competitor in the cycling world.
With this victory, Pogacar not only adds to his impressive resume but also inches closer to the legendary Eddy Merckx, who holds the record for the most Monument wins at 19. Currently, Pogacar stands alongside Costante Girardengo, Sean Kelly, and Fausto Coppi, each with nine Monument victories. As the cycling community reflects on his achievements, it's clear that Pogacar is on a path to greatness.
As the race concluded, the atmosphere was electric, with fans cheering for Pogacar as he crossed the finish line. "It's really nice to finish the first part of the season like this. Everything went well, and for now, my season is perfect," he expressed, beaming with satisfaction. His performance today was a testament to his hard work and dedication, as he now prepares for a well-deserved break before returning to competition at the Critérium du Dauphiné in June. This upcoming race will serve as a crucial preparation for his next significant goal: the Tour de France, scheduled for July 5-27, where he aims to capture a fourth title.
Pogacar's impressive spring campaign has placed him firmly in the spotlight, and his ability to perform under pressure is a hallmark of his career. As he steps back to recharge, the cycling world will undoubtedly be watching closely, anticipating his next moves and the potential for further historical achievements. With his sights set on the Tour de France, fans and competitors alike are eager to see how this rising star will continue to shape the future of cycling.
In conclusion, Tadej Pogacar's victory at Liège-Bastogne-Liège not only cements his status as one of the sport's elite but also highlights the exciting future of professional cycling. As he prepares for the challenges ahead, his fans can look forward to more thrilling performances from this extraordinary athlete.
