Can Vollering make it three in Liège? Analysing the contenders at Liège-Bastogne-Liège Femmes

As the 2026 Liège-Bastogne-Liège Femmes approaches, the spotlight is firmly on several leading contenders aiming to claim victory in one of the toughest races on the Women’s WorldTour calendar. The race, marking its 10th edition for women, features a challenging 156km route with 11 significant climbs, including the Côte de Stockeu and Côte de la Redoute, culminating in a flat finish in Liège city centre. Defending champion Kim Le Court-Pienaar will be absent due to injury, leaving the field wide open for riders such as Demi Vollering and Anna van der Breggen, both seeking a third title in this prestigious Ardennes classic. Demi Vollering enters the race as the clear favourite, boasting an impressive spring campaign highlighted by victories at Setmana Valenciana, Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, and the Tour of Flanders, capped by a dominant win at La Flèche Wallonne. The Dutch European Champion has a strong history at Liège, with two previous wins and multiple podium finishes, demonstrating her consistency and tactical acumen on the demanding course. Supported by a strong FDJ United-SUEZ team, including Elise Chabbey and Evita Muzic, Vollering is well-positioned to add another Monument to her palmarès. Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney and Puck Pieterse also feature prominently among the favourites. Niewiadoma-Phinney, despite a recent crash, has shown resilience with strong performances at Amstel Gold Race and La Flèche Wallonne, races she has won in the past but still seeks to conquer Liège. Meanwhile, Pieterse, at just 23, has rapidly established herself as a top contender with consistent podium finishes across the Ardennes classics, including a near-victory at Liège last year. Her recent second place on the Mur de Huy signals she is in excellent form and ready to challenge for the win. Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, fresh from a successful 2025 season with wins at Paris-Roubaix and the Tour de France, has set her sights on Liège as a key objective this year. Although her recent results at Liège have been modest, her strong performances in other Belgian classics suggest she could be a dark horse if she improves on the climbs. Lotte Kopecky, while not always present in the Ardennes, remains a contender thanks to her versatility and strength in one-day races, adding further depth to an already competitive field. With a mix of experienced champions and rising stars, the 2026 Liège-Bastogne-Liège Femmes promises an exciting conclusion to the Ardennes classics season. The absence of the reigning champion opens the door for a new winner, but the presence of multiple past victors ensures a fiercely contested race. As the riders tackle the punishing climbs and tactical complexities of the route, the event will not only test individual strength but also team strategy, making