'It hurts, a lot' - Defending champion Kim Le Court-Pienaar forced to watch career-defining Liège-Bastogne-Liège from the sidelines

Kim Le Court-Pienaar, the defending champion of Liège-Bastogne-Liège Femmes, will be absent from this year’s race due to a broken wrist sustained in a crash at the Tour of Flanders. Her injury has forced her to watch the event from the sidelines, a situation she describes as deeply painful given the significance of the race to her career. Last year’s victory marked a landmark achievement, making her the first African rider to win a Monument, a feat that elevated her status within the sport and resonated strongly with fans, particularly in her native Mauritius. Reflecting on her absence, Le Court-Pienaar expressed a mix of frustration and renewed determination. She conveyed how much the race means to her and how missing out on defending her title leaves a void, yet it has also intensified her passion for cycling. Her words reveal the emotional toll of injury on athletes, highlighting the mental challenge of being sidelined during such a pivotal moment in the season. Despite the setback, she remains committed to supporting her team and encourages her teammates to embrace the race with belief and pride. Le Court-Pienaar’s victory at Liège-Bastogne-Liège was a defining moment in a career already marked by significant achievements, including stage wins at the Giro d’Italia in 2024 and the Tour de France in 2025, where she also donned the yellow jersey. These milestones underscore her rising prominence in women’s cycling and her ability to perform at the highest level across multiple prestigious events. Her success has not only advanced her personal career but also brought greater visibility to African cycling on the global stage. Looking ahead, AG Insurance-Soudal, the team she rides for, will compete without her but with a strong lineup featuring riders such as Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio and Urška Žigart. Le Court-Pienaar’s message to her teammates emphasises resilience and the emotional strength required to tackle the demanding course of Liège-Bastogne-Liège. While she will miss the thrill of racing this year, her presence and spirit remain a motivating force for her team as they aim to uphold the standards she set as the reigning champion.