Liege ’26: Pogačar Rules Liège Again – Seixas Shines, Evenepoel Fades

Tadej Pogačar secured his fourth victory at the 112th Liège-Bastogne-Liège, reaffirming his dominance in the Ardennes Classics. The 259.5km race unfolded with an unusually aggressive start, featuring a massive breakaway of around fifty riders, including Remco Evenepoel, which disrupted the traditional race dynamics. This early move forced teams like UAE Team Emirates and Decathlon-CMA CGM into a reactive chase, as their leaders found themselves temporarily isolated behind the break. The race’s unpredictability set the stage for a gripping contest rather than a straightforward Pogačar triumph. As the race progressed, the breakaway began to fragment under the pressure of the peloton’s pursuit, with key teams such as INEOS Grenadiers and Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe driving the tempo to reel in the escapees. Tim Wellens played a crucial role in bridging the gap for Pogačar, while Decathlon-CMA CGM worked hard to support their young leader Paul Seixas, who was initially caught behind. The decisive moments came on the iconic climbs of La Redoute and Roche-aux-Faucons, where Pogačar launched sharp attacks that tested his rivals’ resolve. Seixas matched the Slovenian’s surges with impressive tenacity, signalling the arrival of a new contender, while Evenepoel, having expended energy early, faded from contention. The battle between Pogačar and Seixas became the defining narrative of the day, with the French teenager showing remarkable resilience against the reigning champion. However, on the Côte de la Roche-aux-Faucons, Pogačar’s relentless acceleration proved decisive, as Seixas was unable to respond and the gap quickly extended. From there, Pogačar rode solo to the finish in Liège, comfortably securing victory and moving one win shy of Eddy Merckx’s record in the race. Seixas held on to second place with a commendable performance, while Evenepoel managed to claim third despite his earlier efforts. Pogačar’s win not only cements his legacy in one of cycling’s oldest Monuments but also highlights the emergence of Paul Seixas as a promising new talent in the sport. The race demonstrated that while Pogačar remains the benchmark in the Ardennes, the competition is intensifying with fresh challengers ready to push him. The emotional tribute Pogačar paid to his late teammate Cristian Camilo Muñoz after the finish added a poignant note to a fiercely contested event. Looking ahead, the rivalry between Pogačar and Seixas could shape the future of the Spring Classics, signalling an exciting era for electric motorsport and cycling enthusiasts alike.