Sean Kelly Talks Liège-Bastogne-Liège

Sean Kelly, renowned as the ‘King of the Classics’, shared his insights on Liège-Bastogne-Liège, one of cycling’s oldest and most demanding monuments. With two victories in the race during the 1980s and a record only surpassed by Moreno Argentin and Eddy Merckx, Kelly’s perspective carries significant weight. He described Liège as a race characterised by a gradual wearing-down process rather than the aggressive battles seen in races like Flanders or Paris-Roubaix, emphasising its cleaner parcours and fewer crashes, which make it somewhat safer. Reflecting on the course, Kelly noted that while the route has remained largely consistent since his racing days, the finale has become notably tougher with the finish now located on a steep climb in Ans. He highlighted the importance of endurance and versatility in conquering the long climbs, pointing out that winners have often been either strong climbers or powerful riders capable of sustaining high efforts over extended distances. Kelly cited Moreno Argentin as an example of a rider who won through sheer strength rather than climbing prowess. Discussing his two wins in 1984 and 1989, Kelly described both as challenging but in different ways. The 1984 victory came from a sprint among a large group, while the 1989 win was secured from a small breakaway that narrowly held off the chasing peloton. He recalled key rivals such as Phil Anderson, Laurent Fignon, and Pedro Delgado, all of whom were formidable competitors in those editions. The tactical dynamics of the race, especially the importance of maintaining a gap in the final kilometres, were crucial elements in his successes. Kelly also reflected on the evolution of the sport, particularly the trend towards specialisation among riders. Unlike today’s riders who often focus on specific types of races, Kelly and his contemporaries competed across a broad range of events throughout the season. He mentioned how riders like Greg LeMond initially raced widely before narrowing their focus, a pattern that became more pronounced with later champions such as Miguel Indurain and Lance Armstrong. This shift has led to the emergence of specialists in cobbled classics and Ardennes races, reflecting the modern demands of professional cycling.