'We want to show resilience' – AG Insurance-Soudal must rely on younger squad to take on Ardennes without Liège champion Kim Le Court-Pienaar

AG Insurance-Soudal faces a challenging Ardennes Classics campaign this season without the presence of their star rider Kim Le Court-Pienaar, who won Liège-Bastogne-Liège in 2026. The African champion is sidelined due to a fractured wrist sustained in a crash at the Tour of Flanders, compounding an already difficult spring marked by earlier crashes. Belgian champion Justine Ghekiere is also absent after a crash at Milan-San Remo, leaving the team significantly weakened ahead of the key races in the Ardennes block. Despite these setbacks, sports director Jolien D'Hoore remains optimistic about the squad’s prospects, emphasising the opportunity for younger and less experienced riders to step up and take on greater responsibility. She highlighted the team's tactical evolution and growing depth, noting that the Ardennes races, which are less chaotic than the cobbled Classics, suit their strengths and allow for a more honest contest where physical form will be decisive. D'Hoore pointed to riders like Lore De Schepper, who can adopt freer roles, and Ashleigh Moolman Pasio, a consistent top-10 finisher, as key figures for the upcoming events. The team’s line-up for the Ardennes includes a blend of youth and experience, with riders such as Mireia Benito, Anya Louw, Nicole Steigenga, Ilse Pluimers, and Alex Manly joining Moolman Pasio in the hunt for strong results. D'Hoore praised the progress made by the team’s domestiques over the winter, both physically and tactically, which has expanded their options during races and strengthened the squad overall. She expressed pride in the team’s performances during the Belgian Classics, where they secured several top finishes, signalling a positive trajectory despite the absence of their leading climbers. Looking ahead, AG Insurance-Soudal aims to remain competitive by adopting an offensive racing style, willing to take risks and seize opportunities rather than waiting passively for decisive moves. The team’s strategy will focus on being present in key moments across the Amstel Gold Race, Flèche Wallonne, and Liège-Bastogne-Liège, with multiple riders positioned to contend rather than relying on a single leader. Success for the team will be measured not only in podiums but also in consistent presence in race finales and the development of younger riders stepping up to the challenge. Ultimately, the Ardennes Classics represent a test of resilience for AG Insurance-Soudal as they seek to demonstrate their depth and tactical maturity in the absence of their marquee names. While a repeat of last year’s Monument victory may be unlikely, the team’s renewed approach and collective ambition signal a determined effort to maintain their status as a competitive force in women’s cycling’s spring classics.