"For Tadej Pogacar it is the best scenario if he can attack from far" - Course designer predicts long-range Liege-Bastogne-Liege attacks

In modern racing, the attacking seems to open earlier and earlier every race. With both Tadej Pogacar and Mathieu van der Poel having long-range solos in the bag already this season, could another be on the cards at Liege-Bastogne-Liege.

"For Pogacar it is the best scenario if he can attack from far away, but I don't think he aspires to such a long solo as in Strade Bianche," ASO course designer Jean-Michel Monin previews through a communiqué. "I expect his team to keep the pace very high towards the important climbs, from the Cote de Mont-le-Soie. It is about a hundred kilometres from the finish."

Monin also has a place in mind where the race-winning attack could potentially come from Pogacar. "I can see him going on the Cote de la Redoute, where Remco Evenepoel also placed his attack over the past two years. He has the ability to finish from there," he previews. "On the other hand, if we go to the Cote de la Roche-aux-Faucons after the Redoute with some favourites, Pogacar may also worry about his chances compared to those of van der Poel in the absolute final phase."

Despite Pogacar starting as favourite, Monin believes there will be opportunity for van der Poel, especially given the weather. "There is a headwind in the final, which may mean that other riders can attack later and the race will remain closed for longer," he explains. "That is an advantage for him. It is important for Mathieu that the race is decided in a sprint with a small group, but even then he could still be beaten."