Ahead of the fourth monument of 2024 this Sunday at Liege-Bastogne-Liege, all eyes are on Mathieu van der Poel and Tadej Pogacar. Could it be an outsider who takes victory though? Belgian cycling expert Michel Wuyts refuses to rule it out.
A winner in Liege back in 2021, Pogacar will start as the favourite according to many, mostly due to his superior climbing ability as opposed to van der Poel. "I banish for a moment the thought that a fresh Pogacar is already tearing Van der Poel to shreds at La Redoute," Wuyts argues in conversation with HLN however. "I also hold the notion that it is by no means certain that each will make it to Liege. Wallonne's twisty roads claim victims."
With van der Poel having just six race days in his legs so far this season and Pogacar just nine, Wuyts also believes the fact they are so selective with when and where they race is a massive advantage to them as the season goes on.
"That Van der Poel and Pogacar excelled is down to their exceptional gifts. And minimalism in their planning. Those who do not start often are less likely to smash," Wuyts explains. "Mathieu will ride his seventh race on Sunday, Tadej his tenth. It speaks for itself that Van der Poel is the man of the spring with three classic wins. Should Pogacar also take Liege after his unreal raid at Strade Biance, he still slides alongside."
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