"It is by no means certain that either Pogacar or Van der Poel will reach Liege" - Michel Wuyts refuses to rule out surprise result at Liege-Bastogne-Liege
Cycling
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."
Kieran WoodDeputy Editor-in-Chief
Kieran Wood is a sports journalist based in Wales and has been active in journalism since 2022. He regularly contributes to DartsNews.com and CyclingUpToDate.com, where he covers professional cycling and darts. In cycling, his work includes liveblogs from major races, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España, alongside race reports and analysis. He has also conducted interviews with professional riders.
His reporting spans the full racing calendar, from one-day classics to stage races, with a focus on accurate, real-time coverage and clear contextual analysis. For statistics, results, and historical context, he regularly uses resources such as ProCyclingStats. To support reporting on rider activity and training context where relevant, he also references Strava.
In his work, Kieran places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles as new, verified information becomes available.
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Tadej Pogačar did a Liege Bastogne Liege recon today. 🌧️
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