“It’s not just two or three guys who can win” – Tadej Pogacar downplays Evenepoel-Seixas focus ahead of Liège-Bastogne-Liège 2026

Tadej Pogacar heads into Liège-Bastogne-Liège with confidence in both his condition and preparation, but also with a clear message about the depth of competition he expects to face in Sunday’s Monument.

Speaking to Cycling Pro Net on the eve of the race, the Slovenian pushed back against the idea that the outcome will be decided solely between a small group of favourites. “It’s not just two or three guys who can win,” he said. “There are many more, and we need to be ready for everybody.”

Pogacar arrives in Liège after a Spring campaign that has already delivered victories at Strade Bianche and the Tour of Flanders, alongside a second place at Paris-Roubaix, but indicated that his recovery has gone to plan. “Yeah, pretty good. I’ve recovered and I’m ready to try the climbs tomorrow.”

His approach to the race itself remains consistent with previous years, built around preparation and trust in both his form and his team. “Like every year. Yesterday was a nice recon and a good final training. Today was an easy ride with a coffee. Tomorrow it’s all in. We have a good team. It’s a strong field, but we’re motivated.”

While this year’s route includes an additional climb before the final circuit, Pogacar does not expect it to significantly alter the overall shape of the race. “It’s not a big difference. We’ve done that climb before, now it’s just one more. But this race was already hard last year and this year will be more or less the same.”

As ever in Liège-Bastogne-Liège, he believes the decisive factor will come down to accumulated fatigue rather than route design alone. “In the end it’s always about fatigue in the legs. Maybe it’s a bit harder on paper, but we’ll see tomorrow if it really has an impact.”

There remains, however, the possibility of a key move shaping the outcome. “There could be a plan to attack on La Redoute.”

Despite the potential for tactical variation, Pogacar suggested that detailed strategy discussions have been limited. “We haven’t talked too much about tactics. There’s not so much to say. It’s a long and tiring race, so you need good legs and a strong team.”

That simplicity reflects the nature of Liège-Bastogne-Liège, where the strongest riders tend to emerge regardless of pre-race planning. “That’s the main goal for tomorrow.”

While much of the pre-race discussion has centred on Remco Evenepoel and Paul Seixas, Pogacar acknowledged both while reinforcing his broader view of the field. “Paul has shown magnificent form so far and I think he’s ready for tomorrow as well. He’s very motivated and in good momentum,” says the UAE Team Emirates - XRG leader. “And Remco, I think it’s one of the races that suits him best.”

But for Pogacar, the race extends well beyond those two names. “It’s not just two or three guys who can win. There are many more, and we need to be ready for everybody.”

Pogacar’s outlook ultimately reflects a balance between confidence and awareness. With proven success on this terrain and a strong team around him, he remains the reference point heading into Sunday’s race.

At the same time, his emphasis on the depth of the field underlines the unpredictable nature of Liège-Bastogne-Liège, where positioning, timing and endurance can open the door to more than just the most obvious contenders.