"Let’s not be ridiculous, Tadej Pogacar is definitely the number one favourite" but Remco Evenepoel still dreams of 3rd win in Liege

Over the last four years, Liege-Bastogne-Liege has been a race dominated by two figures - Remco Evenepoel and Tadej Pogacar. With both of the cycling superstars set to be on the startline this Sunday, we finally look like getting a head-to-head dual between the pair for Monument glory.

For Evenepoel, winner in Liege in 2022 and 2023, confidence is high after a much better than expected return to racing in recent weeks, following four months out after he collided with a BPost van in training back in early December. "I never dared dream I would be riding at this level already," admits the Belgian in conversation with Sporza. "I immediately won the Brabantse Pijl against a strong Wout van Aert, fought all the way to the line for the win in the Amstel Gold Race, and was also really good in La Fleche Wallonne. I suffered from the cold there, but I’m heading to Liège–Bastogne–Liège with a good feeling."

Against Pogacar though, who won Liege-Bastogne-Liege either side of Evenepoel's successes (2021 and 2024), even the Olympic champion himself is willing to admit that he's likely to start as the slight underdog. "Let’s not be ridiculous, Tadej is definitely the number one favourite for Sunday, especially after his dominant win on the Mur de Huy," explains the Soudal - Quick-Step leader. "You can put me second on your favourites list, with half a star less than Tadej."

"I think Tadej is the hardest rider to crack, especially because he enjoys cracking others himself," Evenepoel continues. "Liège–Bastogne–Liège is also a very different type of race and finale compared to the Amstel Gold Race. It will be decided on the climbs, and I hope to have good legs."

A straight up, head to head battle between Pogacar and Evenepoel also isn't something we've seen all that often, especially compared to the world champion's battle with Mathieu van der Poel that have lit up the 2025 Spring. There's certainly no fear in the unknown for Evenepoel though, with a potential win against Pogacar being something to aim for. "Winning now by beating Tadej in a direct duel would be something new I could tick off," he concludes. "Tadej and I have raced quite a lot together over the past few years. But a true head-to-head battle has never happened. I’m just going to do my best. Whether it’s against Tadej or someone else, I really want to win Liège for a third time."