"Liège-Bastogne-Liège is the race I dream of winning!" - David Gaudu

In 2019 and 2021 David Gaudu was sixth and third at Liège-Bastogne-Liège. Another two years have passed and the Frenchman returns to La Doyenne, as an outsider due to his recent abandon from Flèche Wallone, however with the clear dream of winning it at some point in the future.

"Liège-Bastogne-Liège is the race I dream of winning! For me, it's the most legendary, it's the one that made me dream when I was a kid. my best to fight with my weapons," Gaudu said ahead of the race, in a post shared by Groupama - FDJ. With Valentin Madouas not reaching the same form of last year the responsibilities fall on the 26-year old.

Gaudu battled for the win the last time he raced in this course, and is a very strong fit for it. A strong climber, he is also quite explosive and packs a strong sprint. It's a good mix for Liège where gaps are expected in the steep ascents including the Côte de la Roche-aux-Faucons.

The Frenchman will be one of the many riders who will likely seek a podium result. Tadej Pogacar and Remco Evenepoel will be difficult to challenge, however a few riders on their best day could be in the mix in the climbs. Gaudu has recently finished fourth at Itzulia Basque Country which signals that if he doesn't feel the effects of an illness he could contest for a result.