"Will it be on La Redoute?" Remco Evenepoel, spotted preparing the attack he hopes will beat Tadej Pogacar

Remco Evenepoel maintains a special bond with Liege-Bastogne-Liege, where he already owns two commanding wins. The Belgian, a three-time world champion in the time trial, will line up at La Doyenne on Sunday with the daunting task of taking on Tadej Pogacar.

The spring classics reach their final Monument this weekend. The oldest of the great one-day races will be the stage for the Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe rider’s bid to reclaim the crown, and he has fired an early warning after becoming the first major favourite to recon the course.

Evenepoel was spotted on Thursday on one of the route’s pivotal points, the iconic ascent of La Redoute, a short but demanding climb that has often proved decisive in the race outcome.

During the recon, Evenepoel was joined by his compatriot Maxim Van Gils, cheered on by fans who gathered on the storied ramp.

This is no casual appearance. The Olympic champion is chasing a third win at Liège-Bastogne-Liège, a milestone that would further cement him as one of the dominant figures of the modern classics. His strategy hinges on knowing every metre of the circuit, especially the points where he can launch a decisive attack.

The Belgian will not have it easy. Among his chief rivals is the modern great Tadej Pogacar. Also in the mix is the breakthrough French talent and man of the moment, Paul Seixas. At just 19, he has impressed with standout performances and arrives at La Doyenne aiming to trouble the favourites.

Anticipation is rising as Sunday approaches. Liège-Bastogne-Liège will not only close the spring classics calendar, it will also serve as a barometer of the marquee riders’ form ahead of the Grand Tours.

In that context, course reconnaissance takes on strategic importance, allowing riders to fine-tune preparation and define their tactics.

Evenepoel, who has already shown he can dominate this race, looks intent on dictating terms from the drop of the flag, even before the race truly sparks to life.

His double recon of the circuit in recent days underlines a meticulous, detail-driven build-up, and with his well-known ambition it could carry him to the goal he craves: raising his arms again on the Liège finish line.

With Pogacar in top form, Seixas as a potential revelation, and even Tom Pidcock in the frame, this edition could be one of the most competitive in years. But Evenepoel’s early visit to La Redoute has made one thing clear: he is ready to fight to the end.

On Sunday, the road will render its verdict.