BiciRace.com :: 2005 Liège-Bastogne-Liège

2005 Liège-Bastogne-Liège, Preview

Liège-Bastogne-Liège, Belgium

24 April, 260K

91st Liège-Bastogne-Liège

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This Sunday is the 91st running of Liège-Bastogne-Liège. "La Doyenne", cycling’s oldest "classic" was first run in 1892. After the first three editions the race was absent from 1896-1907. Barring interruptions during World War I and World War II, it has been run every year since. The riders will set off from Liège heading south towards Bastogne, traversing the fabled battlefields, cemeteries and monuments of WWII. Among them, the famous "Battle of the Bulge". When they reach Bastogne, they will button-hook back for the return trip to the finish in Ans (a northwestern suburb of Liège).

Liège-Bastogne-Liège is a hilly parcours, with typically smooth straightforward roads, which tends to be more attractive to grand tour GC-type riders, who shun the gamble of other northern classics, such as the Tour of Flanders or Paris-Roubaix.

While none of the course is really "flat", the real climbing action heats up in the final 100km. With the decisive move often times happening on the Côte de La Redoute. La Redoute is neither the steepest nor longest of the climbs featured in Liège-Bastogne-Liège, but at km 223, after the legs have been softened a bit, it’s a perfect place to force the selection. And don’t forget the Côte de Sprimont (KM 229) or the Côte de Saint-Nicolas (km 250), where the elite of the elite are sure to turn the screw.

Without a doubt, the hot favorite continues to be "The Killer", Danilo Di Luca. After being touted as the "next big thing" since his arrival as a pro, he’s finally starting to deliver. Going into Sunday’s race, Di Luca is positioned to repeat Rebellin’s unprecedented Amstel-Flèche-Liège triple of 2004. The course is tailor made for his talents, but all eyes will be on "the Killer".

Davide Rebellin after Amstel, photo: Bart Hazen

Other favorites are Michael Boogerd and Davide Rebellin. Boogerd has notched up a rather impressive career of second place finishes. The dutch rider finished second last year to Rebellin, and is sure to be there at the kill. While the Italian, Rebellin, is another hot property. Winner last year and a top 10 finisher routinely in the past five years. Although, it appears he’s lacking the punch he had last year to deliver the Coup-de Grace.

Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Caffita) will be somebody else to watch. The incredibly strong Italian could not ask for a better course to suit his punchy style. Or the tireless workhorse Alexander Vinokourov (T-Mobile), who has said he will gunning for victory Sunday. The irrepressible Vino isn't quite where he was at this time in 2003, but is a danger man nonetheless. And Ivan Basso is an unknown quantity at this point in the year. Clearly the race suits him, he was third here in 2002. Basso has stated his goal is the Giro-Tour double, and maybe preferring to ride the race to continue to find form for the Giro.

Italian Paolo Bettini (Quick-Step) is a two-time winner (in 2000 & 2002), but is struggling to find the form that has brought dominance in the past. At least he will be an enormous asset to his teammate Patrick Sinkewitz. The new German on the block looked good at the finish of La Flèche Wallonne, but lacked the kick to bring it home.

Liberty-Seguros is stacked heavy with talent, capable of victory with the likes of David Etxebarria, Jorg Jaksche, Angel Vicioso, Marcos Serrano, Carlos Barredo and Olympic Bronze medalist Sergio Paulinho. Watch out for any of these blue boys to put in the death-blow. And continuing with the Spanish, one can not count out Alejandro Valverde (Illes Balears-Caisse D’Epargne). He could choose Sunday as the day to blast himself into the stratosphere of super-pro cyclist.

The Giro d'Italia is right around the corner and the GC big hitters will be looking to fire their first shots across the bow, while the one-day specialists will be looking to take their last glory before the grand tour season sets in. Stay with BiciRace.com for coverage.
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