Liège-Bastogne-Liège 2026 is scheduled for Sunday, April 26, with cycling fans eagerly anticipating the clash between world champion Tadej Pogačar and two-time winner Remco Evenepoel.
Why it matters: Known as "La Doyenne," this historic race is one of cycling's five Monuments and features a challenging course that tests the limits of even the best riders.
The men's race covers 259.5km with over 4,000 meters of climbing, making it one of the longest and hilliest one-day races in the sport.
Pogačar, who has already triumphed in the Strade Bianche, Milan-San Remo, and Tour of Flanders this season, seeks his fourth consecutive victory at Liège-Bastogne-Liège.
Evenepoel, the double Olympic road champion, recently won the Amstel Gold Race and is considered one of the top challengers for the title.
This year marks the 112th edition of the race, which first took place in 1892, long before the Tour de France or Paris-Roubaix.
Driving the news: As the final race of the Ardennes Classics, Liège-Bastogne-Liège will showcase the best talents in cycling, with Pogačar and Evenepoel leading the charge.
The route includes 11 brutal climbs, including the Côte de la Roche-aux-Faucons, just 13km from the finish, which could prove decisive for the race outcome.
Other notable contenders include Tom Pidcock, Mattias Skjelmose, and Paul Seixas, the latter being a rising star at just 19 years old.
The women's race, running concurrently, features Paula Blasi, who aims to capitalize on her recent Amstel Gold Race victory.
Top female competitors also include Demi Vollering, Kasia Niewiadoma, Elise Chabbey, and Lotte Kopecky, making it a highly competitive field.
State of play: Pogačar is the defending champion and is focused on adding to his Monument tally, currently sitting at three wins in Liège-Bastogne-Liège.
His main rival, Evenepoel, has previously claimed victory in this race and is eager to reclaim the title.
Both races are expected to attract a global audience, with various streaming options available for fans worldwide.
For the men’s race, coverage starts at 10:10 a.m. BST / 5:10 a.m. ET, and the women's race begins shortly after.
Recent winners of the men's race include Pogačar, Evenepoel, and Primož Roglič, highlighting the high level of competition.
The big picture: Liège-Bastogne-Liège is a test of endurance and skill and a historical event that attracts attention from cycling enthusiasts globally.
The men's race is characterized by its grueling climbs, including the Côte de Saint-Roch, Côte de Wanne, and Côte de la Redoute, which challenge riders' stamina.
As the oldest race on the cycling calendar, it holds a prestigious place among the Monuments, alongside the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix.
The women’s race, now in its 10th edition, has been gaining popularity and features a point-to-point route that adds extra excitement.
With both races taking place on the same day, fans can look forward to a full day of thrilling cycling action.
What they're saying: Experts and fans alike are buzzing about the potential for a thrilling showdown.
“Pogačar is looking to bounce back after his loss at Paris-Roubaix,” said a cycling analyst. “He’s determined to solidify his legacy with another win.”
Evenepoel, speaking after his recent victory, expressed confidence: “I feel strong and ready to challenge Tadej. It’s going to be an exciting race.”
Newcomer Paul Seixas is also generating buzz, with expectations riding high for his performance against seasoned competitors.
Fans are eager to see if Pogačar can fend off the competition from Evenepoel and the other challengers.
By the numbers: Key statistics highlight the challenges and stakes of the race.
The men’s race features 259.5km of racing, with 4,101 meters of climbing, demanding peak performance from all participants.
The women’s route spans 156km with 2,632 meters of elevation, making it equally challenging.
Free live streams are available in several countries, including Australia, Belgium, France, Italy, and the Netherlands.
In the US, viewers can catch the action on Peacock, requiring a subscription starting at $10.99 per month.
What's next: As race day approaches, preparations are ramping up for both competitors and fans.
Viewers can expect comprehensive coverage across various platforms, ensuring that fans worldwide can follow the action live.
VPN services like NordVPN are recommended for those traveling abroad, allowing access to local streaming options.
Fans should mark their calendars for April 26 to not miss this monumental event in cycling.
With the stage set for an epic battle, Liège-Bastogne-Liège promises to deliver an unforgettable day of cycling.