Tadej Pogacar Wins Fourth Liège-Bastogne-Liège as Evenepoel Sprints to Third
Tadej Pogacar claimed his fourth Liège-Bastogne-Liège title on Sunday, April 26, 2026, in a race defined by resilience and tactical precision. The Slovenian champion overcame a determined challenge from French rider Paul Seixas on the Côte de la Roche-aux-Faucons to secure his 13th monument victory, further cementing his legacy in cycling’s most prestigious one-day races.
The 240-kilometer Liège-Bastogne-Liège route, known as La Doyenne, presented its usual test of endurance with steep climbs and unpredictable weather. Pogacar, wearing the rainbow stripes of world champion, entered the race as a favorite but faced early adversity when the peloton split within the opening twenty minutes. He admitted to feeling nervous in the initial stages, particularly witnessing Remco Evenepoel’s capability to launch attacks from distance.
As the race progressed, Pogacar found himself in a large lead group where cooperation faltered. He credited his UAE Team Emirates XRG teammates for maintaining control and noted Decathlon’s eventual assistance in stabilizing the situation. “We had everything under control,” Pogacar stated in the post-race flash interview, emphasizing the collective effort that kept him positioned for the finale.
The decisive moment arrived on the flank of La Redoute, where Pogacar pushed to his limits. He observed Seixas struggling but was surprised when the French rider matched his pace over the climb’s summit. “I was even under the impression,” Pogacar recalled, acknowledging Seixas’ strength. The two riders opened a significant gap from the peloton, setting up a dramatic conclusion.
Anticipating a sprint finish, Pogacar initially prepared to outpace Seixas in the final meters. However, sensing his rival’s continued strength, he launched another acceleration on the Côte de la Roche-aux-Faucons—a climb he knows intimately. “I recognize the climb super well and it suits me well,” Pogacar explained. The move proved decisive as Seixas dropped off, allowing Pogacar to continue solo to victory on the Ans(es).
Behind them, Remco Evenepoel demonstrated his sprinting prowess by securing third place, showcasing his versatility beyond his usual time-trialling strengths. The Belgian’s ability to contest the finish highlighted his growing status as a complete Classics contender.
With this victory, Pogacar now holds four Liège-Bastogne-Liège titles, joining an elite group of riders to have won La Doyenne multiple times. His monument count stands at thirteen, with Paris-Roubaix remaining the sole major classic absent from his palmares. The win also marked his second world title achievement following his rainbow jersey success.
On the podium, the Slovenian national anthem played as Pogacar celebrated with Seixas and Evenepoel, sharing a moment of mutual respect after their intense battle. “It means a lot to win one of the biggest races of the year again,” Pogacar said, reflecting on the significance of adding another monument to his collection.
The 2026 edition of Liège-Bastogne-Liège will be remembered for its competitive depth and the emergence of Paul Seixas as a genuine threat to the established hierarchy. His performance against two of the sport’s biggest names signaled a promising future for French cycling.
Looking ahead, Pogacar’s focus will likely turn toward preparing for upcoming Grand Tours while continuing his quest to conquer Paris-Roubaix. For Evenepoel, the third-place finish reinforces his ambition to contend for victory in future Ardennes Classics.
As the cycling calendar progresses, fans and analysts will monitor how this Liège-Bastogne-Liège outcome influences form heading into the summer racing season. The race once again proved why it holds such reverence in the sport—a true test of champions where tactics, strength, and resilience determine who etches their name into history.
For continued updates on cycling’s major events and Pogacar’s pursuit of cycling history, stay tuned to verified race reports and official team communications.
Share your thoughts on this historic Liège-Bastogne-Liège victory in the comments below, and let us know which moment stood out most to you from La Doyenne 2026.
