The race
Sunday 23 April 2006Liège > Ans - 262 km
The newsflashes
16:38TOP 5
1. Valverde (CEI)
2. Bettini (QST)
3. Cunego (LAM)
4. Sinkewitz (TMO)
5. Boogerd (RAB)
Valverde wins!
In a very exciting final sprint, Alejandro Valverde clinches victory in this 92nd edition of Liège-Bastogne-Liège.
16:35Group together again
The two men have been caught...
16:35Off goes Sinkewitz with Basso
Sinkewitz attacks, immediately followed by Ivan Basso.
16:341km to go
Still the same 12 in the lead with under 1km to go: Rodriguez, Boogerd, Martin Perdiguero, Sinkewitz, Valverde, Cunego, Basso, Di Luca, Kashechkin, Bettini, Horner and Schleck.
16:3312 in the lead for final decision
Still 12 riders together in the closing stages of the race. Now under 2 kilometres to go.
16:32Over 10 in the lead
With under 4km to go, here are the riders together in the lead: Rodriguez, Boogerd, Martin Perdiguero, Sinkewitz, Valverde, Cunego, Basso, Di Luca, Kashechkin, Bettini, Horner and Schleck
16:30Four in the lead
At the top of the Côte de St Nicolas, Sinkewitz has just caught up with the three leaders.
Top 3:
1. Martin Perdiguero
2. Boogerd
3. Rodriguez
and Sinkewitz
Leaders caught
Martin Perdiguero has caught the front men. Three in the lead!
16:285km to go
Now just over 10" for the front men on a pack led by Danilo di Luca. 5 kilometres to go.
16:26Up Saint Nicolas
The leading men have hit the final 1km climb: the Côte de Saint Nicolas.
16:24Under 10 kilometres to go
With under 10 kilometres to go, Boogerd and Rodriguez still have a 28" advantage. The Dutchman has been leading most of the time. Next to come: the Côte de St Nicolas.
16:22Over for Bettini
With 12 kilometres to go, Paolo Bettini has just been caught by the chasing group.
16:21Bettini closing in on leaders
Paolo Bettini is slowly closing in on race leaders Boogerd and Rodriguez. The Italian is now just 18" adrift. The pack is 28" behind.
16:18Bettini attacks!
Paolo Bettini has just taken off from the chasing group. The Italian is currently on his own between the two leaders and the main pack.
16:1540" for the leaders
With 15km to go, the two leaders still have a 40" advantage on the chasing group including all the main favourites.
16:14Boogerd’s race at last?
In the three previous editions, current race co-leader, Michael Boogerd finishes twice third (2005 and 2003) and once second (2004). Could this be his year?
16:11Under 20 kilometres to go
With under 20 kilometres to go before the finish line in Ans, Micheal Boogerd (RAB) and Joaquin Rodriquez (CEI) now have a 43" lead.
16:05Kroon punctures.
With just over 20km to go, Karsten Kroon has just suffered a puncture. Meanwhile Boogerd and Rodriguez are still leading with a 27" advantage.
16:04The chasing group
In the favourites group: Vinokourov, Etxeberria, Kashechkin (all LSW), Basso, Kroon, Schleck (all CSC), Sinkewitz, Kesselr (both TMO), Freire (RAB), Bettini (QST), Cunego, ballan (LAM), Merckx, Martin Perdiguero (PHO), Valverde (CEI), Sanchez, Mayo (EUS), Simoni (SDV), Di Luca, Pellizotti (LIQ), Astarloa and Arreitunandia (both BAR)
16:00Rodriguez again... but with Boogerd
Dutchman Michael Boogedr (RAB) has just taken off... immediatley chased and caught by Joaquin Rodriguez (CEI).
15:59Rodriguez caught
After enjoying a short moment in the lead Joaquin Rodriguez (CEI) has been caught back right at the top of the Côte de Sprimont (km 233).
15:56Off goes Rodriguez
With exactly 30 kilometres to go, Joaquin Rodriguez (CEI) has attacked and leads the race. The SPaniard has an 8" lead on the pack.
15:54All together again
End of attempt for Horner and Pellizotti. All the main favourites are together again.
15:53Two in the lead
Chris Horner (DVL) and Franco Pellizotti (LIQ) have broken away in the lead.
15:52Top of Redoute
Top 3 at the top of the Côte de la Redoute:
1. Sinkewitz (TMO)
2. Martin Perdiguero (PHO)
3. Horner (DVL)
Over for Gilbert
In the climb up the Côte de la Redoute, Philippe Gilbert has been caught by the main pack.
15:47Gilbert in his village
Just before climbing the Côte de la Redoute, current leader Philippe Gilbert went through his home village: Sougné-Remouchamps.
15:46Voigt dropped
Runner-up last year, Jens Voigt has just been dropped by the main pack.
15:45Gilbert on home ground
Philippe Gilbert has now started the climb up the famous Côte de la Redoute (2.1km long) with a 1’30 advantage on the pack.
15:44Gap grows
Belgian Philippe Gilbert, winner of the Het Volk this season, is increasing his lead on the pack, now 1’20 at km 225.
15:41Gilbert still in the lead
With under 40 kilometres to go, Philippe Gilbert (FDJ) still leads the race. His advantage has reached 1’ on the pack.
15:36Gilbert attacks
Local hero, Philippe Gilgert (FDJ) gives it a go in the lead at km 216. The Belgian lives right next to the Côte de la Redoute, next climb of the day.
15:32Bunched pack
Around 40 riders are currently in the main pack including all the main favourites: Basso, Schleck, Kroon, Boogerd, Bettini, Sinkewitz, Cunego, Valverde, Sanchez, Di Luca and Astarloa, among many others. Just under 50 kilometres to go!
15:29All over for Wesemann
After making it first and alone of the 4 previous hills, Steffen Wesemann has just been caught after the top of the Côte de la Vecquée (km 209).
15:25Up the Côte de la Vecquée
Steffen Wesemann looks to be enjoying his last few moments in the race leadership as he climbs up the Côte de la Vecquée. The gap is now of 15".
15:24Gap drops
Winner of the 2004 Tour of Flanders and recently second of the Amstel Gold Race, race leader Steffen Wesemann is losing ground on the pack. The gap has dropped down to 30" at km 208.
15:13Fall in the pack
A fall ocurred in the pack. Frechman Nicolas Portal (CEI) is currently receiving treatment but is back on his two feet.
15:11Côte du Rosier
Top 3 of Côte du Rosier:
1. Wesemann (TMO)
2. Voigt (CSC), at 58"
3. Sastre (CSC)....
Wesemann at top of climb
Wesemann (TMO) has just reached the top of the Côte du Rosier (km 197.5) with a 1’ advantage on the pack.
15:06Still looking good for Wesemann
Current race leader Stefan Wesemann has a 1’20 advantage on the bunched pack. The German is on his way up the Côte de Rosier.
15:05Pack catches up with first chasing group
The group of around 20 riders chasing leader Wesemann has been caught by the pack at km 194. End of story for these riders that had been part of the longest break of the day.
14:58Under 75 kilometres to go
At km 188.5, Wesemann leads the race with a 1’20 on his closest rivals, 1’40 on Verbrugghe, Wynants, and Kleynen, 2’10 on Van Summeren and 2’20 on the pack.
14:54Wesemann first at top of Haute Levée
German Stefan Wesemann makes it first at the top of the Côte de Haute-Levée (km 185) with a 1’25 advantage on a groupe of followers including Flecha, Voigt, Rogers, Fedrigo...
The pack is 2’40 adrift.
Close to 1’ for Wesemann
Stefan Wesemann now has a 55" lead on a group of 14 riders. Fedrigo who suffered a mechanical problem is 1’25 adrift, followed by Hieckmann at 1’35, Garcia Acosta at 1’45, and Kleynen, Wynants and Verbrughe at 2’. The pack is currently 2’15 adrift.
14:4515 riders chasing
While Stefan Wesemann (TMO) still leads the race going up the Haute-Levée, 15 men are currently together again and chasing.
14:43Puncture for Basso
Going up the Côte de Haute Levée Italian Ivan Basso (CSC) has just suffered a rear wheel puncture.
14:39Wesemann first at top of Stockeu
Stefan Wesemann remains the race leader at the top of the Côte de Stockeu (km 179.5) with a 45" on a group of 5 riders.
Top 3 of the climb:
1. Wesemann (TMO)
2. Voigt (CSC)
3. Flecha (RAB)
and Rogers, Van Den Broeck.
The pack is 2’10 adrift.
Wesemann, 30" ahead
Going downhill after the Côte de Wanne and before the climb up the Côte de Stockeu (top at km 179.5), leading rider Stefan Wesemann (TMO) has a 30" lead on the first chasing group now including 25 riders.
14:31Under 2’ on the pack
The pack led by the CSC and Lampre teams is now 1’55 adrift.
14:30Wesemann first at top
Wesemann (TMO) makes it first at the top of the Côte de Wanne with a 10" advantage on a group of 9 chasing riders.
Top 3 of the climb:
1. Wesemann (TMO)
2. Voigt (CSC), 10"
3. Nibali, st
followed by: Van Den Broeck, Rogers, Commesso, Brandt, Flecha, Fedrigo, Portal. All the other riders have been dropped behind.
Wesemann on his own
Off goes Stefan Wesemann (TMO) in the race lead. The German is alone and heading to the top of the Côte de Wanne.
14:24Three in the lead
Three riders have decided to break away from the leading group: Voigt (CSC), Perez-Rodriguez (COF) and Wesemann (TMO). Duran Aroca is dropped.
14:2325 in the lead
In the first kilometres of the climb, Simon (PAN) fails to keep up with his breakaway companions. He’s dropped. The front group is led by Van Den Broeck (DSC).
14:21CSC in command
The front riders have started the climb up the Côte de Wanne. Meanwhile behind, the CSC boys have taken command of the chase.
14:17Serious business to come
The leading 26 riders are about to witness the first key moment of the day’s 262km course: the three climbs up the hills of Wanne (km 173), Stockeu (km 179.5) and Haute-Levée (km 185). At km 165, the pack is 2’30 adrift.
14:10Well under 3’ now!
The pack is still very focused on chasing the leading 26 and the gap is obviously dropping: now 2’25 at km 158.
14:01The leading men!
Here are the riders currently in the race lead: Serrano (LSW), Voigt (CSC), Rogers, Wesemann (TMO), Flecha, Kolobnev (RAB), Hiekmann (GST), Engels (QSI), Commesso (LAM), Van den Broeck (DSC), Brandt (DVL), Garcia Acosta, Portal (CEI), Perez Rodriguez (COF), Pauriol (C.A), U.Etxebarria (EUS), Duran Arroca (SDV), Fedrigo (BTL), Nibali (LIQ), Goubert (AG2R), Wynants, Pauwels (JAC), De Waele, Kleynen, Simon (LAN) and Cox (BAR).
14:01150 km mark!
The pack has reached kilometre 150 and the deficit is now of 3’ on the leading riders.
13:48The chase is on...
At km 141, the pack has seriously increased its pace. The gap behind the leading riders has gone down to 3’40.
13:41Halfway mark!
At kilometre 131, the pack has reached the halfway mark. The gap drops down to 5’20’’...
13:30Still comfortable lead
At the top of the Côte de Saint-Roch (km 129), the pack led by the Phonak team remains 5’40 adrift.
13:25Pauwels first at top of St Roch
After making it first of the previous climb, Serge Pauwels was again the first at the top of the third difficulty on the day, the Côte de Saint-Roch (km 129).
Top 3:
1. Pauwels (JAC)
2. Wynants (JAC)
3. Simon (LAN)
Out of the feeding zone
The pack has just left the feeding zone and the gap carries on dropping. The leading 26 riders now have a 5’10 advantage.
12:55Heading north!
The pack has made it to km 103 led by two Milram riders. The gap remains the same: 5’45. Meanwhile the 26 leading riders are in Bastogne and will slowly start heading back up north to the finish line in Ans (close to Liège).
12:49The big guns...
Among the leading group are quite a few very strong riders. Jens Voigt (CSC) finished second last year in Liège behind Vinokourov. Michael Rogers (TMO) is a reigning three-time time-trial World Champion. Stefan Wesemann (TMO) was second just a week ago of the Amstel Gold Race and a winner back in 2004 of the Tour of Flanders. Juan-Antonio Flecha (RAB) was fourth of the last edition of Paris-Roubaix and third in 2005. Pierrick Fedrigo (BTL) is the current French National champion.
12:41100 km mark!
The leading 26 riders have made it to the 100km mark. The gap has dropped down to 5’40. Still 162 kilometres to go.
12:26The current race leaders...
Here are the riders currently in the race lead: Serrano (LSW), Voigt (CSC), Rogers, Wesemann (TMO), Flecha, Kolobnev (RAB), Hiekmann (GST), Engels (QSI), Commesso (LAM), Van den Broeck (DSC), Brandt (DVL), Garcia Acosta, Portal (CEI), Perez Rodriguez (COF), Pauriol (C.A), U.Etxebarria (EUS), Duran Arroca (SDV), Fedrigo (BTL), Nibali (LIQ), Goubert (AG2R), Wynants, Pauwels (JAC), De Waele, Kleynen, Simon (LAN) and Cox (BAR).
12:24Pack close to 7’ behind
The pack led by a rider from the Française des jeux team has made it to the top of the Côte de la Roche-en-Ardenne. The front men now have a 6’50 advantage.
12:20Pauwels first of 2nd climb
Belgium’s Serge Pauwels has made it first at the top of the second climb of the day (the Côte de la Roche-en-Ardenne, km 82.5).
Top 3:
1. Pauwels (JAC)
2. Wynants (JAC)
3. Simon (LAN)
Phonak and Milram lead pack
The Phonak and Milram riders are currently leading the pack and organizing the chase. At km 76, the 26 front riders have a 6’30 lead.
12:02Gap starts dropping
The gap has started dropping. Now 5’50 on the 26 leading riders at km 71. The pack is currently led by the Milram team.
11:49Over 7’ on the pack
The pack has eventually made it to the top of the Côte de Ny (km 57.5) with a 7’10 deficit on the leading group of 26.
11:47Riders in the lead
Here are the riders currently in the race lead: Serrano (LSW), Voigt (CSC), Rogers, Wesemann (TMO), Flecha, Kolobnev (RAB), Hiekmann (GST), Engels (QSI), Commesso (LAM), Van den Broeck (DSC), Brandt (DVL), Garcia Acosta, Portal (CEI), Perez Rodriguez (COF), Pauriol (C.A), U.Etxebarria (EUS), Duran Arroca (SDV), Fedrigo (BTL), Nibali (LIQ), Goubert (AG2R), Wynants, Pauwels (JAC), De Waele, Kleynen, Simon (LAN) and Cox (BAR).
11:4426 riders now in the lead
At km 59, Pierrick Fedrigo and Serge Pauwels have been caught by the chasing group. We therefore now have 26 riders in the race lead.
11:42First climb of the day
Pauwels makes it first at the top of the Côte de Ny (km 57.5) ahead of breakaway companion, Fedrigo. Both men have decided to stop their efforts and await the chasing group.
11:2950 km mark!
At km 50, the two front men (Fedrigo, Pauwels)have a 50" lead on the chasing 24 riders. The pack is now 6’50 adrift.
11:19The chasing group
Here are the riders in the first chasing group: Serrano (LSW), Voigt (CSC), Rogers, Wesemann (TMO), Flecha, Kolobnev (RAB), Hiekmann (GST), Engels (QSI), Commesso (LAM), Van den Broeck (DSC), Brandt (DVL), Garcia Acosta, Portal (CEI), Perez Rodriguez (COF), Pauriol (C.A), U.Etxebarria (EUS), Duran Arroca (SDV), Nibali (LIQ), Goubert (AG2R), Wynants (JAC), De Waele, Kleynen, Simon (LAN) and Cox (BAR).
At km 43, the two leaders (Fedrigo and Pauwels)have a 20" advantage. The pack is 4’ adrift.
Gap growing!
At km 36, the two leaders (Fedrigo and Pauwels) have a 12" lead on a first group of 24 riders (including Van Den Broeck caught back). The pack is 35" adrift.
11:07New attempt
At km 32, two riders have attacked and are currently in the lead: Fedrigo (BTL) and Pauwels (JAC). One rider is between the leaders and the pack: Van Der Broeck (DSC).
11:00Pack bunched again
At km 29, the three escapees have been caught by the pack. Yet another attempt ending up after just a few kilometres. So far a very fast start to this Liège-Bastigne-Liège with numerous attacks.
10:58Three in the lead
At km 27, three riders have broken away from the pack. Samuel Dumoulin (A2R), the first man to take off was caught by De La Fuente (SDV) and Ten Dam (UNI).
10:41End of break
At km 16, the pack led by the Rabobank team have caught up with the escapee group. This first break of the day has therefore only lasted 5 kilometres.
10:40The first break of the day...
At km 11, 12 riders have managed to break away from the pack. In this leading group are: Contador (LSW), Hiekmann (GST), Schwab (QST), Dockx (DVL), Reynes (CEI), Clement, Sprick (both BTL), Benitez (SDV), Carlström (LIQ), Van de Vouwer (UNI), Veuchelen (JAC), Kleynen (LAN), Calvente (AGR). At km 13, they have a 12" lead.
10:36Merckx the record holder
The man with the most victories in Liège is Belgian legend Eddy Merckx. The 5-time Tour de France winner also conquered 5 victories in the Ardennes Classic (1969, 71, 72, 73 and 75). In recent years, Italy’s Moreno Argentin proved he was a Liège specialist winning the race on four occasions (1098, 86, 87 and 91). With three wins each are three Belgians: Léon Houa, Alphonse Schepers and Alfred De Bruyne
10:3027 different Nations today...
27 different countries are represented on this 92nd edition of Liège-Bastogne-Liège. Spain has the most riders: 45, followed by Belgium (31), France (26), Italy (23) and Germany (11).
10:27Still bunched
At km 5, the pack remains bunched. No serious move or attack has been noticed.
10:26A race for the Belgians?
Of the 91 previous editions, the Belgians have been the most triumphant. Although only winning three times in the last 20 years, the riders from Belgium have conquered the race 57 times. Italy follows with 11 wins (including 9 in the last 20 years). Then comes Switzerland with 6 victories.
10:18Off they go...
195 riders have started the day’s race at 10:15 PM. One rider failed to start: Markus Fothen (GER). Among the pack currently racing are the three former winners of the event: Alexander Vinokourov (LSW, winner in 2005), Davide Rebellin (GER, winner in 2004) and Paolo Bettini (QST, winner in 2000 and 2002).
10:12Beautiful conditions
Great conditions this morning in Liège for the start of the event. Clear skies, a bright sun and mild temperature. What more could a rider ask for a day of raciing!
10:10The hills!
Here are the hills the riders will have to climb today... 12 climbs including 8 in the final 90 kilometres:
Km 57,5 : côte de Ny ; km 82,5 : côte de la Roche-en-Ardenne ; km 129 : côte de St-Roch ; km 173 : côte de Wanne ; km 179,5 : côte de Stockeu ; km 185 : côte de la Haute-Levée ; km 197,5 : côte du Rosier ; km 210 ; côte de la Vecquée ; km 227,5 : côte de la Redoute ; km 233 : côte de Sprimont ; km 248 : côte de Start-Tilman-Tilff ; km 256,5 : Côte de St-Nicolas.
Blood tests this morning
This morning the UCI asked 32 riders to go through blood tests. The tests concerned the following teams: Milram, Bouygues telecom, Agritubel and Caisse d’Epargne-Iles Baleares. All the riders were allowed to start the day’s race
10:06Liège-Bastogne-Liège LIVE
Welcome to our live coverage of Liège-Bastogne-Liège. The 196 riders from 25 teams will be covering 262 kilometres of a very tricky and hilly course. The official start is due at 10:15 PM after a 6.9km ride through the streets of Liège.