Editorial

There were fifty-two kilometres to go when the tireless Jens Voigt launched another an all-out attack. It was just after the top of the Vecquée, in a transition zone where all the riders try to recuperate a little before attacking the Redoute. One man, and one man alone, Alexandre Vinokourov, was strong enough - and bold enough - to follow in his wake.

The courage and the determination of these model attackers, two exceptional fighters, made this decisive breakaway a success. The two riders could not share victory: one of them had to win. « Jens deserved to win as much as I did » softly confided Vino the great. Hence did both men share acclaim and applause, to the delight of all cycling fans.

Liège-Bastogne-Liège was indeed one of the high points of last year’s cycling season. After such a convincing test run, the revised route of the « Gran’Ma » of the cycling classics will this year be maintained, particularly as it is now universally approved. There will only be a minor alteration to the route that precedes the climbing of the Wanne, but the resurrection of the famous threesome, Wanne – Stockeu – Haute Levée, which gave rise to a truly remarkable race last year, will be on the programme again this year. I think we can safely say that on these routes, tailor made for attacks, the champions will be as inspired this year as they were last year.

Christian PRUDHOMME

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