All classifications
| 1 | Alejandro VALVERDE |
| 2 | Paolo BETTINI |
| 3 | Damiano CUNEGO |
| 4 | Patrik SINKEWITZ |
| 5 | Michael BOOGERD |
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The race
Sunday 23 April 2006Liège > Ans - 262 km
Valverde: the boss in Belgium
Winning several of the three Ardennes Classics has become a speciality in the past few years. After Davide Rebellin in 2004 clinching all three, Danilo Di Luca winning two in 2005, Alejandro Valverde managed a very impressive Fleche Wallonne – Liège-Bastogne-Liège double. The Spaniard proved that he had become a true Classic rider, triumphing in Belgium ahead of all the specialists. This 92nd edition of Liège-Bastogne-Liège started at a very fast pace. The first real break had to wait until just after the 30km mark when 3 and then 26 riders enjoyed a major gap on the main pack. Among the front group where the likes of Voigt, Rogers, Wesemann and Flecha. Seeing the pack move closer, Wesemann then decided to take off on his own. The German was eventually caught by the favourite’s group with just over 50 kilometres to go. The serious business then started. First with Boogerd and Rodriguez who hung on to the lead until the final difficulty, the Côte de St Nicolas with 5km to go. A group of 12 finally made it together all the way to the finish line and Alejandro Valverde showed he was the strongest. The Spaniard gives his country its first victory in Liège-Bastogne-Liège, beating Bettini and Cunego.
The film of the stage
Fedrigo and Pauwels, first on the move
The 195 riders took off at a fairly fast pace under clear skies and rather mild temperature. The first break occurred at km 11. Twelve riders managed to take off (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)) but only enjoyed a maximum 12” lead before being caught 5 kilometres later. Several attacks then failed to be decisive in the first 30 kilometres until two riders eventually broke away at km 32: Perrick Fedrigo (BTL) and Serge Pauwels (JAC). The front riders were immediately chased by a group of 24 men including the likes of Flecha (RAB), Voigt (CSC) and Wesemann (TMO). At km 50, the leaders had a 50” advantage on the following group and 7’50 on the pack.
First 2, then 26!
Just after the first climb of the day (the Côte de Ny), the two stopped their efforts, awaiting the chasing group. At km 59, 26 riders therefore led the race. Led by the Milram and Phonak teams, the pack slowly started moving closer. In Bastogne (km 107) just before heading up north to Liège and the finish line in Ans, it remained 5’30 adrift. The chase really started once the halfway mark was cleared (km 131) led by the CSC and Rabobank teams. As expected, the first key moment of the race happened during the three climbs up Wanne-Stockeu and Haute Levée. Steffen Wesemann took off in the first climb and slowly increased his advantage on his former breakaway companions despite the efforts of Voigt, Rogers and Flecha. At km 188.5, Wesemann enjoyed a maximum gap of 1’20 while the pack moved closer and caught up all the early escapees… but one!
That one man, Steffen Wesemann, was eventually caught just after the Côte de la Vecquée (km 209). A whole new race was to start!
Gilbert on home ground
At km 216, local hero Philippe Gilbert (FDJ) enjoyed a few kilometres in the lead while going through his home village, but the Belgian was caught in the climb up the Côte de la Redoute. Joaquin Rodriguez (CEI) then gave it a go heading up the Côte de Sprimont. The main pack bunched up again at the top of the climb, just before Micheal Boogerd proved he was among the strong title contenders. In the Dutchman’s wheel was again…Joaquin Rodriguez! Both riders enjoyed a 40” advantage with 15km to go. The gap however dropped down to 18” in the climb up the Côte de Saint-Nicolas.
Valverde powers to success
After catching the escapees 5 km from the finish, twelve riders were still in contention for victory: Rodriguez, Boogerd, Martin Perdiguero, Sinkewitz, Valverde, Cunego, Basso, Di Luca, Kashechkin, Bettini, Horner and Schleck. Miguel Angel Martin Perdiguero and Patrick Sinkewitz took their chance but not the slightest attack ended up being decisive. All twelve made it together under the last kilometre mark. Sinkewitz, again was the first on the move. Alejandro Valverde remained in the German’s wheel before powering to victory. The Spaniard beat two Italians to the finish line: Bettini and Cunego.
The winner interview
Alejandro Valverde (Esp – CEI)
Can you detail the scenario of this victory?
When Boogerd and Rodriguez found themselves in the lead, I preferred to let the others chase because my teammate had good chances of winning if the two made it together to the finish. It didn’t bother me at all even though it was a good thing to see the group catch up. Then there were several attacks in the last kilometres. I was first watching. Sinkewitz took off and I went straight into his wheel. I managed to pass him and powered to the finish. I knew I was fast but I had to watch out for other fast guys like Bettini and Martin Perdiguero. But I felt I was the fastest.
How did you cope with the fact that this race was longer?
I was worried after the Amstel Gold Race when I struggled in the last part. But at the start this morning, I really felt calmer, more relaxed and relieved after winning the Flèche Wallonne. For myself and for the team. It was easier to ride today. I also made sure to eat more. I had a lot more to eat then during the Amstel Gold race to avoid having problems in the last kilometres. During the race, I had something to eat every 10 kilometres. I went perfectly because I had a lot of energy in the last part.
How important is it to be the first Spaniard to win Liège-Bastogne-Liège?
It’s first of all special to win such a race. Of course, it’s great to be the first Spanish winner. You have the feeling you enter your country’s history book.
What are the plans now?
First I’ll have a short rest and then compete in the Tour de Romandie. I believe that myself and my teammates can win some stages. And I’m also happy to help my teammates. Then I’ll have a one-month break and I ride the Dauphiné Liberé followed by the tour de France, my main goal this season.
What are the differences between your victories on the Tour stage in Courchevel, the Fleche Wallonne and Liège-Bastogne-Liège?
Concerning the Flèche Wallonne, it was my first victory in a Classic and that’s really important. Liège-Bastogne-liège is even bigger because it’s part of cycling history. The Tour stage remains fantastic because I managed to beat Lance Armstrong, the best rider of the previous years. No words can actually express what went through my mind for these three wins.
The newsflashes
TOP 5
2. Bettini (QST)
3. Cunego (LAM)
4. Sinkewitz (TMO)
5. Boogerd (RAB)