Liege-Bastogne-Liege 2017 - Spoilers

andyp

The final monument of the spring, and the oldest race on the calendar. 258 kms over lumpy terrain in the Ardennes.

The route.



The profile.



A change in route this year, missing out the classic triumvirate of the Wanne, the Stockeu and the Haute Levee due to roadworks. Instead, three new climbs are introduced, the Côtes de Pont, Bellevaux and Ferme Libert but they are unlikely to be selective given how far out they are. Hopefully racing will start on the Redoute rather than a bunch sprint into the foot of the Cote de San Nicholas.

Valverde starts as favourite, and will be challenged by the likes of Martin, Kwiatkowski, Albasini plus others.

TV coverage starts around 1:10 pm on Eurosport.

Weather should be cold, maximum of 9 C, and cloudy, with the risk of a shower.

andyp

ASO have announced there will a minute's silence before the race start in memory of Michele Scarponi, who finished fourth in the race way back in 2003 as a young pro.

bobmcstuff

Already an 8 man break with 7:30.

blazing_saddles

The main cotes:

sherer

bobmcstuff wrote:

Already an 8 man break with 7:30.

Whose in the break ?

I've walked up Muur De Huy I'm hoping to visit La Redoute later on this year.

Would be nice to see an Astana win but not sure if they have anyone good enough now

blazing_saddles

sherer wrote:

bobmcstuff wrote:

Already an 8 man break with 7:30.

Whose in the break ?

Tiago Machado (Katusha), Anthony Perez and Stéphane Rossetto (Cofidis), Mekseb Debesay (Dimension Data), Bart De Clercq (Lotto Soudal), Nick Van Der Lijke (Roompot), Fabien Grellier (Direct Energie) and Aaron Gate (Aqua Blue)

sherer

Thanks

specialgueststar

Rossetto is my man breakaway man. Seems quite a special ist (apart from staying away)!!

pottssteve

Anna Van der Breggen wins the women's race, with Lizzie Deignan second and Niewiadoma third. A repeat of the previous two races this week.

yourpaceormine

Please please please, anyone but Senõr Hairplugs for the win. Please.

Not much love for the panto villain of professional cycling in this house, in case you were wondering.

Vino'sGhost

its a valverde love in he's def one of my favourites. Fingers crossed

Vino'sGhost

59k 6'35

sherer

Race hasn't really kicked off yet

andyp

Hopefully someone will shake it up a bit on La Redoute.

Vino'sGhost

looks like its going to get a bit urgent with that gap at this stage. Peloton is still pretty much intact

Vino'sGhost

no sooner do we get back from the adverts and theres a bit of a break out the front

inseine

interesting break and......Betancur???!!

Vino'sGhost

im expecting an explosion on La Redoute (hopefully)

Vino'sGhost

inseine wrote:

interesting break and......Betancur???!!

Yup its getting tasty now

Vino'sGhost

i know how that guy feels as he drifts to the back and then out of it on the climb

inseine

SKY massed on the front with a bit of Scott, so they obviously think it's dangerous.

Vino'sGhost

inseine wrote:

SKY massed on the front with a bit of Scott, so they obviously think it's dangerous.

well i wish theyd get on with it

Vino'sGhost

ere we go

inseine

Shame Gate went pop, nice jersey and bike.

Vino'sGhost

inseine wrote:

Shame Gate went pop, nice jersey and bike.

yep

Vino'sGhost

difficult to commentate on this now

Vino'sGhost

31k and 3'44 must be getting a bit squeaky now

rick_chasey

Finally sorted myself after a longish ride - not much happening yet?

Vino'sGhost

just getting going

Vino'sGhost

wow the gap came down quick

cal_stewart

Any English streams as my french isn't the bad