With Liège-Bastogne-Liège, the curtain falls once again on the spring classics season. The riders will have one final opportunity to give it their all in the fourth Monument of the year. And it looks like we’re in for another showdown between the top favorites. Read all about it in this article.
Route 2025
Aside from a few minor updates, the route of Liège-Bastogne-Liège remains largely unchanged. As usual, the riders will start at Place Saint-Lambert and soon hit rolling terrain. No real differences are expected early on, as the decisive moments typically come later in the race. The first attacks are expected to occur after 150 kilometers, at the foot of the Côte de Mont-le-Soie.
This climb is followed by a sequence of five well-known ascents: Côte de Wanne, Côte de Stockeu, Côte de la Haute-Levée, Col du Rosier, and Côte de Desnié—all packed into just under 40 kilometers. This section is identical to previous editions. After that comes the Côte de La Redoute, known for its sharp bend mid-climb that forces early attacks. Around 30 kilometers from the finish, we can expect the race to break open here. Following two more significant climbs, the riders will tackle about 13 kilometers of rolling roads before reaching the finish line at Quai des Ardennes.
The women’s race will again start in Bastogne this year, covering a little over 150 kilometers to Liège. Along the way, they will face ten climbs that will shape the race. For them as well, the Côte de La Redoute will be decisive, with the Roche-aux-Faucons providing a prime opportunity to finalize the race outcome.
Men’s Favorites
Liège-Bastogne-Liège has been won by just two riders over the past four years. In 2021 and again last year, Tadej Pogačar claimed victory, while Remco Evenepoel won in both 2022 and 2023. Both riders are lining up again this year. In 2023, they were both present, but Pogačar crashed early in the race, preventing a much-anticipated duel with Evenepoel.
This year, we hope that long-awaited clash will finally happen. Evenepoel is returning from a long rehabilitation but impressed in his comeback race. The Soudal Quick-Step leader was instrumental in the Brabantse Pijl, outsprinting Wout van Aert to take the win. Two days later, he performed strongly again in the Amstel Gold Race, finishing third. He clearly showed he’s on par with “Pogi.”
Pogačar, too, is in top form this season. The Slovenian has already notched five wins this year, including Strade Bianche and the Tour of Flanders. He also podiumed in Milan–San Remo and Paris–Roubaix. In the Amstel Gold Race, he was surprised by Mattias Skjelmose and Evenepoel, but that doesn’t change the fact that he remains one of the main contenders. Given that Liège-Bastogne-Liège is arguably the Monument that suits him best on paper, he might even be the outright top favorite.
Women’s Favorites
Although Grace Brown surprised the peloton last year with a solo attack, this year is expected to unfold differently. Demi Vollering will be eager to strike again. The Dutch rider topped the podium in 2023, is a true climber, and has a powerful kick on the hills. She’s clearly built for this type of classic, and her history in this race (2-time winner) speaks for itself.
Another key figure from the SD Worx-Protime squad is Lotte Kopecky. The world champion continues to prove her worth and has been improving on the climbs lately. She’s openly stated that she’d love to add another classic to her spring campaign—this will be her last chance. Could an internal team rivalry be on the cards?
Not if Elisa Longo Borghini has her way. The Italian rider from Lidl-Trek has had a strong spring, already winning the Brabantse Pijl. It’s very possible that both SD Worx riders could see victory slip through their fingers if Longo Borghini makes it to the finish line ahead.
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