Redoute Royale: Pogačar Surge Clinches Liège–Bastogne–Liège 2025 in Dominant Solo
Pogačar Rules La Doyenne with Third Victory
On 27 April 2025, the challenging 252 km Liège–Bastogne–Liège—cycling’s oldest Monument—unfolded under bright skies, featuring 11 punishing climbs across the Ardennes. Reigning world champion Tadej Pogačar delivered a masterclass of strength and timing, launching a solo attack on the famed Côte de la Redoute about 34 km from the finish, and powering home to a majestic win in 6 h 00′ 09″. ([turn0search22][turn0search26])
A Calculated Attack on the Redoute
The final phase built steadily as teams burned domestiques on climbs such as Côte de Saint‑Roch and Haussire. As the peloton crested La Redoute—arguably the race’s decisive climb—Pogačar moved to the front, testing the rivals. Spotting fatigue and thinning numbers, he committed mid-climb, immediately forging a gap. Ciccone and Healy attempted to follow but were powerlessly left behind. ([turn0search6][turn0search10])
Solo Authority to the Finish
Pogačar maintained a relentless pace alone, stretching his lead over a minute by the summit. As the final Côte de la Roche‑aux‑Faucons arrived, the gap remained unthreatened. Behind, teams like Lidl‑Trek chased hard—Ciccone and Thibau Nys moving ahead to claim podium contention—but none could touch him. He rolled into Liège by more than one minute, arms aloft in clear dominance. ([turn0search2][turn0search6][turn0search26])
Podium Revealed: Ciccone Edges Healy
Italy’s Giulio Ciccone secured second, crossing the line 1′ 03″ behind in a powerful solo effort from Lidl‑Trek. Ireland’s Ben Healy sprinted to third, sharing the same time. Lidl‑Trek placed three riders in the top six, underlining their collective strength. Remco Evenepoel faded badly—out of position on the Redoute and unable to re-enter the picture. ([turn0search0][turn0search26][turn0search6])
Pogačar’s Monument Tally Grows
This marks Pogačar’s third win at Liège–Bastogne–Liège (also 2021 and 2024), and solidifies his position with nine Monument victories—tying him with Fausto Coppi and trailing only Eddy Merckx and Roger De Vlaeminck. Unmatched consistency: he now stands on the podium of six consecutive Monuments. ([turn0news23][turn0search22][turn0search6])
Team UAE’s Perfect Campaign Closes
UAE Team Emirates executed flawlessly: from guarding Pogačar early to positioning him perfectly for his move. Teammate Domen Novak played a pivotal role in ensuring Pogačar was fresh and well-positioned before the Redoute assault. After clinching the win, Pogačar declared it a “perfect Classics campaign” before opting to rest ahead of the Tour de France. ([turn0search3][turn0news24])
Tactics, Terrain & Historical Weight
La Doyenne's eleven categorised climbs—highlighted by La Redoute, Roche‑aux‑Faucons and Haute‑Levée—provided the ideal battleground. The return of Côte de Saint‑Roch and Col de Haussire added early strain. The pace was high throughout, with attrition thinning the field. Pogačar’s decision to attack wasn’t pre-planned—after observing rivals’ dwindling support, he seized the moment with brutal precision. ([turn0search26][turn0search12][turn0search22])
What the Victory Signals
With the Ardennes campaign complete, Pogačar emerges as the dominant force. His triple win at Amstel, Flèche and now Liège is rarefied territory. Evenepoel’s resurgence never materialized in the finale, leaving questions about his form. Meanwhile, riders like Ciccone and Healy gained momentum heading into May’s Grand Tours. ([turn0news24][turn0search13])
Conclusion: A Sovereign Masterpiece
Liège–Bastogne–Liège 2025 belonged to Tadej Pogačar—his solo struck a blow for masterful timing and raw power. In achieving a third La Doyenne win, he reaffirmed his status as the class of the Classics. When the Redoute beckoned, he answered decisively, delivering one of the season’s most memorable performances. ([turn0search10][turn0news23])
