The final in Liège!

The classics season comes to an end with Liège-Bastogne-Liège. This race of 142.8 kilometers starts early Sunday morning in Bastogne, Belgium. The finish is just after noon in Liège. Along the way, the peloton will face the famous climbs of Col du Rosier, Côte de la Redoute and Roche aux Faucons. The race is supported by AG, so we are extra motivated to close the classic season well.

Leader Ashleigh Moolman Pasio has already finished in the top seven four times and is assisted by Mireia Benito (SPA), Justine Ghekiere (BEL), Ally Wollaston (NZL), Anya Louw (AUS) and Gaia Masetti (ITA). Jolien D'hoore is the sports director.

“I wasn't on the roster to ride Liège-Bastogne-Liège but Maaike crashed hard in Flèche Wallonne so I'm replacing her,” says Gaia. “Of course, I am happy to ride my first ‘LBL’. It is a difficult race with climbs that are longer than in Flèche. It will certainly be an interesting race with Ashleigh in perfect shape. Together with the team I will do my best to assist her optimally.

I felt strong in Flèche and compared to the Brabantse Pijl which was only last week, I can feel my form growing. I went into the breakaway Wednesday and then helped Ashleigh as best I could. That will also be my job this Sunday. I am certainly looking forward to it.”

Anya Louw also races her very first Liège-Bastogne-Liège. The Australian is looking forward to this big race, just like her Italian teammate.

“The Flèche Wallonne went very well. Everyone had a specific role in the race and that went perfectly. My job was to be in the breaks early. It was hectic so Mireia and Gaia helped me a lot. Justine went along in the breakaway and that helped a lot not to put any pressure on Ash. Of course, we haven't had a race meeting yet, but I don't expect it to be very different on Sunday.

We are getting closer and closer to that big result. We must keep faith and believe in the process. Then really good things happen. On Sunday everyone will know their role again and do their utmost to do it as well as possible. The atmosphere in the team is great and I am already looking forward to Sunday.”