THREE TO WATCH

Joáo joins a strong list of former winners of the U23 LiègeBastogne- Liège

BJORG LAMBRECHT

The 21-year- old, now with Lotto Soudal, bested Brit James Knox in a tight sprint in Liège’s outdoor velodrome to take the victory in 2017.

GUILLAUME MARTIN

Third in the youth classi ication at the Tour de France last year, the 25-year- old climber won the 2015 race. A pro contract with Wanty- Groupe Gobert followed.

MICHAEL VALGREN

The Dane won back-to-back editions in 2012 and 2013. Landed his irst big classics wins at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Amstel Gold last year.