Rising star Evenepoel wins Liege-Bastogne-Liege race

LIEGE, Belgium, April 25, (AP): Rising star Remco Evenepoel posted the biggest win of his career with a solo victory in cycling’s oldest classic - the Liege-Bastogne-Liege race - as Belgian riders swept the podium places.

A versatile rider widely regarded as one of the most promising talents of his generation, Evenepoel triumphed in “La Doyenne” at his first attempt, aged 22.

Evenepoel, who recovered from a horrific crash at the 2020 Tour of Lombardy, raised his arms and buried his face in his hands as he added his name to a list of winners that includes the likes of cycling greats Eddy Merckx and Bernard Hinault.

Quinten Hermans won the sprint for second place ahead of Wout van Aert in the 257.1-kilometer (159.7-mile) race.

Evenepoel made his move with 29 kilometers left when he attacked on a narrow and steep stretch of road from a chasing group including other pre-race favorites.

Using his strong time-trial skills, Evenepoel produced an impressive solo effort to catch the remaining breakaway riders then reached the finish line alone.

Evenepoel came to prominence during his first pro season with the Deceuninck-Quick Step team in 2019 when he won the prestigious Clasica