Swiss have to work for the superstars

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It is a duel that electrifies the masses. And a race that offers the perfect setting for that. Remco Evenepoel (23) against Tadej Pogacar (24) – the super talent from Belgium against the super talent from Slovenia. Both want to win the Liège-Bastogne-Liège cycling monument at all costs. Pogacar triumphed in 2021, Evenepoel in 2022. And this time? It is the first classic of the year in which they cross swords.

Pogacar is the top favorite in the oldest one-day race in the world still held. The two-time winner of the Tour de France has been unbeatable lately: he won the Tour of Flanders, the Amstel Gold Race and the Waalse Pijl. “I hope I’m not boring you,” he said. “Tadej will now also be our great leader,” says his teammate Marc Hirschi (24).

The Berner must be in the back. “If you have a driver like Tadej, who also performs in most cases, it makes sense,” says Hirschi. Liège-Bastogne-Liège with its 258.1 kilometers and eleven “Côtes” (small, short climbs) is perfect for Hirschi – three years ago he finished second to Pogacar. But: Hirschi was not yet part of the high-flying cycling team at the time.

“Hopefully he takes home the win”

Mauro Schmid (23) has the same fate as Hirschi. He is under contract with Quick-Step, the Evenepoel team. He also has to put aside his own ambitions on Sunday. “We want to position him well in the important sections,” he says.

Means: Evenepoel must be in front of the ramps to avoid problems. “His form after the high altitude training camp is very good, hopefully he will bring home the win,” said the Zurich man. And himself? “Maybe there’s a possibility,” says Schmid. The chances of that happening are extremely small.

Source : Blick