Kasia Niewiadoma fought Sunday noon in Liège-Bastogne-Liège to yet another podium spot. She was once again third, and once again Anna van der Breggen and Lizzie Deignan took the first 2 places. “I had hoped for more, however, you have to be satisfied with a third place with such a strong competition”, says the Polish rider of WM3 Pro Cycling.
The starting place was in Bastogne, where the peloton prior to the start paid tribute to the rider Michele Scarponi who passed away the day before. As soon as the race started, the expected attacks took place. Valentina Scandolara of WM3 Pro Cycling tried in Houffalize, followed by Moniek Tenniglo. None of the attackers could get away in the first hour of racing though.
In the first successful attack, WM3 Pro Cycling was again represented. Aude Biannic broke away 50 kilometers into the race. Jeanne Korevaar closed the small gap. This duo led with a maximum of 1.5 minutes. Jeanne and her French companion got caught at the first categorised climb of the day, the Côte de le Vecquee (after 80 kilometers).
Final
The Côte de la Vecquee caused a lot of damage within the peloton; many riders were dropped at this stage. In the run-up to the Côte de la Redoute, the 2 groups were back together, but at the infamous climb in the Ardennes, many riders were dropped once more. A bigger group with some of the favourites, such as Kasia Niewiadoma, got away.
Kasia initiated the final by attacking on the Côte de la Roche-aux-Faucons, 19 kilometers from the finish. After this climb, Kasia led together with Elisa Longo Borghini, Ashleigh Moolman Pasio, Anna van der Breggen and Lizzie Deignan. Some got a battering, but Anna van der Breggen, also the winner of the Amstel Gold Race and the Flèche Wallonne, did not flinch. She attacked and soloed to victory in Ans.
Three times on the podium
“Just as in the Amstel Gold Race and the Flèche Wallonne, I felt very strong. I have tried several times but the competition today was slightly out of everybody’s league. In circumstances like that, one should be happy with a third spot. It’s quite remarkable: we have had 3 tough and challenging climbing classics in a row, and 3 times with an identical podium”, says Kasia, who is currently 2nd in the WorldTour ranking.
