Evenepoel warns Seixas for length of Liége-Bastogne-Liége: 'We shouldn’t be surprised if he struggles in the final hour'

Speaking on a press conference ahead of Sunday’s start, Evenepoel addressed his decision to skip La Flèche Wallonne earlier in the week.

“Fresh legs are everything,” he said in quotes collected by Sporza. “The way races unfold now, you need to be ready from the first real move. I expect to last longer than I did last year. I’m starting with more confidence and in better shape.”

Yet Evenepoel is under no illusion about the scale of the challenge. Across the peloton, one name stands above the rest: Tadej Pogačar. The Slovenian has built a reputation for winning almost everywhere he starts, and Evenepoel does not dispute his status.

“It’s logical that he’s the top favourite,” he admitted. “He wins nearly every race he enters. That speaks for itself.”

Beyond the established rivalry, attention is also turning to emerging talent, notably 19-year-old Paul Seixas. While Remco Evenepoel acknowledged the young rider’s potential, he tempered expectations with the realities of Liège’s punishing distance, while subtly pointing to his own experience.

“He has obviously never raced here before. He’s only 19, and it’s 260 kilometers. Tadej and I have a bit more endurance for races like this.”

“We also shouldn’t be surprised if he struggles in the final hour. Racing for six hours is very different from racing for four. But he’s definitely among the top five contenders to go for the win here.”

Asked whether that places Seixas a step below him, Evenepoel smiled. “I’ll leave that up to you. I have won here twice, so that gives me a slight edge.”

Much of the anticipation surrounding this year’s edition centers on the prospect of a full strength showdown between Evenepoel and Pogačar. 

Previous editions have hinted at such a clash, but circumstances have intervened. In 2023, Pogačar’s race ended prematurely after a crash, while last year Evenepoel fell short of expectations on a day he had believed would suit him.

“This could finally be the year where we meet at our best,” he said. “I felt ready last year, but it didn’t turn out that way. Hopefully this time it stays competitive for as long as possible.”

His recent performances suggest progress. After refining his condition in Spain following the Tour of Flanders, Evenepoel sensed an immediate improvement during his Amstel victory.

“I can’t put a percentage on my form,” he said. “But it has to be much better than last year. That’s clear.”

Evenepoel’s connection to Liège runs deeper than results alone. The Ardennes roads have long formed part of his routine, and familiarity with the terrain has helped build both confidence and attachment to the race.

“The roads here get worse every year. Sometimes it’s even dangerous,” he said. “Maybe it wouldn’t be a bad thing if Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) looked into that. But it’s true that I really love racing here. This has been my training ground for a long time. And of course, I’ve already won here twice.”

He also pointed to the growing influence of race vehicles, particularly motorbikes used for television coverage, which he believes can affect both safety and competition.

“Sometimes it feels like the cameras are getting bigger and the motorbikes are getting closer,” he said. “It’s not the riders’ fault, but it can benefit whoever is in front. And at times it makes things more dangerous than they should be.”

For all the variables, Evenepoel’s objective remains unchanged. His appetite for victory, especially in a race he considers one of his favourites, has not diminished.

“I race to win,” he concluded.