“The Old Lady” Returns: 2026 Liège-Bastogne-Liège Set to Unleash Hell

When cycling epic meets Ardennes purgatory

As the oldest classic in professional cycling, Liège-Bastogne-Liège is known as “La Doyenne” (The Old Lady). On Sunday, April 26, 2026, this spring classic’s final showdown will once again explode across the hills of southern Belgium. A century-old legacy: First held in 1892 – 11 years before the Tour de France – it stands alongside Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the other “Monuments”.

Brutal course: Riders race from Liège down to Bastogne and back, covering 259.5km with over 4,000m of climbing. The second half packs more than 10 steep climbs, many with gradients exceeding 20%. Key “gates of hell” include: La Redoute (34km from finish, max 20%)

Côte de la Roche-aux-Faucons (13.3km from finish, avg 11%)

Champions’ legacy: Belgian legend Eddy Merckx holds the record with five wins, still unbeaten. Recent years have seen a two-man duel: Tadej

Pogačar (2021, 2024, 2025) and Remco Evenepoel (2022, 2023).

2026 race facts

Date: Sunday, April 26

Distance: 259.5 km Defending champion: Tadej Pogačar

Official website: www.liege-bastogne-liege.be

Stay tuned for the ultimate test of endurance and will, and witness who will be crowned in the cruel embrace of “The Old Lady”.