It shouldn't get any worse for the winner of Liège-Bastogne-Liège. In a thrilling finish, Grace Brown took to the grass after missing the roundabout, but with an all-or-nothing sprint down the final straight, she was still crowned the unlikely winner of the Monument. Elisa Longo Borghini and Demi Vollering were allowed to take the podium, and Kopecky crashed on the Roche-aux-Faucons and finished only 38th.
Grace Brown with the race of her life.
They entered the final kilometer with six people: front-runners Vollering, Lungo Borghini and Niyoyadoma were joined by early escapees Kadzov, Xavi and Braun.
It's actually a half-miracle that Brown, who astutely anticipated the better of the Climbers by attacking early, rode with that group under the red cloth.
Six kilometers from the finish, she suddenly drove her car onto the grass after missing the roundabout, as her chances of winning seemed to have diminished.
Through a tough poker game up front, everything finally came together again. It was expected to be a royal race for the dying swans, and no one was really sure.
Longo Borghini wanted to make it a long race and started from a distance, Brown reworked her and squeezed her legs with absolute force like the devil out of the box.
Fullering had to come from so far away, he should be satisfied with it, but he is not
Bronze. The Dutch champion had a strong spring, but was unable to win a single race.
The 31-year-old Australian achieved the best win of her career for Liège-Bastogne-Liège. I finally managed to shoot the lead bird after two second places in the past.
It quickly became clear that this was not Lotte Kopecky's (SD Worx Team – Protime) day. At La Redoute she was still able to surf with her favourites, but at Roche-aux-Faucons she was able to jump. The world champion finished 38th.
The best Belgian woman was Justine Gecker (AG Insurance – Soudal Team) in 28th place
Lotte Kopecky: “Liège-Bastogne-Liège should be within my capabilities”
Lotte Kopecky made her film debut in La Doyenne. How did you experience the race?
“I just failed to get the Roche-aux-Faucons, but with fresher legs I might be able to survive. It was a good first experience, yes. I think Liège is definitely within my capabilities, but with a different preparation period.” .
It's been a long spring for Kopecky, who rode just about everything. What is the agenda in the coming weeks? “Just rest and recharge the batteries,” the world champion huffs, “so I can prepare for the important summer.”
Result Liège-Bastogne-Liège (women)
Stage after stage
Grace Brown wins the Liège-Bastogne-Liège after a very exciting sprint
Longo Borghini was confronted at the last minute and finished second, with Demi Wohlring third on the podium.
Grace Brown takes over the leadership of Liège-Bastogne-Liège!
It's Grace Brown (FDJ-SUEZ) who won La Doyenne! She beat all the front runners in the dying swan race and after coming in second place she was finally on top of the podium!
The last kilometre
It turns into a royal race! Who has the most strength in their legs?
If it was a speed race, I wouldn't know!
Robin van Gucht
The moment Brown rejoins, Xavi changes course. It's just a tingle, they look back at each other.
Vertigo almost goes completely wrong for Brown
Brown in the grass
Grace Brown makes a wrong turn and is forced to let the rest lead, what's going on here in the last kilometers!
High stakes are played! Top notch poker.
to merge!
The rally is real 9 kilometers from the finish. All six names at a glance:
Longo Borghini
My guy
brown
Kadzov
Fullerring
Newyadoma
Amazing all around. One thing is certain: Liège-Bastogne-Liège will remain exciting until the end.
Don't forget that Grace Brown came in second here twice.
I am clear
The three in front are still doing their best, and still have a 30-inch lead over the pack of favorites.
Kopiki is placed for half a minute. The world champion will not win La Doyenne.
Chabbey is strong up front, if Niewiadoma joins Canyon//SRAM Racing he will have a surplus.
There goes Longo Borghini!
Fullering and Nyoyadoma get into their carriage, and Kopecky has to leave it.
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