Today's Liège-Bastogne-Liège didn't go according to Remco Evenepoel's plans. The Belgian champion had to surrender to the attack of Tadej Pogacar followed by the very young Paul Seixas and in the end had to settle for third place at the end of a difficult day full of episodes that shaped the race's outcome.

Aided by a crash, from the early stages the race took a turn that nobody expected. Evenepoel found himself caught up in a massive breakaway of over fifty riders, an unusual situation that surprised the Belgian himself: «I have no idea how I ended up in the initial breakaway. Suddenly we were 40 or 50 riders away, and it was a surprise for me too».

A group that accumulated more than three minutes of advantage, but without the presence of the big favorites like Tadej Pogacar and young Paul Seixas. The regrouping happened only just before the Côte de Wanne, when the main group – led by the tireless Tim Wellens – closed the gap. Evenepoel, though present up front, managed his energy well: «In the end, I didn't waste too much energy. The result didn't change, I still finished in third place».

The decisive moment came on the legendary La Redoute, where the race exploded. «It was extremely hard from the start - Evenepoel admitted - I immediately understood that I wouldn't have a leading role. On the Redoute, it was immediately tough. It was really a complicated race».

It wasn't a positioning error, but simply legs that weren't up to the moment. «I was well positioned, but we went very fast right away. Immediately I realized that I wouldn't be able to follow if there was an attack».

At that point, the Belgian changed strategy, focusing everything on management and the final. «I tried to stay calm and concentrate on Roche-aux-Faucons and then on my sprint. Despite the fatigue I managed to go as I wanted. My legs were heavy but I managed to maintain clarity and confidence».

This was the best choice for the Belgian, who despite the difficulties, managed to reach the third step of the podium, behind Seixas and winner Pogacar. «As I said I stayed calm, confident that I could still finish third. Fortunately, I managed it. I don't think I could have done better».

Today's podium is nonetheless an important one, confirming the solidity of the Belgian champion even on less brilliant days, capable of limiting the damage and transforming a complicated race into a prestigious result.