The fourth Monument of the cycling calendar, Liège–Bastogne–Liège, also known as La Doyenne (the oldest), marks the grand finale of the Spring Classics and the closing act of the Ardennes week. With 4,400 meters of elevation gain packed into 252 kilometers.

The 2025 edition features the traditional out-and-back journey from Liège to Bastogne and back to Liège, but as always, the sting lies in the sequence of brutal climbs in the final third: Côte de Wanne, Côte de Stockeu, Côte de la Redoute, and the decisive Côte de la Roche-aux-Faucons at 13.3km to go. These climbs often decide the race and reward those who can hold their nerve and legs when the fireworks start.

The team in Belgium has a balanced and ambitious squad: Pello Bilbao, Santiago Buitrago, Jack Haig, Edoardo Zambanini, Mathijs Paasschens, Roman Ermakov, and Rob Stannard.

Santiago Buitrago will lead Bahrain Victorious on a course that suit his climbing ability and experience in tough one-day races. Jack Haig and Pello Bilbao bring crucial support in the latter phases, while Zambanini and Stannard are tasked with staying active in the critical middle and final sectors. Ermakov and Paasschens will be key in keeping the team well-positioned in the early part of the day.

Sports Director Roman Kreuziger commented: “We have a very good roster. We know there are some ‘lions’ on the start line, riders like Tadej and Remco, but we believe in our strength as a team. It’s great to have Jack Haig back with us, he’ll be a valuable asset for our leaders. Santi is clearly in form, and Pello has a strong history at this race. Edoardo and Jack are both solid climbers who can either support or get into the moves. For Roman the focus is to control the race through the first 150 kilometers.

The section around Vielsalm, roughly 5km, is where we’ve had bad luck in the past two editions, so we’re paying extra attention there. If we can hit the base of the Côte de Mont-le-Soie at 156.7km in good position, we’ll be in a strong place going into the final climbs.

Our target is a top five, but of course we’re aiming higher. A podium here would be the perfect way to close out the cobbled and Ardennes campaign. We did a recon today to fine-tune our approach, and we’re hoping for good weather to help us race aggressively.”