The route through the Ardennes is all but flat, yet it takes a while for the first official climb to appear. The Côte de Wanne is crested at kilometre 55. The 3.6 kilometres climb at 5.1% is quickly followed by Côte de de Brume, an uphill of 2.5 kilometres and an average slope of 6.8%.
Time for a breather – that is, in theory. A descent and a section on the flat brings the riders to Stoutmont, at the foot of the Côte de la Vecquée. The riders have done 90 kilometres when they reach the top of this 6.7 kilometres ascent at 4.9%. A long descent leads them to one of the most famous roads of cycling.
The Côte de La Redoute appears after 100 kilometres in the saddle. The iconic Ardennes climb is 2 kilometres at 8.9%, while the steepest ramps are 13%. A short drop and an equally short climb lead to Sprimont before a longer descent ushers in the decisive phase of the race.
The energy sapping Côte de la Roche aux Faucons – 1.3 kilometres at 11% – is the last official climb, although the route continues to rise for a bit after its summit. The riders descend to Liège before the last kilometres are played out on the flat.
World and Olympic Champion Anna van der Breggen is the cycling’s Queen of the Ardennes. Last Wednesday, she added her five consecutive victory in La Fleche Wallonne to her tally, while she also won the first two editions of Liège-Bastogne-Liège Femmes.
Other interesting reads: results/race report and start list 2018 Liège-Bastogne-Liège Femmes.
Liège–Bastogne–Liège Femmes 2019: route, profiles, more
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