Actually, Liège-Bastogne-Liège for women has one place name too many in its title, as the race runs from Bastogne to Liège. The first part of the route travels on undulating terrain.
The first official climb is the Côte de Wanne. The 3.6 kilometres climb at 5.1% is followed by the Côte de la Haute-Levée (3.1 kilometres at 7%) and Côte de la Vecquée (6.7 kilometres at 4.9%) before the riders reach the Côte de La Redoute after more than 100 kilometres in the saddle. The iconic Ardennes climb is 2 kilometres long and the average gradient sits 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 into Liège before the last kilometres are played out on the flat.
Anna van der Breggen won the first two editions of Liège-Bastogne-Liège Femmes – which finished in Ans -, while Annemiek van Vleuten was in a class of her own in last year’s race. With the same finale as this year, the Dutch rider attacked on the Redoute and soloed to victory.
Other interesting reads:
– results/report and start list Liège-Bastogne-Liège Femmes 2020.
Liège–Bastogne–Liège Femmes 2020: route, profiles, more
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