Dominant Evenepoel wins second Liège-Bastogne-Liège in a row

Remco Evenepoel has won the 109th edition of Liège-Bastogne-Liège. The reigning world champion was by far the strongest cyclist in the Belgian spring classic on Sunday and successfully defended his title from last year.

Evenepoel completed a solo of about 30km, finishing more than a minute faster than British runner-up Tom Pidcock. It was the Belgian's first victory in his rainbow jersey, which he won last September in Australia.

"I am incredibly proud to win this beautiful race in this shirt. It is magical," said Evenepoel. "I have to thank my teammates. It wasn't easy, especially with Jumbo-Visma's early attacks. But we stayed calm and stuck to the plan."

Tadej Pogacar, the other big favourite, was taken to hospital after a crash. The Slovenian suffered fractures to the carpal bones in his left wrist and will undergo surgery at a specialised hand surgeon in Genk, his team UAE Team Emirates reported.

Previously, Evenepoel won the team time trial and overall victory in the UAE Tour, and two stages in the Tour of Catalonia. His next target is the Giro d'Italia, a three-week Grand Tour that starts on 6 May.

^{© BELGA PHOTO TOM GOYVAERTS}