Cycling: The Spaniard Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) was also unstoppable at Liège-Bastogne-Liège. In the final sprint of a surprisingly large group, he prevailed against Daniel Martin (Quick-Step Floors). Third was Michal Kwiatkowski (Sky).
Minute of silence for Michele Scarponi
The race was overshadowed by Michele Scarponi. The Italian died yesterday in a training accident. A few days earlier he won his last race at the Tour of the Alps. The small tour should serve him as preparation for the Giro d'Italia taking place in May. There he was scheduled to captain his team Astana. His teammates were still in shock after his death. Michele Scarponi was one of the most popular riders in the peloton. He always had a smile on his face. He made curious videos on social media because his parrot Frankie often rode on his shoulders for the first few meters of his training trips. Now Scarponi doesn't compete anymore, but his teammates decided to start at Liège-Bastogne-Liège - in his honour. The field of drivers was silent for a minute before the start. All prize money should go to the family.
Despite a huge lead: no chance for the escapees
After the moving moment of silence for Michele Scarponi, the race started in Liège. However, last year's winner Wout Poels (Sky) was not there. Apparently, Sky relied entirely on Sergio Luis Henao and Michal Kwiatkowski. After a few attacks, a leading group of eight was able to break away from the field: Bart De Clercq (Lotto Soudal), Nick van der Lijke (Roompot), Tiago Machado (Katusha-Alpecin), Anthony Perez (Cofidis), Stéphane Rossetto (Cofidis), Aaron Gate (Aqua Blue Sport) and Fabien Grellier (Direct Energie). Although the group had a lead of more than twelve minutes, they were caught early by the peloton. The Movistar team in particular ensured a high pace for captain Alejandro Valverde. There were numerous attacks around 15 kilometers from the finish line. The peloton splintered into several pieces and the favorites laid their cards on the table.
Almost 37-year-old Alejandro Valverde is unstoppable
Davide Formolo (Cannondale-Drapac) took advantage of the moment and pulled away from the chaos to the front. Something rolled up behind him again, so that a group of around 20 people was chasing the Italian. The Movistar team was once again the pacesetter. Daniel Moreno worked for his boss Alejandro Valverde. Orica-Scott also intervened: Roman Kreuziger drove for the Swiss Michael Albasini. Arrived at the destination of Ans, the helpers were at the end of their strength. Then Daniel Martin (Quick-Step Floors) attacked and closed the gap. There was a hole at the back, but Alejandro Valverde started to sprint. The Spaniard was able to suck his way closer and closer to the Irishman until he finally reached his rear wheel. Alejandro Valverde passed to win the classic La Doyenne for the fourth time in his career. Michal Kwiatkowski finished third behind Martin. Strong: Sprinter Michael Matthews finished fourth. The Swiss Michael Albasini was seventh.
