2024 Liège-Bastogne-Liège Femmes | Highlights

Race Report

After two previous runner-up finishes at Liège-Bastogne-Liège, Grace Brown emerged victorious at the 2024 edition of La Doyenne, triumphing in a thrilling sprint finish in Liège.

Brown’s victory came after she joined a decisive move initiated by Elise Chabbey (Canyon-SRAM) on the Côte de Stockeu. The group she formed with Chabbey and Kim Cadzow (EF Education-Cannondale) held strong until the Côte de la Redoute, where the race dynamics began to shift.

As the trio at the front battled on, Elisa Longo Borghini (Lidl-Trek), Demi Vollering (SD Worx-Protime), and Katarzyna Niewiadoma (Canyon-SRAM) launched a pursuit, ultimately bridging the gap with just under 10km to go.

In the final sprint to the line, Niewiadoma led out, with Longo Borghini poised to take the victory. However, Brown seized the opportunity, surging past Longo Borghini in the final meters to secure the win.

The race unfolded amidst cold and wet conditions, with few teams eager to initiate a breakaway early on. Sarah Gigante (AG Insurance-Soudal) sparked early excitement with a solo attack, maintaining her lead for nearly 70km.

Chabbey’s attack on the Côte de Stockeu set the stage for the decisive move, with Brown playing a pivotal role in driving the pace. Despite a near mishap for Brown on a roundabout, the group remained intact, setting the stage for a thrilling finale.

As the riders approached the finish, tactics came into play, with Canyon-SRAM attempting to leverage their numbers advantage. However, it was Brown’s well-timed sprint that ultimately sealed the victory, edging out Longo Borghini and Vollering to claim the top spot on the podium.

Brown’s victory at Liège-Bastogne-Liège marks a significant achievement in her career, solidifying her status as a formidable contender in the world of women’s cycling.

Results

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