Liège, Belgium — April 26, 2026 Slovenian cycling star Tadej Pogacar claimed his fourth victory at the grueling Lüttich-Bastogne-Lüttich race on Sunday, edging closer to Eddy Merckx's all-time record of five wins in the prestigious one-day classic.
Pogacar Dominates "La Doyenne"
Tadej Pogacar solidified his status as one of the greatest riders in modern cycling with a commanding performance at the 259.9-kilometer Lüttich-Bastogne-Lüttich, often referred to as "La Doyenne" for its status as the oldest monument in professional cycling. The UAE Team Emirates rider outpaced rising talent Paul Seixas in a thrilling finale, showcasing his climbing prowess on a course featuring 11 hard ascents and 4,400 meters of elevation gain.
Pogacar's victory marks his fourth triumph in the race, placing him just one win shy of the record held by Belgian legend Eddy Merckx, who won the event five times between 1969 and 1975. Only Merckx and French rider Bernard Hinault (also with four wins) have achieved similar dominance in the race's 110-year history.
The Road to History
With his latest victory, Pogacar has positioned himself as a strong contender to match or even surpass Merckx's record in future editions. The Slovenian, who also holds two Tour de France titles, has consistently demonstrated his ability to excel in both stage races and one-day classics, a versatility rarely seen in modern cycling.
The 2026 edition of Lüttich-Bastogne-Lüttich tested riders with its relentless climbs, including the iconic Côte de la Redoute and Côte de la Roche-aux-Faucons. Pogacar's tactical acumen and explosive acceleration proved decisive in the final kilometers, leaving Seixas and other challengers unable to respond.