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Andy wins Liege Bastogne Liege
Andy
Schleck (Saxo Bank) confirmed his
immense talent with a solo victory at Liege-Bastogne-Liege.
After his team mates carefully controlled the 261km race, Schleck jumped away alone on the Côte de la Roche aux
Faucons climb, 20km from the finish, and powered across to Philippe Gilbert (Silence-Lotto).
The Belgian had attacked alone a bit before but was unable to stay with Schleck, who flew past him as his
brother Frank Schleck and team mates blocked behind.
Gilbert was caught by the chasers but Schleck powered on and his lead quickly grew to over a minute.
Cadel Evans (Silence) and Enrico Gasparotto (Lampre) tried to counter attack
but they were all checked by Saxo Bank.
Schleck powered up the climb to the finish and had plenty of time to punch his fist in the air and celebrate
the biggest win of his career.
“I was super strong today and was really motivated. At Amstel Gold we rode for Kroon. I tried to win
Fleche-Wallonne but Rebellin was better. Today was my day,” he said.
“I wouldn't have won without the team. They worked really well behind.”
Spain's Joaquin Rodriguez (Caisse d'Epargne) jumped away in the final kilometre to take second and Davide
Rebellin (Diquigiovanni) won the sprint for third place.
Second in the 2007 Tour of Italy and Best Young Rider in the 2008 Tour de France, Schleck's win ends a 55 year
drought on victories in Liege-Bastogne-Liege for Luxembourg.
The last winner from Luxembourg was Marcel Ernzer, a team worker for Tour de France champion and star climber
Charly Gaul.
 Interviewed after the race, Frank Schleck said he was equally delighted
with his brother's victory. “I'm even prouder than I would have been if I had won,” Schleck commented.
“I was feeling rough after my crash at Amstel and had to skip Fleche, but today I was able to do my job well.
It was a great victory."
Britain's only finisher was Chris Froome (Barloworld), who was 45th. Ireland's Dan Martin (Garmin) was 99th, 11
minutes down, in what is only his third day of racing since illness forced him to abandon Paris-Nice in
March.
Liege-Bastogne-Liege 2009: Results
1. Andy Schleck (Lux) Saxo Bank 6hr 34mins 32sec
2. Joaquím Rodríguez (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne at 1min 17sec
3. Davide Rebellin (Ita) Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni at 1 min 24sec
4. Philippe Gilbert (Bel) Silence-Lotto
5. Serguei Ivanov (Rus) Katusha
6. Simon Gerrans (Aus) Cervelo Test Team
7. Damiano Cunego (Ita) Lampre-NGC
8. Benoît Vaugrenard (Fra) Francaise des Jeux
9. Alexandr Kolobnev (Rus) Saxo Bank
10. Samuel Sánchez (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi all same time.
Write up courtesy Cycling Weekly
Click on Andy's pic
to
read the Cyclingnews 2009 Interview
Photos by Shane Stoke and Roberto Bettini
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