Wout Poels took the biggest win of his career to-date when he was first across the line at Liege-Bastogne-Liege and it also resulted in Team Sky’s first ever monument victory.
Poels had gone ahead with Michael Albasini (Orica GreenEdge), Samuel Sanchez (BMC Racing) and Rui Costa (Lampre-Merida), as the race crested the penultimate climb of the Cote de la Rue Naniot.
They stayed together on the final drag to the finish at Ans, and after rounding the final corner, Poels made his move. He jumped clear and despite a valiant chase by Albasini, the Dutchman was able to hold on to take the win.
It’s unbelievable,” Poels told teamsky.com afterwards. “I’m really happy and I still can’t believe I won Liege-Bastogne-Liege. It’s a really nice victory that’s for sure!
“To be able to win the first Monument for the team, especially a team like this, is really special,” Poels said. “I’m riding with the best riders in the world. It’s a huge win for the team and also for myself.”
“I know I’m quite fast but I also knew that guys like Albasini were quick too. After 260km no sprint is the same. I think everyone was really tired from the cold, rain, snow and everything else the weather threw at us today. I did a good sprint and luckily it was enough to win Liege-Bastogne-Liege!”
