Dan Martin, Liege-Bastogne-Liege First I have to explain something that you only really know if you have ridden Liege-Bastogne-Liege. By looking at the profile, you have the impression that all of climbing is in the last 100 km of the race. But no. This race is said to be one of the hardest races in the world. There was not really any flat all day. We counted 17 climbs on top of the 12 categorized ones that range from between 1 and 5 km long.

The plan was for Pat, David and Ryder to save their ammo for the final battle while the rest of us were to try and get in the break of the day. The ‘rest of us’ failed but that meant we were more useful to the other guys, fetching bidons and helping with position.

I was running on empty all day. No idea why. Just felt plain terrible all day. But as the races are so long, often you can start feeling bad and finish with race with winning legs. I kept telling myself this all day, and truth be told I did feel better . . . once I had hit the showers.

Liege is an insanely hard bike race but one that I already have a soft spot for, which is why I was so determined to finish. These races are won with experience and now I have one under my belt!