Liège-Bastogne-Liège : Karo alone among the big names

Liège-Bastogne-Liège brought the spring classics season to a close this Sunday. The demanding and hilly course allowed Karolina Perekitko to shine, finishing 26th and as the first rider from a ProTeam, representing Mayenne Monbana My Pie.

The 2026 edition of “La Doyenne” of the classics took place under bright sunshine, with ideal weather conditions for cycling. From a sporting perspective, the race was shaped from the back during the first half, as the peloton gradually lost riders. Everything exploded on the iconic Côte de La Redoute climb, the legendary decisive point of the race, 34 kilometres from the finish.

Karolina Perekitko, riding for ProTeam Mayenne Monbana My Pie, was still among the favourites’ group on the climb and held on as long as possible to secure a strong result. She eventually crossed the line in 26th place. This performance was all the more impressive as she was the first rider from a second-division team to finish. A promising sign ahead of the La Vuelta Femenina, which begins next Sunday.

Karolina Perekitko : “26th place is not bad. Côte de La Redoute was decisive. I was missing a bit of power, which is a shame. We chased, but it wasn’t possible to come back to the group just ahead. My first part of the season could have been better, but things are moving in the right direction. My favourite races are coming up, starting with the La Vuelta Femenina, and I hope to perform there. I’ll prepare as well as possible. I feel that in races like this, it’s hard for everyone. You really have to ride at your limit all the time. It’s a bit of a mental game, like poker. Whoever keeps the most resources, the most power, will be the best in the end.”

Jean-Christophe Barbotin, manager of Mayenne Monbana My Pie : “Karo saved the day. I’m still quite disappointed overall with the other girls, who are there to help early in the race but let go far too soon. In the mountains and on this kind of terrain, Karo is isolated too quickly. The coming month in Spain will not be easy. On top of that, the world level is extremely high. As a result, we realise that we need to raise our game significantly if we want to compete.”

Results :

26 - Karolina Perekitko

66 - Francesca Hall

Photo credit : ASO / Gaëtan Flamme