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Dutchman Wouter Poels from Team Sky wins Liège-Bastogne-Liège

Dutchman Wout Poels has said that his victory in Liège-Bastogne-Liège on Sunday was a ‘dream come true’, particularly as the sub-zero weather conditions made for a tough day in Belgium. Sky’s first win in one of cycling five big Classic races. “It was a really hard day due to the weather. You had to keep warm and I had prepared well to cope with that, especially in terms of clothing,” Poels said after his victory.

A dramatic final saw the route diverted due to treacherous conditions. Rain turned to snow and sleet and riders found themselves sliding, not only around bends but up some of the steep climbs.

With 2.5 km's to Michael Albasini Orica-GreenEdge attacked on the 600m, 10%, climb of Côte de la Rue Naniot, the new steep cobbled climb, taking Rui Costa Lampre - Merida with him.

Samuel Sanchez BMC Racing Team and Wouter Poels Team Sky managed to bridge across leaving the main peleton, including Valverde behind, with Team Tinkoff chasing the breakway of 4.

With 1.7km's to go Poels Team Sky, meaning buisness in the sprint, ditched his heavy his gloves. The gap was around 100m to what was left of the main peleton.

The last 1.4 km was all uphill. The 4 leaders looked at each as they passed under the 1km to chute. Albasini took up the lead trying to keep the leaders clear of the main bunch. With 350m to go Poels tested the leg of his rivals with matches to burn!

Around the last bend with 200 metres to go Wouter Poels Team Sky burnt all his matches in one huge effort, just looking down to see if anyone would come around. Albasini tried but was spent. Rui Costa Lampre - Merida just behind and Samuel Sanchez BMC Racing Team trailing.

An amazing finish to brutal day with very unfavourable conditions. The final climbs shredding the main peleton to pieces. The 2016 Liège-Bastogne-Liège, the final of the Spring Classics did not disappoint!

Dutchman Wouter Poels from Team Sky wins Liège-Bastogne-Liège