Dan Martin on split-second decision he thought would win Liége
Dan Martin was 2nd at Liége-Bastogne-Liége but thought he the beating of Alejandro Valverde.
By Brian Canty
Dan Martin has revealed how he waited until Alejandro Valverde was boxed-in approaching the finish today before attacking in a bid to win Liége-Bastogne-Liége.
He is an instinctive type of racer who doesn’t always stick to conventional wisdom. And he knew if he was to beat Valverde it would take more than just legs today.
So when saw Valverde’s exit briefly blocked as the riders hauled themselves up to the line after almost 260 kilometres of racing, he went for broke and struck out in a split-second action.
He gapped some of the world’s finest riders in Bardet, Albasini, Yates, Van Avermaet, Teuns and even Valverde.
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Martin rounded the final bend with the finish line in sight but turning a huge gear to get across to him was the grizzled Spaniard.
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He slipped by Martin and coasted home with the runner-up emptying the tank in a desperate and futile last-gasp bid to take victory.
“We had a young team here and the boys rode their heart out, giving everything and putting in an incredible display,” reflected Martin.
“On the final climb, which suited me, I bided my time and when I noticed Alejandro was a bit boxed in I attacked and rode full gas, but unfortunately he came back and it was another second place for me,” he added.
“I will return here in 2018 and try again to win, as I love Liège–Bastogne–Liège, it's basically the race I watched on television since I can remember.
“I’m not sad after my second place, because I got beaten by the better rider. Instead, I am very satisfied with the fact the team showed once again how strong it is.
“Quick-Step Floors was a major player in the Spring Classics, we got many great victories and other good results and I think we can look behind at our campaign with huge pride.”
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