77th Liege-Bastogne-Liege 1991 (Belgium)

An Ardennes Double

Italian Moreno Argentin started the 1991 Liege-Bastogne-Liege with great form after winning the mid-week Fleche-Wallone.  Having won the L-B-L on three previous editions Argentin set his sights on the tough “Ardennes Double”. 

A fast early pace and several crashes thinned the peloton as the race turned for the tough return trip to Liege.  All of Belgium crowd on every climb awaited the sight of their national champion Claude Criquielion.  On every climb the Belgian Jersey was prominent at the front of a dwindling bunch. 

Following a brutal pace on the Wanne hurt the peloton, Criquielion shattered the bunch on the short, steep Cote des Hezalles.  The lead group of twenty riders watched as Argentin and Criquielion waged a war of nerves. 

The war was taking its toll.  At the foot of the Cote de Lorce the lead group was down to 10 riders.  Over the La Redoute Argentin’s Ariosta teammate Rolf Sorensen controlled the breakaway. 

Sorensen took control again on the streets of Liege.  Driving the pace Sorensen led out the sprint for Argentin.  Criquielion jumped but Argentin answered and easily came around the Belgian for the victory.

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“Age and treachery will overcome youth and skill.”
Fausto Coppi, Italian
"Champion of Champions"