Liège, Belgium April 25 2026
Source: https://lblchallenge.be/en/the-course/ and https://www.instagram.com/lblchallenge/
If you’re planning to tackle the Liège-Bastogne-Liège Challenge in 2026, you’re looking at one of the steepest, most historic tests in amateur cycling. Taking place just one day before the professional “La Doyenne” (the oldest of the five Monuments), this event lets you test your legs on the same grueling Ardennes climbs.
Since today is April 26, 2026, the main Challenge event actually took place yesterday. However, if you are looking for results or planning ahead for next year, here is the breakdown of the 2026 edition:
Event Overview: April 25, 2026
- Location: Start and finish in Banneux, Belgium.
- The Vibe: High-intensity Ardennes climbing with a festive “Spring Classic” atmosphere.
2026 Routes & Difficulty
The Challenge traditionally offers three distances to suit different endurance levels:
| Route | Distance | Elevation Gain | Key Feature |
| The Pro | 250 km | ~4,000m+ | Covers almost the entire pro course, including the deep Ardennes loops. |
| The Intermediate | 163 km | ~2,600m+ | Hits the legendary final climbs like the Redoute and Roche-aux-Faucons. |
| The Discovery | 80 km | ~1,500m+ | A “shorter” taste of the steep bergs near the finish. |
Legendary Climbs to Remember
If you rode it (or are watching the pros today), these are the segments that define the race:
- Côte de la Redoute: The most iconic climb—steep, narrow, and usually lined with fans.
- Côte de la Roche-aux-Faucons: The “Falcon’s Rock,” often where the winning move happens due to its brutal gradients.
- Côte de Saint-Roch: A wall in the center of Houffalize with gradients hitting 18%.
Important Notes for Next Year
Bike Choice: Unless you’re a mountain goat, bring a compact crankset (34t) and a generous cassette (30t or 32t). Your knees will thank you on the 15th climb of the day.
Registration: Usually opens in October/November of the previous year. Early birds get a significantly lower price.
Logistics: The start in Banneux is convenient for parking, but accommodation in the Liège area fills up months in advance because of the pro race.
