2008 Leige-Bastogne/Fleche Wallone DVD
Forging its way through the harshly beautiful landscape of Belgium's Ardennes hills, Li'ge-Bastogne-Li'ge is the oldest Classic of them all – and arguably the most complicated and challenging to win. Frequently rain-soaked, this is a race of pure attrition, dotted with short but viciously steep climb after climb after climb. Liege is also the culmination of the Northern Classics season, a tantalizingly elusive last chance for the one-day specialists to make it into the history books. Small wonder that this year, as in so many other years, a star-studded host of riders was drawn to the start of the 107th edition of this race. Among them were the reigning World Champion Paolo Bettini (Quick Step), the flamboyant and fearless 2006 Liege winner Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) of Spain, and 2008 Amstel winner Damiano Cunego (Lampre). A race rich in attacks and counter-attacks was decided in a sprint by a tough trio of Valverde, 2004 winner David Rebellin (Gerolsteiner), and Frank Schleck (CSC), with Valverde triumphant. Complex, intriguing and relentlessly paced, it will keep your eyes glued to your screen.
While there are 10 climbs in the 2008 Fleche Wallonne, the last of three ascents of astonishingly steep Mur de Huy (26% maximum grade) decides the race. Timing, patience, and raw power give Kim Kirchner (High Road) the win in the slow-motion sprint up the Huy Wall to the finish. Our DVD set is a painstakingly crafted chronicle of these true highlights of the cycling season.
Commentary by Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen. Approx. 240 min