2012 Liege Bastogne Liege and 2012 Fleche Wallonne

Description

The rich green pasturelands, densely wooded hill country and crystal-clean rivers of southern Belgium are amongst the most enchantingly beautiful landscapes of Western Europe. Yet every April, at Fleche Wallone and Liege-Bastogne-Liege, this magical countryside is witness to pain, suffering and courage in two of cycling?s most arduous tests: the Ardennes Classics. A relentless series of agonisingly steep ascents, totalling more climbing than in an average Grand Tour mountain stage, steadily weed out the weakest riders. Then on the final one-in-four and one-in-five ascents, a mere handful of the survivors use what cunning their last few ounces of strength they can muster for one decisive bid for glory. Rarely do they have energy for more. Featuring an all-star cast, from Tour heros like Cadel Evans and Andy Schleck to giants of the Classics like Philippe Gilbert, Fleche and Liege are two unmissable chapters of a brutal, unforgiving sport at its best. Commentary by Phil Liggett & Paul Sherwen. Approx. 120 min