Tadej Pogačar Sets New Average Speed Record at Liège Bastogne Liège 2026
Pogačar beats old record set at last years edition
April 26, 2026
Liège Bastogne Liège 2026 witnessed a new average speed record set by winner Tadej Pogačar of UAE Team Emirates - XRG. Pogačar averaged 44.426 km/h (27.60 mph) throughout the 259.5 km course.
The previous average speed record of 41.983 km/h (26.08 mph) was set at the 2025 edition of Liège Bastogne Liège, won also by Tadej Pogačar. The previous average speed record was crushed being beaten by 2.443 km/h (1.51 mph)!
Comparing Liège Bastogne Liège 2026 to Liège Bastogne Liège 2025
Is it fair to say that the previous record was crushed? In simpe terms, yes, as we noted above the old average speed was beaten by a wide margin. But in order to get a better idea we need to take a close look at how difficult each edition of the race was, and the two statistics we have that give us an idea are length of race and elevation gained. Here’s how the two races compare:
| Year | Avg Speed | Diff | Distance | Diff | Climb | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 44.426 km/h | +2.443 | 259.5 km | +7.5 km | 4101 m | -264 m |
| 2025 | 41.983 km/h | — | 252.0 km | — | 4365 m | — |
Based on the chart above, one could make the argument that 2026 edition of Liège Bastogne Liège and the 2025 edition are close to equal in difficulty. While 2026 had less elevation gain, 2025 was 7.5 km longer. From this it would be fair to conclude that the increase in average speed is not due to easier conditions in 2026.
Avg Speed data sourced at procyclingstats view