The Ardennes classic was in fact held for the first time in 1892 and draws its nickname of “La Doyenne” from its long history. On April 19, 2024, a few days before the start of the race, the inauguration of the Maison du Cyclisme Liège-Bastogne-Liège took place near the famous Côte de La Redoute (which is located around thirty kilometers from the circuit of Spa-Francorchamps), justice of the peace of the cycle race. A superb museum dedicated to the history of La Doyenne but also to cycling in general…
However, before visiting the museum, a visit to the famous La Redoute coast was essential. In military jargon, a redoubt is a detached fortification (earth or masonry) intended to receive artillery. This coast was the scene of a battle on September 18, 1794 between the Austrians and the French Republican Army, a battle won by the latter as evidenced by a monument at the summit.
Today the coast of La Redoute is the scene of more peaceful clashes during Liège-Bastogne-Liège, for lack of French revolutionaries, the Belgian public still admires the rebels there as we see when reading numerous “VDB 4 Ever” painted on the ground of the coast… In 1999, VDB, real name Frank Vandenbroucke, launched a supersonic attack on this coast to win! The fantastic Belgian cyclist even had the audacity to announce in the press before the race that it was there that he would deal the fatal blow! Cycling enthusiasts have not forgotten the rider who sadly left us in 2009. At the foot of La Redoute, a monument reminds us that this is where the race takes place. That day, a few amateur cyclists set off to attack La Redoute, and the effort was tough, the amateurs crossed the hill but “all the way to the left”!
The Maison du Cyclisme was inaugurated only a few weeks ago in the presence of cycling legends: Philippe Gilbert, Axel and Eddy Merckx, Dirk de Wolf, Thor Hushovd, Bernard Hinault and Laurent Jalabert. The museography is rich and successful, bikes, programs, trophies, gapettes… The museum also offers quizzes to do with the family as well as a climb of La Redoute in a 360° virtual reality headset with Philippe Gilbert who comments on his ascent! Now retired, the winner of the 2011 edition does not run out of steam and gives precise and interesting explanations. A space is dedicated to him in the museum: jerseys, pavement from Paris-Roubaix 2019 as well as his very first bike!
French riders are also in the spotlight with a superb Renault jersey from Bernard Hinault, winner of a 1980 edition in polar weather. Twice second in the event, Laurent Jalabert also has one of his bikes on display. One of the most beautiful pieces in the museum is undoubtedly a bicycle that belonged to the legendary Spanish champion Luis Ocana.
The Maison du Cyclisme Liège-Bastogne-Liège is full of treasures in its collection and is certainly a must for any enthusiast of cycling and sport in general. You know what you have to do during your next getaway to the Belgian Ardennes… At the end of June perhaps?
