There are few surprises in the course of 'La Doyenne'. This year's 257.1-kilometre long hill classic starts on the Quai des Ardennes in Liège, which is also the finish location. The course includes ten categorised climbs. Most of them are in the race's second half, back from Bastogne to Liège. Thirty kilometres before the finish there is the famous Côte de la Redoute, followed by the Côte de la Roche-au-Faucons at thirteen kilometres from the end.

Van Aert will make his debut in Liège-Bastogne-Liège this year. He had an excellent reconnaissance on Thursday. "After Paris-Roubaix I took two days of rest, but I have already completed good training sessions. I often train in this region, so there were no surprises. I know the hills and their order."

According to the Belgian champion, the final slope, the Côte de la Roche-aux-Faucons, will be a tipping point. "After la Roche-aux-Faucons there is an interesting descent to the finish. It is good that I have explored it. The race usually explodes on that climb. You have to be at the front at the top because it will be difficult coming back on the descent. By that time, many riders will have already been dropped. In that sense it is an easy race. You have to 'just' keep following, although that is hard enough already. In this shape, I can definitely show something in Liège. I have a small chance of winning, but a good chance of a good result. I have a good opportunity to ride this classic. It is also good to have ridden this race already."

Sports director Frans Maassen is also happy that Van Aert will start in Liège. "It's convenient that everything fits and he can be at the start in good shape. Wout can play an essential role in every classic, also here in Liège. He has already shown great things in different areas. Wout is a special person; he always gets far when he puts his mind to something. He will not start here as the top favourite. I think Pogacar is the top favourite. Behind him, there are fifteen other favourites, and Wout is also one of them. He has already ridden a great spring. Hopefully he can finish it off in a good way on Sunday."

According to Maassen, Van Aerts' presence gives the whole team a boost. "Wout is looking forward to it and that's great to see. It also ensures that his teammates are extra motivated. You're twice as strong with such a leader in the team."