Team CSC ready for spring classics finale

On Sunday, the Spring Classics are drawing to an end with the legendary Liège-Bastogne-Liège, one of the toughest classics in cycling. Team CSC goes into 'La Doyenne' with big ambitions, after winning two of the big classics already this spring, and having Jens Voigt come so close in Liège last year.

"After our recent results, it's only natural for us to be considered among the favourites, and we're ready to prove ourselves worthy of this honour," said Bjarne Riis on the team's website. "But we must not forget that Liège-Bastogne-Liège is one of the toughest races in the world and it's a very strong peloton this year. I would single out three CSC riders as potential winners: Karsten Kroon and Fränk Schleck, plus Ivan Basso as a possible outsider.

"Of course a lot depends on how the race unfolds, but I expect Ivan to be up front in the finish and then anything's possible. We have previously won in Liège, and there's no doubt we have very specific strategy for this race.

"We have a strong team and of course we have to take advantage of the fact that we have several riders, who are capable of being up front during the decisive part of the race. And then we'll just have to see how far that takes us. I believe we're in for a great Liège-Bastogne-Liège".