There's no question that the 2011 Liege-Bastogne-Liege will always be known as Philippe Gilbert's crowning. Apart from Gilbert's triumph, most have focused on the Schleck's lack of aggression in a numerically superior position in the finale, but less than half a minute behind, another rider was working hard to secure what he calls his best ever result, Chris Anker Sorensen.
"This is freaking amazing! To finish sixth in Liege-Bastogne-Liege might be the greatest result for me ever and naturally, I'm very proud."
The Saxo Bank-Sungard rider, who won a stage of the Giro last year atop the Terminillo, couldn't follow the Schleck acceleration on the Roche aux Facons, but he was plenty strong enough to make the chasing group behind, which was populated by some of the sport's best young talents: Roman Kreuziger (Astana), Rigoberto Uran (Sky), and Chris Anker Sorensen (Saxo Bank).
The chasing trio put together a solid effort to keep the leading three close, but there was nothing doing against the collective might of Gilbert, Andy Schleck, and Frank Schleck.
The chase of the leaders was certainly on his mind, but more prominent for Sorensen was not getting caught by the group coming from behind. With quick finishers, Leukemans, Sanchez, Kolobnev, Gerrans, and Martens all chasing, Sorensen had to sacrifice what could have been 4th or 5th place to make sure he didn't end up in 10th or lower.
"In the closing kilometers, I did a lot of work in our group to secure at least sixth instead of playing too cool and getting caught at the end, as they were closing in on us. Everything worked out the way it was intended, and it's a great feeling when tactics and super condition working out superbly."
Saxo Bank director sportif, Bradley McGee, was pleased with his troop's ride.
"Both Chris and Nicki did an amazing race. It was their first time in the leaders' role, so until today, they have been helping others to big results. Nicki attempted to go at the right moment, but he needed a little bit of cooperation from the other riders up front in order to make it last, while Chris did a great job, and he showed that he is able to stay cool and keep calm in a hectic moment. It's really promising for the Saxo Bank-SunGard future."