Phinney's Face Plant
Three time defending champion Moreno Argentin was the heavy favorite to win the 1988 Liege-Bastogne-Liege.
An aggressive race took shape on the Cote d’Erefe when Charly Mottet launched an attack off the already flying peloton. An eight rider group formed as the final selection was beginning.
The chase in the peloton was fierce. While descending the Houffalize the speeding pack hit an un-marked, un-marshaled road construction site. 50 riders were involved in a large crash.
SPECIAL NOTE: 7-Eleven’s Davis Phinney was involved in the crash and was forced to start a torrid, solo chase. He was in the team cars and close to re-connecting with the peloton when a stopped Iso Glass team car caused Phinney to hit face first into the rear window. Semi-conscious and face bleeding Phinney was loaded into the ambulance. 100 stitches were required to close the wounds.
An unfortunate Davis Phinney crashed while chasing back to the peloton
A 6 rider group was 55 seconds ahead of the peloton on the climb of the La Redoute. Only 3 riders, Robert Millar, Adri Van der Poel and Michel Demies, survived over the top of the climb.
Adri van der Poel driving to the finish
When the leaders entered Liege Van der Poel had the most strength and powerfully sprinted away from the breakaway. Michel Demies tried get Van Der Poel's wheel but came up just short. Dutchman Adri Van der Poel claimed the prestigious victory.
| L-B-L April 17, 1988 |
| 260 Km |
1.
Adri VAN DER POEL (Ned) 6h42'02” |
2.
Michel Dernies (Bel) |
3.
Robert Millar (GBr) |
Starters:
192 |
Finishers: 68 |
Average Speed: 38.806 km/h |
L-B-L 1987
L-B-L 1989
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