'We want to show resilience' – AG Insurance-Soudal must rely on younger squad to take on Ardennes without Liège champion Kim Le Court-Pienaar

AG Insurance-Soudal faces a significant challenge in the upcoming Ardennes Classics, with key riders Kim Le Court-Pienaar, the reigning Liège-Bastogne-Liège champion, and Justine Ghekiere both sidelined due to injury. This forces the Belgian squad to rely heavily on a younger, less experienced roster. While Ashleigh Moolman Pasio showed promising form at Brabantse Pijl, the team's depth will be severely tested as they aim to demonstrate "resilience" without their established leaders.

This situation highlights the precarious balance of team strength in women's cycling, where the loss of one or two marquee riders can drastically alter a team's prospects for major races. Le Court-Pienaar's absence, in particular, removes a proven winner and a crucial tactical fulcrum from AG Insurance-Soudal's arsenal for a race she conquered just last year. Their performance in the Ardennes will be a litmus test for their development pipeline and the mettle of their emerging talent against well-drilled, full-strength rivals.

Ultimately, AG Insurance-Soudal's Ardennes campaign will serve as a stark reminder that even the most ambitious teams are but one crash away from a complete strategic overhaul. Good luck, youngsters.