A double attack from the Schleck brothers on the Côte de la Roche aux Faucons all but assured Fränk and Andy a podium finish at Liège-Bastogne-Liège. In pursuit of the first Classics victory for Leopard Trek, Fränk attacked from the bunch. Andy followed with Philippe Gilbert (Omega-Pharma Lotto) on his wheel. The trio plowed ahead passing riders who had been part of an early break that splintered on the climb. Only Greg Van Avermaet (BMC) managed to stay with the Schlecks and Gilbert as he was passed rather than be overtaken by them.

With 20 kilometres and one categorized climb remaining, the quartet increased their lead on the chasing field to a maximum advantage of 50 seconds. With the gap solidly established and Van Avermaet struggling to maintain the pace, a showdown on the final climb, the Côte de Saint-Nicolas, seemed inevitable.

The expected fireworks held off initially as Gilbert and the Schlecks eyed one another. Fränk put in a small dig, and Andy followed suit. Neither move made an impact. Gilbert made it clear that despite being outnumbered, he would not be outmaneuvered. Making his own move, Gilbert took to the front and accelerated. Fränk was able to keep pace as Andy dropped back slightly.

“I attacked on the bottom (of Saint-Nicolas),” said Andy. “I put out more than 600 watts after 250 kilometres. Frank attacked, too. He tried, but then Philippe dropped me. I didn’t panic. I knew I would come back.”

Andy’s assessment proved accurate, and he rejoined Fränk and Gilbert on the descent before the finish. The three headed into the last climb into Ans together.

Until the final 300 metres, Gilbert sat sandwiched between the Schleck brothers. Andy led the trio into the final turn, and he was the first to open his sprint. Gilbert, who won in Amstel Gold and Flèche Wallonne, took the hat trick in Ans as he came around Andy for the win. Fränk took second leaving third place for Andy.

“I don’t think we could have done anything different,” noted Fränk. “We attacked together which we normally don’t do. We normally attack one after another. We attacked together because were feeling very strong. Gilbert was the only one able to follow.”

Andy echoed his brother’s sentiments. “I’m happy with my race, and I’m happy with my condition,” he said in a post-race press conference. “I couldn’t beat Gilbert today. Today, he is better, but I still have other goals. My goal is to win the Tour. Today, I believe we put on a nice race for the public.”

Earlier in the week, Andersen explained that he was pleased with the team’s efforts at Amstel while he had hoped for more at Flèche. He noted that the result on any given day was less important to him than the teamwork.