Intermediate Point 1 - "The Turn", Bastogne (84km)

Bastogne itself is a small, unpretentious town that is typical of many in East Belgium. However, its place in history is assured through the terrible events of the bleak winter of 1944. Slap bang in the middle of what was to become known as the Battle of the Bulge, Bastogne was the scene of the grim, costly but very vital defence by the US 101st Airborne Division, which has recently been remembered in the award-winning BBC/HBO series Band of Brothers.

In happier times, Bastogne's claim to fame is it's title role in one of the great cycling classics. Coming after a relatively short time in the saddle, it is possible that a group of hopefuls will have escaped the attentions of the peloton. It is a long, twisty route back to Liege, over some of the harshest climbs in Northern Europe. Any lead breakaway riders will themselves be amazed if they survive all the way to the finish, but certainly deserve the 10 points each will receive as they pass through Bastogne. [Note: a "lead breakway" is defined as a group of 20 or less at the front of the race.]

Intermediate Point 2 - Cote de Stockeu/Cote de Wanneranval (175km)

The sister climbs of the Cote de Stockeu and Cote de Wanneranval come in quick succession, and both have the potential of splitting open the race. These two climbs signal the start of the real hostilities, as the following "cotes" come thick and fast on the road back to Liege. All riders in the lead breakaway over the top of the Wanneranval gain 10 points each.

Intermedite Point 3- Cote de la Redoute (223km)

La Redoute ranks alongside famous names such as the Koppenburg, Mur de Huy and Muur van Geraadsbergen as one of the key climbs of the Northen Classics campaign. At an average gradient of 8%, and coming after 200 kms of hard racing, any riders in the lead group over the top surely deserve their 10 points.

Intermediate Point 4 - Cote de Sant-Nicolas (253km)

At a length of just under 1 kilometre and an average gradient of under 7%, the profile of Sant Nick would not usually strike fear into the hearts, especially when compared to the Stockeu and La Redoute. However, it comes after 253 kms, and barely 5km from the finish. Liege - Bastogne - Liege has been won and lost on this slope, and a rider will have to survive this climb in good order if he harbours hopes of winning La Doyenne.
All riders in the lead group over the top gain 10 points each.

Finish - Ans, Liege

The suberb of Ans is much like the rest of Liege, although it has become the finish point of this fine classic. Not least because the finishing kilometre tilts steeply upwards. The drag up towards the line is certainly the sting in the tail of this year's Classics season. If a group of riders arrive together, the eventual winner will have retained some energy reserves, and be able to sprint uphill. As the last major classic of Spring 2003, this will be the last chance for some riders to acheive glory before the long stage race season commences. All points available on the finish line are summarised on the rules page.