Young talent Lawson Craddock has successfully made his return to racing at the Volta a Catalunya and Pais Vasco, and the 23 year old has ridden all the Ardennes Classics, lining up at his first Liege today as he prepares for the Tour of California, where the American was third last year.

“It’s definitely a great honor. Today’s race [Liège] is one of the most beautiful on the calendar, by far one of the most historic. Just to be able to be a part of it and start it, I’m really proud to do that especially seeing where I was three months ago.”

“It’s good to get the experience for the future. These races, you really see where the experience really helps out,” he said.

He knows from his experiences earlier this week in Amstel and Fleche just how long and hard the Ardennes Classics can be, and expects nothing less of the oldest Classic in the sport.

“You don’t come to Liège as a training race or something. … These races, definitely, they’re no joke.”