Ag2r went into Liege-Bastogne-Liege with two strong cards to play and Romain Bardet and Domenico Pozzovivo showed their strength as they both finished in the top 10 in sixth and eighth respectively.

"I thought the podium was possible," Bardet said. "I had to attack a little earlier on the Roche aux Faucons (19 kilometers from the finish). I missed something in the finale. I think the team had good day with Domenico in 8th. I thought there was an opening in the last five kilometers. It's hard to win in a finish for puncheurs. I think I did everything. I have finished 13th, 10th and 6th in this race, we now have to see in future years. I am glad to see that there is a good generation of classics riders in France, it brings hope."

"In the rain and the sprint, it was hard to beat Valverde," Pozzovivo said. "I was at the rear end of the group and I could not talk to Romain (Bardet). This is my second participation in Liège-Bastogne-Liège and it is the second time I'm in the top ten. The confidence is there before the Giro."