Valverde takes second Liege win in three years

By Alasdair Fotheringham

LIEGE, Belgium (Reuters) - A powerful sprint for the line earned Spaniard Alejandro Valverde his second victory in the Liege-Bastogne-Liege classic in three years on Sunday.

The Caisse D'Epargne rider easily outgunned Italian Davide Rebellin and Luxembourg-born Frank Schleck in a three-way duel at the end of the 261-km hilly race.

The trio had broken away with a fourth rider, Frank Schleck's brother and team mate Andy, 20 kms from the finish but he was dropped on the Cote de Saint Nicholas climb.

"Frank Schleck was the strongest today, but Rebellin and me were the fastest," Valverde told reporters.

"I knew after winning in 2006 that to succeed in this race you have to save your strength for as long as possible.

"My sports director and team mates were constantly reminding me to keep eating throughout the whole day," the 28-year-old Spaniard said.

"The first time I did this race I forgot to eat enough and cracked close to the finish. This time, though, I was in great condition throughout the race."

First in 2006 and second in 2007, Valverde remains the only Spaniard to have won Liege-Bastogne-Liege.