{"id":1854394,"date":"2026-03-28T13:06:12","date_gmt":"2026-03-28T10:06:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1854394"},"modified":"2026-03-28T13:06:12","modified_gmt":"2026-03-28T10:06:12","slug":"why-pogacar-and-van-aerts-teams-arent-sensing-weakness-for-the-tour-of-flanders-despite-mathieu-van-der-poels-near-miss-at-e3-saxo-classic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1854394","title":{"rendered":"Why Poga\u010dar and Van Aert&#8217;s teams aren&#8217;t sensing weakness for the Tour of Flanders despite Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s near-miss at E3 Saxo Classic"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-2560-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nAlpecin-Premier Tech\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Why Poga\u010dar and Van Aert&#8217;s teams aren&#8217;t sensing weakness for the Tour of Flanders despite Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s near-miss at E3 Saxo Classic<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nFeatures<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-28T13:06:12Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n28 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">UAE Team Emirates-XRG and Visma-Lease a Bike remain cautious to underestimate Dutchman after spectacular finale to thrilling race<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"!m-0\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\"><span>0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div role=\"dialog\" class=\"hidden fixed inset-0 z-[999999999999999999] bg-[#33333370] flex items-center justify-center p-6 newsletter-modal\" data-batch-endpoint=\"https:\/\/newsletter-subscribe.futureplc.com\/v2\/submission\/submit_batch\" data-batch-source=\"302\" data-component-name=\"Newsletter:Modal\">\n<div class=\"bg-neutral-100 rounded-xl shadow-xl w-full lg:w-2\/3 xl:w-1\/2 p-6 relative max-h-[95vh] overflow-y-auto\">\n<div id=\"newsletter-capture-modal\">\n<div class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0 bg-inherit font-ui-heading\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base font-article-copy\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<div data-component-name=\"Newsletter:NewsletterForm\">\n<hr class=\"modal_hr mt-3 mb-4 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"modal_footer block text-left opacity-80 text-[.8em] leading-[1.3em] mt-2 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline font-article-copy\">\nBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-152a1766-5454-4cb5-bd78-f4c949a17acc\">In cycling&#8217;s current era, when the &#8220;aliens&#8221; of the peloton attack away, there usually isn&#8217;t any chance at bringing them back. Mathieu van der Poel and Tadej Pogacar are the men&#8217;s pros that currently fall into that category, claiming all 10 of the last Monument Classics between them, mostly in dominant fashion and alone.<\/p>\n<p>Naturally, when they face off in the spring at Milan-San Remo, the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix, those races have been closer, but usually in the absence of the other at the start line of lesser Classics, it&#8217;s almost expected that no one, barring injury or incident, will be able to challenge them.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-152a1766-5454-4cb5-bd78-f4c949a17acc-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">That wasn&#8217;t the case at the E3 Saxo Classic on Friday, though, as a 63km attack and 42km solo effort by Van der Poel almost came unstuck in the final 5km leading into Harelbeke, with his legs failing him and a four-man group breathing down his neck.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Tadej Poga\u010dar has changed E3 Saxo Classic&#8217;s status but it remains the best Flanders form guide \u2013 A closer look at the contenders for Friday&#8217;s race<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;If I&#8217;m 1% off, Tadej will be gone&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel prepares to take on Poga\u010dar on the Cipressa at Milan-San Remo<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Who will be king of the spring? \u2013 How Milan-San Remo could write the next chapter of Tadej Poga\u010dar and Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s thrilling rivalry<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">As the line of media and soigneurs crowded around two TVs in the mixed zone past the finish, an audible groan cried out when the group stopped cooperating, and some chose to gamble instead of closing the final metres and three-second deficit to Van der Poel.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">He would survive out in front for the hat-trick at E3, with what he described as &#8220;one of my best efforts.&#8221; While he had answered any question marks after getting dropped on the Poggio at Milan-San Remo, seeds of doubt remained as his bold move off the front at E3 almost ended in a memorable defeat.<\/p>\n<p>Similar situations have arisen for Tadej Poga\u010dar in the past; think back to Amstel Gold Race last season when Remco Evenepoel reeled him in and Mattias Skjelmose pipped them both in the sprint, or when Jonas Vingegaard chased Poga\u010dar down and outsprinted him to win stage 11 of the 2024 Tour de France.<\/p>\n<p>But these are anomalies, and Poga\u010dar returned served with interest on both occasions, winning La Fl\u00e8che Wallonne and Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge after the former and four more stages and a third yellow jersey at the latter.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-s3iFy9dXrtWFYJuoTTPzdP\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-s3iFy9dXrtWFYJuoTTPzdP slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"rivals-cautious-to-underestimate-him-3\">Rivals cautious to underestimate him<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a22ab4f4-71ce-48a9-967e-a5e010af0ee8\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g77f5hQaCQ8PhwCpFUF7FQ-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g77f5hQaCQ8PhwCpFUF7FQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g77f5hQaCQ8PhwCpFUF7FQ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g77f5hQaCQ8PhwCpFUF7FQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g77f5hQaCQ8PhwCpFUF7FQ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g77f5hQaCQ8PhwCpFUF7FQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">UAE and Visma both had a domestique for Flanders finish on the podium of E3 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-abd37987-dda3-473f-b0fb-4eccb0f8a64b\">So, with their next face-off at the Tour of Flanders looming large in eight days, should these late signs of potential weakness be a real concern for Van der Poel and Alpecin-Premier Tech, especially given how Poga\u010dar has dominated their past two battles at De Ronde and only looks even stronger in 2026?<\/p>\n<p>Or should it actually be looked at in the context of Van der Poel battling against both a headwind and a four-man group in the final, having launched his first burst instinctively behind a Tim van Dijke (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) attack on the Taaienberg and left everyone else he caught along the route behind?<\/p>\n<p>Gathering opinions at the finish post-race, it&#8217;s clear that certainly none of his rivals will be taking him nearly getting caught as a clear sign of chinks in his armour.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I gave up, actually, because they were so close&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel made to look human despite completing E3 Saxo Classic hat-trick with &#8216;one of my best efforts&#8217;<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RttXU4rieRczNfHkSWUkE5-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RttXU4rieRczNfHkSWUkE5-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Game changer: How Mathieu van der Poel will completely alter the shape of this year&#8217;s Omloop Het Nieuwsblad<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZsxHaqFbYGEMznwYUddoAL-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZsxHaqFbYGEMznwYUddoAL-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;We have the big gun still to come&#8217; \u2013 Are UAE Team Emirates-XRG the biggest threat to Mathieu van der Poel at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, even without Poga\u010dar?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>&#8220;Today, the wind situation for Van der Poel was harder because, for the most part, after the Taaienberg, it was headwind and he was alone,&#8221;UAE Team Emirates-XRG sports director Fabio Baldato told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;He spent a lot, so I don&#8217;t think you need to look so much at today because the others were close to him; behind was a group of four working together into the last kilometres and again, the wind factor to him alone, I think, was a big, big change.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;If the situation we had was a day without wind, or maybe a tailwind, he would be going alone with even more like he always does.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Even with Baldato&#8217;s words, UAE will nevertheless be filled with confidence after E3, but not necessarily because of Van der Poel&#8217;s near miss. Rather the good news for them was that the group that all-but closed him down in the finale was powered mostly by one of the &#8220;big boss&#8221; Poga\u010dar&#8217;s key domestiques for Flanders, Florian Vermeersch.<\/p>\n<p>Alongside the Belgian in the group, however, was Visma-Lease a Bike&#8217;s Per Strand Hagenes, with the Dutch squad operating with a strong team on Friday, but without their leader for Flanders, Wout van Aert.<\/p>\n<p>Van Aert will be back in action this Sunday at In Flanders Fields, the renamed Gent-Wevelgem, to take on his perennial rival Van der Poel once again. He&#8217;ll arrive at the start line in Middelkerke off the back of his stunning comeback from a crash and bike change to finish third at Milan-San Remo. However, Visma, understandably, remain cautious about underestimating the Alpecin rider who has often been the thorn in their side.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;This was no weakness in Van der Poel. Everyone says &#8216;oh, weakness Van der Poel&#8217; but this was no weakness of Van der Poel, this was the situation in the race, with still a very big group behind Van der Poel, and the parcours,&#8221; said Visma DS Arthur van Dongen at the team bus.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The parcours, from Karnemelkbeekstraat, then it&#8217;s still a long way to the final, long straight roads, with crosswinds, sometimes headwinds, and that makes in the end that Mathieu was almost caught back. But it was no weakness of Van der Poel.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Van der Poel has long had Van Aert&#8217;s number at the Spring Classics, ever since their nailbiting sprint \u00e0 deux at the 2020 Tour of Flanders. But perhaps with E3 already in the legs for the Dutchman, the Belgian can begin to turn the tide at In Flanders Fields and look to become Poga\u010dar&#8217;s main challenger come April 5.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-should-alpecin-and-van-der-poel-assess-e3-3\">How should Alpecin and Van der Poel assess E3?<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-dab5b2c6-b8ba-4bc4-bdb8-7d22894e7757\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dFgTcZLForZvh9K4kLToeZ-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dFgTcZLForZvh9K4kLToeZ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dFgTcZLForZvh9K4kLToeZ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dFgTcZLForZvh9K4kLToeZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dFgTcZLForZvh9K4kLToeZ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dFgTcZLForZvh9K4kLToeZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Poga\u010dar has been too strong, even for Van der Poel, at his past two Flanders appearances in 2023 and 2025 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-54766689-813a-4e72-8910-bfe8857f7806\">Van der Poel conceded after the race that he had practically given up as he faltered and the chasers all but closed the gap, but it was his last undying effort to accelerate in the saddle \u2013 knowing that a sprint would result in certain defeat \u2013 that got him home in the end.<\/p>\n<p>Wind the clock back 12 months, and Van der Poel sat in the same winner&#8217;s press conference chair with visible signs of a cold that would eventually play a role at Flanders nine days after the fact. But in 2026, despite winning in not nearly as dominant a fashion, he appeared relatively fresh, albeit visibly wrapped up from the cold temperatures, so it must be considered that Van der Poel could only be building in shape for the big event.<\/p>\n<p>He also readdressed the finger injury he suffered in the pre-Cipressa crash at San Remo, confirming it was the legs, not his hands, that made the difference when Poga\u010dar and Tom Pidcock eventually went away from him, so that should play no part at De Ronde either.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s OK, like I said before the race, it&#8217;s just really annoying, but the pain is already way better, so yes, it&#8217;s just an annoying thing, but I can race with it,&#8221; said the Dutchman.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I think [San Remo] was more a thing of the legs than the hands. I mean, Tadej was really strong and, of course, he also crashed quite hard, so I think he was just the strongest that day.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>What E3 should serve as for him is somewhat of a reminder for Alpecin that their man isn&#8217;t invincible, and that it isn&#8217;t just Poga\u010dar who can make him look human; in almost overdoing it with the effort he made for glory on Friday, he did that to himself.<\/p>\n<p>While true, it seems clear that Van der Poel was on a mission for something aside from victory in his solo pursuit, with domestique Edward Planckaert telling <em>Sporza<\/em> after the race that when his leader caught the chasing breakaway group he was in, &#8220;I saw his face. I knew he wouldn&#8217;t stay with us for long.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>With Planckaert&#8217;s group in the rear-view mirror, he set out to catch the early break, with Stan Dewulf (Decathlon CMA CGM) the last rider to get dropped with 42km to go. He was shocked to see Van der Poel setting off into the unknown solo headwind effort that he did. Just what sort of stimulus was the former three-time Flanders winner looking for?<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;In the final, it was mostly a headwind,&#8221; he told <em>Nieuwsblad<\/em>. &#8220;Mathieu took a lot of risks by going solo from so far out in a finish with a wind that wasn&#8217;t in his favour. And yet, he finished it off.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Last year, Van der Poel and the whole field were well beaten by a rampant Poga\u010dar at Flanders, who has made the Oude Kwaremont his launch pad. While he dominated everyone at E3 in that run-in 12 months ago, and despite claiming that his tactics were wholly instinctive, perhaps subconsiously, Van der Poel knows that it is going to take more than he&#8217;s had at his three previous Ronde victories to take a record fourth and stand alone at the top of the winner&#8217;s leaderboard.<\/p>\n<p>E3 has long served as the dress rehearsal for De Ronde, as it&#8217;s raced on many of the same climbs, and has since 1998 been won by the rider who went on to win the Tour of Flanders nine times.<\/p>\n<p>In 2026, however, it has likely propelled Poga\u010dar as the heavy favourite for the Flemish centrepiece, and left its winner needing to show more at In Flanders Fields, a race he has never won from three attempts. If Van der Poel shows more signs of being human on Sunday, Flanders could go from the two-horse race it&#8217;s being billed as to another Poga\u010dar foregone conclusion.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e3db53b6-3f1c-471d-82b4-b3919895d6e8\"><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled 2026 Spring Classics coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<p>Mathieu van der Poel<\/p>\n<p>Tadej Pogacar<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-s3iFy9dXrtWFYJuoTTPzdP\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-s3iFy9dXrtWFYJuoTTPzdP slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">James Moultrie<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>James Moultrie is a gold-standard NCTJ journalist who joined\u00a0Cyclingnews\u00a0as a News Writer in 2023 after originally contributing as a freelancer for eight months, during which time he also wrote for Eurosport, Rouleur and Cycling Weekly. Prior to joining the team he reported on races such as Paris-Roubaix and the Giro d\u2019Italia Donne for Eurosport and has interviewed some of the sport\u2019s top riders in Chlo\u00e9 Dygert, Lizzie Deignan and Wout van Aert. Outside of cycling, he spends the majority of his time watching other sports \u2013 rugby, football, cricket, and American Football to name a few.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar has changed E3 Saxo Classic&#8217;s status but it remains the best Flanders form guide \u2013 A closer look at the contenders for Friday&#8217;s race<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;If I&#8217;m 1% off, Tadej will be gone&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel prepares to take on Poga\u010dar on the Cipressa at Milan-San Remo<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Who will be king of the spring? \u2013 How Milan-San Remo could write the next chapter of Tadej Poga\u010dar and Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s thrilling rivalry<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I gave up, actually, because they were so close&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel made to look human despite completing E3 Saxo Classic hat-trick with &#8216;one of my best efforts&#8217;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZsxHaqFbYGEMznwYUddoAL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZsxHaqFbYGEMznwYUddoAL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZsxHaqFbYGEMznwYUddoAL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZsxHaqFbYGEMznwYUddoAL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZsxHaqFbYGEMznwYUddoAL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We have the big gun still to come&#8217; \u2013 Are UAE Team Emirates-XRG the biggest threat to Mathieu van der Poel at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, even without Poga\u010dar?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RttXU4rieRczNfHkSWUkE5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RttXU4rieRczNfHkSWUkE5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RttXU4rieRczNfHkSWUkE5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RttXU4rieRczNfHkSWUkE5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RttXU4rieRczNfHkSWUkE5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Game changer: How Mathieu van der Poel will completely alter the shape of this year&#8217;s Omloop Het Nieuwsblad<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wda6zEFWLDcNp5HQMsjTxJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wda6zEFWLDcNp5HQMsjTxJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wda6zEFWLDcNp5HQMsjTxJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wda6zEFWLDcNp5HQMsjTxJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wda6zEFWLDcNp5HQMsjTxJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;You feel a bit of urgency&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar regains key Classics domestique as Mikkel Bjerg returns from injury at E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Bc3yyQsVeG5Gi7WxePj8v9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Bc3yyQsVeG5Gi7WxePj8v9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Bc3yyQsVeG5Gi7WxePj8v9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Bc3yyQsVeG5Gi7WxePj8v9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Bc3yyQsVeG5Gi7WxePj8v9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I decided to change everything&#8217; &#8211; Privateer campaign for Simon Pellaud derailed temporarily by knee injury, but quest for evasive race win in Life Time Grand Prix continues<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7daaDk8MCNriTqMMRKTqhW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7daaDk8MCNriTqMMRKTqhW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7daaDk8MCNriTqMMRKTqhW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7daaDk8MCNriTqMMRKTqhW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7daaDk8MCNriTqMMRKTqhW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;No reason to panic&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel drops down Volta a Catalunya standings as Florian Lipowitz closes in on podium<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I gave up, actually, because they were so close&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel made to look human despite completing E3 Saxo Classic hat-trick with &#8216;one of my best efforts&#8217;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;My companions decided to gamble&#8217; \u2013 Florian Vermeersch disappointed at lack of cooperation after chasers let Mathieu van der Poel stay away in final kilometre of E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vMZ2jtu2qk73VgTV9PA4AX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vMZ2jtu2qk73VgTV9PA4AX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vMZ2jtu2qk73VgTV9PA4AX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vMZ2jtu2qk73VgTV9PA4AX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vMZ2jtu2qk73VgTV9PA4AX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Per made no mistakes&#8217; \u2013 Visma-Lease a Bike lay fault with Jonas Abrahamsen after Hagenes&#8217; group fumbles catch at E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Features<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dqVVi4h9cgTsAJFPibNhVN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dqVVi4h9cgTsAJFPibNhVN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dqVVi4h9cgTsAJFPibNhVN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dqVVi4h9cgTsAJFPibNhVN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dqVVi4h9cgTsAJFPibNhVN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">340 watts, 500g of carbs, and nothing on the mind \u2013 How Silvan Dillier pulls the peloton alone for hours on end<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L6GZerJe5CABhrmtBydHZN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L6GZerJe5CABhrmtBydHZN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L6GZerJe5CABhrmtBydHZN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L6GZerJe5CABhrmtBydHZN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L6GZerJe5CABhrmtBydHZN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">If your bike computer is getting old, you should upgrade it this week &#8211; Here&#8217;s why<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EpUYzQWpNs9hyYFef7CjvP-840-80.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EpUYzQWpNs9hyYFef7CjvP-650-80.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EpUYzQWpNs9hyYFef7CjvP-500-80.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EpUYzQWpNs9hyYFef7CjvP-450-80.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EpUYzQWpNs9hyYFef7CjvP-320-80.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Pressure Map MyOwn: Saddle perfection, according to science<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The cobbled Classics storylines we&#8217;re looking forward to \u2013 From Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar on the cusp of history to a different Demi Vollering and a resurgent Mads Pedersen<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: Sometimes Poga\u010dar doesn&#8217;t need tactics to win<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The winning was never the boring part \u2013 When Tadej Poga\u010dar does it like he did at Milan-San Remo, I could watch him win every week<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vApQPwx7jmHbJqtNhQM5qY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vApQPwx7jmHbJqtNhQM5qY-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vApQPwx7jmHbJqtNhQM5qY-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vApQPwx7jmHbJqtNhQM5qY-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vApQPwx7jmHbJqtNhQM5qY.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vApQPwx7jmHbJqtNhQM5qY.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vApQPwx7jmHbJqtNhQM5qY.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">In Flanders Fields Women LIVE &#8211; 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&#8211; Visma-Lease a Bike staff report two &#8216;aggressive&#8217; and &#8216;intoxicated&#8217; spectators to police at Coppi e Bartali<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nAlpecin-Premier Tech\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Why Poga\u010dar and Van Aert&#8217;s teams aren&#8217;t sensing weakness for the Tour of Flanders despite Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s near-miss at E3 Saxo Classic<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nFeatures<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-28T13:06:12Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n28 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">UAE Team Emirates-XRG and Visma-Lease a Bike remain cautious to underestimate Dutchman after spectacular finale to thrilling race<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. 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Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-152a1766-5454-4cb5-bd78-f4c949a17acc\">In cycling&#8217;s current era, when the &#8220;aliens&#8221; of the peloton attack away, there usually isn&#8217;t any chance at bringing them back. Mathieu van der Poel and Tadej Pogacar are the men&#8217;s pros that currently fall into that category, claiming all 10 of the last Monument Classics between them, mostly in dominant fashion and alone.<\/p>\n<p>Naturally, when they face off in the spring at Milan-San Remo, the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix, those races have been closer, but usually in the absence of the other at the start line of lesser Classics, it&#8217;s almost expected that no one, barring injury or incident, will be able to challenge them.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-152a1766-5454-4cb5-bd78-f4c949a17acc-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">That wasn&#8217;t the case at the E3 Saxo Classic on Friday, though, as a 63km attack and 42km solo effort by Van der Poel almost came unstuck in the final 5km leading into Harelbeke, with his legs failing him and a four-man group breathing down his neck.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Tadej Poga\u010dar has changed E3 Saxo Classic&#8217;s status but it remains the best Flanders form guide \u2013 A closer look at the contenders for Friday&#8217;s race<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;If I&#8217;m 1% off, Tadej will be gone&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel prepares to take on Poga\u010dar on the Cipressa at Milan-San Remo<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Who will be king of the spring? \u2013 How Milan-San Remo could write the next chapter of Tadej Poga\u010dar and Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s thrilling rivalry<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">As the line of media and soigneurs crowded around two TVs in the mixed zone past the finish, an audible groan cried out when the group stopped cooperating, and some chose to gamble instead of closing the final metres and three-second deficit to Van der Poel.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">He would survive out in front for the hat-trick at E3, with what he described as &#8220;one of my best efforts.&#8221; While he had answered any question marks after getting dropped on the Poggio at Milan-San Remo, seeds of doubt remained as his bold move off the front at E3 almost ended in a memorable defeat.<\/p>\n<p>Similar situations have arisen for Tadej Poga\u010dar in the past; think back to Amstel Gold Race last season when Remco Evenepoel reeled him in and Mattias Skjelmose pipped them both in the sprint, or when Jonas Vingegaard chased Poga\u010dar down and outsprinted him to win stage 11 of the 2024 Tour de France.<\/p>\n<p>But these are anomalies, and Poga\u010dar returned served with interest on both occasions, winning La Fl\u00e8che Wallonne and Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge after the former and four more stages and a third yellow jersey at the latter.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-s3iFy9dXrtWFYJuoTTPzdP\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-s3iFy9dXrtWFYJuoTTPzdP slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"rivals-cautious-to-underestimate-him-3\">Rivals cautious to underestimate him<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a22ab4f4-71ce-48a9-967e-a5e010af0ee8\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g77f5hQaCQ8PhwCpFUF7FQ-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g77f5hQaCQ8PhwCpFUF7FQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g77f5hQaCQ8PhwCpFUF7FQ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g77f5hQaCQ8PhwCpFUF7FQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g77f5hQaCQ8PhwCpFUF7FQ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g77f5hQaCQ8PhwCpFUF7FQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">UAE and Visma both had a domestique for Flanders finish on the podium of E3 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-abd37987-dda3-473f-b0fb-4eccb0f8a64b\">So, with their next face-off at the Tour of Flanders looming large in eight days, should these late signs of potential weakness be a real concern for Van der Poel and Alpecin-Premier Tech, especially given how Poga\u010dar has dominated their past two battles at De Ronde and only looks even stronger in 2026?<\/p>\n<p>Or should it actually be looked at in the context of Van der Poel battling against both a headwind and a four-man group in the final, having launched his first burst instinctively behind a Tim van Dijke (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) attack on the Taaienberg and left everyone else he caught along the route behind?<\/p>\n<p>Gathering opinions at the finish post-race, it&#8217;s clear that certainly none of his rivals will be taking him nearly getting caught as a clear sign of chinks in his armour.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I gave up, actually, because they were so close&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel made to look human despite completing E3 Saxo Classic hat-trick with &#8216;one of my best efforts&#8217;<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RttXU4rieRczNfHkSWUkE5-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RttXU4rieRczNfHkSWUkE5-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Game changer: How Mathieu van der Poel will completely alter the shape of this year&#8217;s Omloop Het Nieuwsblad<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZsxHaqFbYGEMznwYUddoAL-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZsxHaqFbYGEMznwYUddoAL-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;We have the big gun still to come&#8217; \u2013 Are UAE Team Emirates-XRG the biggest threat to Mathieu van der Poel at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, even without Poga\u010dar?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>&#8220;Today, the wind situation for Van der Poel was harder because, for the most part, after the Taaienberg, it was headwind and he was alone,&#8221;UAE Team Emirates-XRG sports director Fabio Baldato told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;He spent a lot, so I don&#8217;t think you need to look so much at today because the others were close to him; behind was a group of four working together into the last kilometres and again, the wind factor to him alone, I think, was a big, big change.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;If the situation we had was a day without wind, or maybe a tailwind, he would be going alone with even more like he always does.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Even with Baldato&#8217;s words, UAE will nevertheless be filled with confidence after E3, but not necessarily because of Van der Poel&#8217;s near miss. Rather the good news for them was that the group that all-but closed him down in the finale was powered mostly by one of the &#8220;big boss&#8221; Poga\u010dar&#8217;s key domestiques for Flanders, Florian Vermeersch.<\/p>\n<p>Alongside the Belgian in the group, however, was Visma-Lease a Bike&#8217;s Per Strand Hagenes, with the Dutch squad operating with a strong team on Friday, but without their leader for Flanders, Wout van Aert.<\/p>\n<p>Van Aert will be back in action this Sunday at In Flanders Fields, the renamed Gent-Wevelgem, to take on his perennial rival Van der Poel once again. He&#8217;ll arrive at the start line in Middelkerke off the back of his stunning comeback from a crash and bike change to finish third at Milan-San Remo. However, Visma, understandably, remain cautious about underestimating the Alpecin rider who has often been the thorn in their side.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;This was no weakness in Van der Poel. Everyone says &#8216;oh, weakness Van der Poel&#8217; but this was no weakness of Van der Poel, this was the situation in the race, with still a very big group behind Van der Poel, and the parcours,&#8221; said Visma DS Arthur van Dongen at the team bus.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The parcours, from Karnemelkbeekstraat, then it&#8217;s still a long way to the final, long straight roads, with crosswinds, sometimes headwinds, and that makes in the end that Mathieu was almost caught back. But it was no weakness of Van der Poel.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Van der Poel has long had Van Aert&#8217;s number at the Spring Classics, ever since their nailbiting sprint \u00e0 deux at the 2020 Tour of Flanders. But perhaps with E3 already in the legs for the Dutchman, the Belgian can begin to turn the tide at In Flanders Fields and look to become Poga\u010dar&#8217;s main challenger come April 5.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-should-alpecin-and-van-der-poel-assess-e3-3\">How should Alpecin and Van der Poel assess E3?<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-dab5b2c6-b8ba-4bc4-bdb8-7d22894e7757\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dFgTcZLForZvh9K4kLToeZ-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dFgTcZLForZvh9K4kLToeZ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dFgTcZLForZvh9K4kLToeZ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dFgTcZLForZvh9K4kLToeZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dFgTcZLForZvh9K4kLToeZ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dFgTcZLForZvh9K4kLToeZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Poga\u010dar has been too strong, even for Van der Poel, at his past two Flanders appearances in 2023 and 2025 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-54766689-813a-4e72-8910-bfe8857f7806\">Van der Poel conceded after the race that he had practically given up as he faltered and the chasers all but closed the gap, but it was his last undying effort to accelerate in the saddle \u2013 knowing that a sprint would result in certain defeat \u2013 that got him home in the end.<\/p>\n<p>Wind the clock back 12 months, and Van der Poel sat in the same winner&#8217;s press conference chair with visible signs of a cold that would eventually play a role at Flanders nine days after the fact. But in 2026, despite winning in not nearly as dominant a fashion, he appeared relatively fresh, albeit visibly wrapped up from the cold temperatures, so it must be considered that Van der Poel could only be building in shape for the big event.<\/p>\n<p>He also readdressed the finger injury he suffered in the pre-Cipressa crash at San Remo, confirming it was the legs, not his hands, that made the difference when Poga\u010dar and Tom Pidcock eventually went away from him, so that should play no part at De Ronde either.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s OK, like I said before the race, it&#8217;s just really annoying, but the pain is already way better, so yes, it&#8217;s just an annoying thing, but I can race with it,&#8221; said the Dutchman.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I think [San Remo] was more a thing of the legs than the hands. I mean, Tadej was really strong and, of course, he also crashed quite hard, so I think he was just the strongest that day.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>What E3 should serve as for him is somewhat of a reminder for Alpecin that their man isn&#8217;t invincible, and that it isn&#8217;t just Poga\u010dar who can make him look human; in almost overdoing it with the effort he made for glory on Friday, he did that to himself.<\/p>\n<p>While true, it seems clear that Van der Poel was on a mission for something aside from victory in his solo pursuit, with domestique Edward Planckaert telling <em>Sporza<\/em> after the race that when his leader caught the chasing breakaway group he was in, &#8220;I saw his face. I knew he wouldn&#8217;t stay with us for long.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>With Planckaert&#8217;s group in the rear-view mirror, he set out to catch the early break, with Stan Dewulf (Decathlon CMA CGM) the last rider to get dropped with 42km to go. He was shocked to see Van der Poel setting off into the unknown solo headwind effort that he did. Just what sort of stimulus was the former three-time Flanders winner looking for?<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;In the final, it was mostly a headwind,&#8221; he told <em>Nieuwsblad<\/em>. &#8220;Mathieu took a lot of risks by going solo from so far out in a finish with a wind that wasn&#8217;t in his favour. And yet, he finished it off.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Last year, Van der Poel and the whole field were well beaten by a rampant Poga\u010dar at Flanders, who has made the Oude Kwaremont his launch pad. While he dominated everyone at E3 in that run-in 12 months ago, and despite claiming that his tactics were wholly instinctive, perhaps subconsiously, Van der Poel knows that it is going to take more than he&#8217;s had at his three previous Ronde victories to take a record fourth and stand alone at the top of the winner&#8217;s leaderboard.<\/p>\n<p>E3 has long served as the dress rehearsal for De Ronde, as it&#8217;s raced on many of the same climbs, and has since 1998 been won by the rider who went on to win the Tour of Flanders nine times.<\/p>\n<p>In 2026, however, it has likely propelled Poga\u010dar as the heavy favourite for the Flemish centrepiece, and left its winner needing to show more at In Flanders Fields, a race he has never won from three attempts. If Van der Poel shows more signs of being human on Sunday, Flanders could go from the two-horse race it&#8217;s being billed as to another Poga\u010dar foregone conclusion.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e3db53b6-3f1c-471d-82b4-b3919895d6e8\"><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled 2026 Spring Classics coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<p>Mathieu van der Poel<\/p>\n<p>Tadej Pogacar<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-s3iFy9dXrtWFYJuoTTPzdP\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-s3iFy9dXrtWFYJuoTTPzdP slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">James Moultrie<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>James Moultrie is a gold-standard NCTJ journalist who joined\u00a0Cyclingnews\u00a0as a News Writer in 2023 after originally contributing as a freelancer for eight months, during which time he also wrote for Eurosport, Rouleur and Cycling Weekly. Prior to joining the team he reported on races such as Paris-Roubaix and the Giro d\u2019Italia Donne for Eurosport and has interviewed some of the sport\u2019s top riders in Chlo\u00e9 Dygert, Lizzie Deignan and Wout van Aert. Outside of cycling, he spends the majority of his time watching other sports \u2013 rugby, football, cricket, and American Football to name a few.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar has changed E3 Saxo Classic&#8217;s status but it remains the best Flanders form guide \u2013 A closer look at the contenders for Friday&#8217;s race<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;If I&#8217;m 1% off, Tadej will be gone&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel prepares to take on Poga\u010dar on the Cipressa at Milan-San Remo<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Who will be king of the spring? \u2013 How Milan-San Remo could write the next chapter of Tadej Poga\u010dar and Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s thrilling rivalry<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I gave up, actually, because they were so close&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel made to look human despite completing E3 Saxo Classic hat-trick with &#8216;one of my best efforts&#8217;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZsxHaqFbYGEMznwYUddoAL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZsxHaqFbYGEMznwYUddoAL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZsxHaqFbYGEMznwYUddoAL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZsxHaqFbYGEMznwYUddoAL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZsxHaqFbYGEMznwYUddoAL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We have the big gun still to come&#8217; \u2013 Are UAE Team Emirates-XRG the biggest threat to Mathieu van der Poel at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, even without Poga\u010dar?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RttXU4rieRczNfHkSWUkE5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RttXU4rieRczNfHkSWUkE5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RttXU4rieRczNfHkSWUkE5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RttXU4rieRczNfHkSWUkE5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RttXU4rieRczNfHkSWUkE5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Game changer: How Mathieu van der Poel will completely alter the shape of this year&#8217;s Omloop Het Nieuwsblad<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wda6zEFWLDcNp5HQMsjTxJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wda6zEFWLDcNp5HQMsjTxJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wda6zEFWLDcNp5HQMsjTxJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wda6zEFWLDcNp5HQMsjTxJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wda6zEFWLDcNp5HQMsjTxJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;You feel a bit of urgency&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar regains key Classics domestique as Mikkel Bjerg returns from injury at E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Bc3yyQsVeG5Gi7WxePj8v9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Bc3yyQsVeG5Gi7WxePj8v9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Bc3yyQsVeG5Gi7WxePj8v9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Bc3yyQsVeG5Gi7WxePj8v9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Bc3yyQsVeG5Gi7WxePj8v9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I decided to change everything&#8217; &#8211; Privateer campaign for Simon Pellaud derailed temporarily by knee injury, but quest for evasive race win in Life Time Grand Prix continues<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7daaDk8MCNriTqMMRKTqhW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7daaDk8MCNriTqMMRKTqhW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7daaDk8MCNriTqMMRKTqhW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7daaDk8MCNriTqMMRKTqhW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7daaDk8MCNriTqMMRKTqhW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;No reason to panic&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel drops down Volta a Catalunya standings as Florian Lipowitz closes in on podium<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I gave up, actually, because they were so close&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel made to look human despite completing E3 Saxo Classic hat-trick with &#8216;one of my best efforts&#8217;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;My companions decided to gamble&#8217; \u2013 Florian Vermeersch disappointed at lack of cooperation after chasers let Mathieu van der Poel stay away in final kilometre of E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vMZ2jtu2qk73VgTV9PA4AX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vMZ2jtu2qk73VgTV9PA4AX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vMZ2jtu2qk73VgTV9PA4AX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vMZ2jtu2qk73VgTV9PA4AX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vMZ2jtu2qk73VgTV9PA4AX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Per made no mistakes&#8217; \u2013 Visma-Lease a Bike lay fault with Jonas Abrahamsen after Hagenes&#8217; group fumbles catch at E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Features<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dqVVi4h9cgTsAJFPibNhVN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dqVVi4h9cgTsAJFPibNhVN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dqVVi4h9cgTsAJFPibNhVN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dqVVi4h9cgTsAJFPibNhVN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dqVVi4h9cgTsAJFPibNhVN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">340 watts, 500g of carbs, and nothing on the mind \u2013 How Silvan Dillier pulls the peloton alone for hours on end<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L6GZerJe5CABhrmtBydHZN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L6GZerJe5CABhrmtBydHZN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L6GZerJe5CABhrmtBydHZN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L6GZerJe5CABhrmtBydHZN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L6GZerJe5CABhrmtBydHZN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">If your bike computer is getting old, you should upgrade it this week &#8211; Here&#8217;s why<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EpUYzQWpNs9hyYFef7CjvP-840-80.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EpUYzQWpNs9hyYFef7CjvP-650-80.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EpUYzQWpNs9hyYFef7CjvP-500-80.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EpUYzQWpNs9hyYFef7CjvP-450-80.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EpUYzQWpNs9hyYFef7CjvP-320-80.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Pressure Map MyOwn: Saddle perfection, according to science<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The cobbled Classics storylines we&#8217;re looking forward to \u2013 From Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar on the cusp of history to a different Demi Vollering and a resurgent Mads Pedersen<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: Sometimes Poga\u010dar doesn&#8217;t need tactics to win<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The winning was never the boring part \u2013 When Tadej Poga\u010dar does it like he did at Milan-San Remo, I could watch him win every week<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vApQPwx7jmHbJqtNhQM5qY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vApQPwx7jmHbJqtNhQM5qY-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vApQPwx7jmHbJqtNhQM5qY-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vApQPwx7jmHbJqtNhQM5qY-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vApQPwx7jmHbJqtNhQM5qY.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vApQPwx7jmHbJqtNhQM5qY.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vApQPwx7jmHbJqtNhQM5qY.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">In Flanders Fields Women LIVE &#8211; A hat trick for Lorena Wiebes or is the world&#8217;s best sprinter vulnerable?<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Volta a Catalunya stage 7 LIVE: Remco Evenepoel lights up the race on third ascent of Montju\u00efc<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;I want to put up a fight&#8217;  &#8211; Wout van Aert in upbeat mood for In Flanders Fields<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">In Flanders Fields Men LIVE: Eight-man break up the road in calm before the storm at cobbled classic<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;It put the safety of our colleagues at risk&#8217; &#8211; Visma-Lease a Bike staff report two &#8216;aggressive&#8217; and &#8216;intoxicated&#8217; spectators to police at Coppi e Bartali<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nAlpecin-Premier Tech\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Why Poga\u010dar and Van Aert&#8217;s teams aren&#8217;t sensing weakness for the Tour of Flanders despite Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s near-miss at E3 Saxo Classic<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nFeatures<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-28T13:06:12Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n28 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">UAE Team Emirates-XRG and Visma-Lease a Bike remain cautious to underestimate Dutchman after spectacular finale to thrilling race<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. 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Mathieu van der Poel and Tadej Pogacar are the men&#8217;s pros that currently fall into that category, claiming all 10 of the last Monument Classics between them, mostly in dominant fashion and alone.<\/p>\n<p>Naturally, when they face off in the spring at Milan-San Remo, the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix, those races have been closer, but usually in the absence of the other at the start line of lesser Classics, it&#8217;s almost expected that no one, barring injury or incident, will be able to challenge them.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-152a1766-5454-4cb5-bd78-f4c949a17acc-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">That wasn&#8217;t the case at the E3 Saxo Classic on Friday, though, as a 63km attack and 42km solo effort by Van der Poel almost came unstuck in the final 5km leading into Harelbeke, with his legs failing him and a four-man group breathing down his neck.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Tadej Poga\u010dar has changed E3 Saxo Classic&#8217;s status but it remains the best Flanders form guide \u2013 A closer look at the contenders for Friday&#8217;s race<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;If I&#8217;m 1% off, Tadej will be gone&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel prepares to take on Poga\u010dar on the Cipressa at Milan-San Remo<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Who will be king of the spring? \u2013 How Milan-San Remo could write the next chapter of Tadej Poga\u010dar and Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s thrilling rivalry<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">As the line of media and soigneurs crowded around two TVs in the mixed zone past the finish, an audible groan cried out when the group stopped cooperating, and some chose to gamble instead of closing the final metres and three-second deficit to Van der Poel.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">He would survive out in front for the hat-trick at E3, with what he described as &#8220;one of my best efforts.&#8221; While he had answered any question marks after getting dropped on the Poggio at Milan-San Remo, seeds of doubt remained as his bold move off the front at E3 almost ended in a memorable defeat.<\/p>\n<p>Similar situations have arisen for Tadej Poga\u010dar in the past; think back to Amstel Gold Race last season when Remco Evenepoel reeled him in and Mattias Skjelmose pipped them both in the sprint, or when Jonas Vingegaard chased Poga\u010dar down and outsprinted him to win stage 11 of the 2024 Tour de France.<\/p>\n<p>But these are anomalies, and Poga\u010dar returned served with interest on both occasions, winning La Fl\u00e8che Wallonne and Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge after the former and four more stages and a third yellow jersey at the latter.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-s3iFy9dXrtWFYJuoTTPzdP\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-s3iFy9dXrtWFYJuoTTPzdP slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"rivals-cautious-to-underestimate-him-3\">Rivals cautious to underestimate him<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a22ab4f4-71ce-48a9-967e-a5e010af0ee8\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g77f5hQaCQ8PhwCpFUF7FQ-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g77f5hQaCQ8PhwCpFUF7FQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g77f5hQaCQ8PhwCpFUF7FQ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g77f5hQaCQ8PhwCpFUF7FQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g77f5hQaCQ8PhwCpFUF7FQ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g77f5hQaCQ8PhwCpFUF7FQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">UAE and Visma both had a domestique for Flanders finish on the podium of E3 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-abd37987-dda3-473f-b0fb-4eccb0f8a64b\">So, with their next face-off at the Tour of Flanders looming large in eight days, should these late signs of potential weakness be a real concern for Van der Poel and Alpecin-Premier Tech, especially given how Poga\u010dar has dominated their past two battles at De Ronde and only looks even stronger in 2026?<\/p>\n<p>Or should it actually be looked at in the context of Van der Poel battling against both a headwind and a four-man group in the final, having launched his first burst instinctively behind a Tim van Dijke (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) attack on the Taaienberg and left everyone else he caught along the route behind?<\/p>\n<p>Gathering opinions at the finish post-race, it&#8217;s clear that certainly none of his rivals will be taking him nearly getting caught as a clear sign of chinks in his armour.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I gave up, actually, because they were so close&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel made to look human despite completing E3 Saxo Classic hat-trick with &#8216;one of my best efforts&#8217;<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RttXU4rieRczNfHkSWUkE5-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RttXU4rieRczNfHkSWUkE5-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Game changer: How Mathieu van der Poel will completely alter the shape of this year&#8217;s Omloop Het Nieuwsblad<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZsxHaqFbYGEMznwYUddoAL-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZsxHaqFbYGEMznwYUddoAL-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;We have the big gun still to come&#8217; \u2013 Are UAE Team Emirates-XRG the biggest threat to Mathieu van der Poel at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, even without Poga\u010dar?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>&#8220;Today, the wind situation for Van der Poel was harder because, for the most part, after the Taaienberg, it was headwind and he was alone,&#8221;UAE Team Emirates-XRG sports director Fabio Baldato told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;He spent a lot, so I don&#8217;t think you need to look so much at today because the others were close to him; behind was a group of four working together into the last kilometres and again, the wind factor to him alone, I think, was a big, big change.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;If the situation we had was a day without wind, or maybe a tailwind, he would be going alone with even more like he always does.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Even with Baldato&#8217;s words, UAE will nevertheless be filled with confidence after E3, but not necessarily because of Van der Poel&#8217;s near miss. Rather the good news for them was that the group that all-but closed him down in the finale was powered mostly by one of the &#8220;big boss&#8221; Poga\u010dar&#8217;s key domestiques for Flanders, Florian Vermeersch.<\/p>\n<p>Alongside the Belgian in the group, however, was Visma-Lease a Bike&#8217;s Per Strand Hagenes, with the Dutch squad operating with a strong team on Friday, but without their leader for Flanders, Wout van Aert.<\/p>\n<p>Van Aert will be back in action this Sunday at In Flanders Fields, the renamed Gent-Wevelgem, to take on his perennial rival Van der Poel once again. He&#8217;ll arrive at the start line in Middelkerke off the back of his stunning comeback from a crash and bike change to finish third at Milan-San Remo. However, Visma, understandably, remain cautious about underestimating the Alpecin rider who has often been the thorn in their side.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;This was no weakness in Van der Poel. Everyone says &#8216;oh, weakness Van der Poel&#8217; but this was no weakness of Van der Poel, this was the situation in the race, with still a very big group behind Van der Poel, and the parcours,&#8221; said Visma DS Arthur van Dongen at the team bus.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The parcours, from Karnemelkbeekstraat, then it&#8217;s still a long way to the final, long straight roads, with crosswinds, sometimes headwinds, and that makes in the end that Mathieu was almost caught back. But it was no weakness of Van der Poel.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Van der Poel has long had Van Aert&#8217;s number at the Spring Classics, ever since their nailbiting sprint \u00e0 deux at the 2020 Tour of Flanders. But perhaps with E3 already in the legs for the Dutchman, the Belgian can begin to turn the tide at In Flanders Fields and look to become Poga\u010dar&#8217;s main challenger come April 5.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-should-alpecin-and-van-der-poel-assess-e3-3\">How should Alpecin and Van der Poel assess E3?<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-dab5b2c6-b8ba-4bc4-bdb8-7d22894e7757\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dFgTcZLForZvh9K4kLToeZ-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dFgTcZLForZvh9K4kLToeZ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dFgTcZLForZvh9K4kLToeZ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dFgTcZLForZvh9K4kLToeZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dFgTcZLForZvh9K4kLToeZ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dFgTcZLForZvh9K4kLToeZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Poga\u010dar has been too strong, even for Van der Poel, at his past two Flanders appearances in 2023 and 2025 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-54766689-813a-4e72-8910-bfe8857f7806\">Van der Poel conceded after the race that he had practically given up as he faltered and the chasers all but closed the gap, but it was his last undying effort to accelerate in the saddle \u2013 knowing that a sprint would result in certain defeat \u2013 that got him home in the end.<\/p>\n<p>Wind the clock back 12 months, and Van der Poel sat in the same winner&#8217;s press conference chair with visible signs of a cold that would eventually play a role at Flanders nine days after the fact. But in 2026, despite winning in not nearly as dominant a fashion, he appeared relatively fresh, albeit visibly wrapped up from the cold temperatures, so it must be considered that Van der Poel could only be building in shape for the big event.<\/p>\n<p>He also readdressed the finger injury he suffered in the pre-Cipressa crash at San Remo, confirming it was the legs, not his hands, that made the difference when Poga\u010dar and Tom Pidcock eventually went away from him, so that should play no part at De Ronde either.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s OK, like I said before the race, it&#8217;s just really annoying, but the pain is already way better, so yes, it&#8217;s just an annoying thing, but I can race with it,&#8221; said the Dutchman.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I think [San Remo] was more a thing of the legs than the hands. I mean, Tadej was really strong and, of course, he also crashed quite hard, so I think he was just the strongest that day.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>What E3 should serve as for him is somewhat of a reminder for Alpecin that their man isn&#8217;t invincible, and that it isn&#8217;t just Poga\u010dar who can make him look human; in almost overdoing it with the effort he made for glory on Friday, he did that to himself.<\/p>\n<p>While true, it seems clear that Van der Poel was on a mission for something aside from victory in his solo pursuit, with domestique Edward Planckaert telling <em>Sporza<\/em> after the race that when his leader caught the chasing breakaway group he was in, &#8220;I saw his face. I knew he wouldn&#8217;t stay with us for long.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>With Planckaert&#8217;s group in the rear-view mirror, he set out to catch the early break, with Stan Dewulf (Decathlon CMA CGM) the last rider to get dropped with 42km to go. He was shocked to see Van der Poel setting off into the unknown solo headwind effort that he did. Just what sort of stimulus was the former three-time Flanders winner looking for?<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;In the final, it was mostly a headwind,&#8221; he told <em>Nieuwsblad<\/em>. &#8220;Mathieu took a lot of risks by going solo from so far out in a finish with a wind that wasn&#8217;t in his favour. And yet, he finished it off.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Last year, Van der Poel and the whole field were well beaten by a rampant Poga\u010dar at Flanders, who has made the Oude Kwaremont his launch pad. While he dominated everyone at E3 in that run-in 12 months ago, and despite claiming that his tactics were wholly instinctive, perhaps subconsiously, Van der Poel knows that it is going to take more than he&#8217;s had at his three previous Ronde victories to take a record fourth and stand alone at the top of the winner&#8217;s leaderboard.<\/p>\n<p>E3 has long served as the dress rehearsal for De Ronde, as it&#8217;s raced on many of the same climbs, and has since 1998 been won by the rider who went on to win the Tour of Flanders nine times.<\/p>\n<p>In 2026, however, it has likely propelled Poga\u010dar as the heavy favourite for the Flemish centrepiece, and left its winner needing to show more at In Flanders Fields, a race he has never won from three attempts. If Van der Poel shows more signs of being human on Sunday, Flanders could go from the two-horse race it&#8217;s being billed as to another Poga\u010dar foregone conclusion.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e3db53b6-3f1c-471d-82b4-b3919895d6e8\"><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled 2026 Spring Classics coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/why-pogacar-and-van-aerts-teams-arent-sensing-weakness-for-the-tour-of-flanders-despite-mathieu-van-der-poels-near-miss-at-e3-saxo-classic\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-2560-80.jpg&#8221;] Pro Cycling Teams &amp; Riders Alpecin-Premier Tech Why Poga\u010dar and Van Aert&#8217;s teams aren&#8217;t sensing weakness for the Tour of Flanders despite Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s near-miss at E3 Saxo Classic Features By James Moultrie published 28 March 2026 UAE Team Emirates-XRG and Visma-Lease a Bike remain cautious to underestimate Dutchman after [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,68],"class_list":["post-1854394","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-cyclingnews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1854394","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1854394"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1854394\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1854394"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1854394"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1854394"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}