{"id":1855057,"date":"2026-03-29T09:08:57","date_gmt":"2026-03-29T06:08:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1855057"},"modified":"2026-03-29T09:08:57","modified_gmt":"2026-03-29T06:08:57","slug":"i-want-to-put-up-a-fight-wout-van-aert-in-upbeat-mood-for-in-flanders-fields","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1855057","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;I want to put up a fight&#8217; &#8211; Wout van Aert in upbeat mood for In Flanders Fields"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-1024-80.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>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nIn Flanders Fields-From Middelkerke to Wevelgem\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I want to put up a fight&#8217; &#8211; Wout van Aert in upbeat mood for In Flanders Fields<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-29T09:08:57Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n29 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Belgian star won the race back in 2021, gifted victory to teammate Christophe Laporte two years later<\/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\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-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-c5f3bc37-6fcd-46e8-8717-b056dea835c3\">After missing the E3 Saxo Classic on Friday, Classics star Wout van Aert has started In Flanders Fields on Sunday in a notably upbeat mood, insisting that he &#8220;wants to put up a fight&#8221; for a repeat victory in a race he won in 2021.<\/p>\n<p>Second in 2023 when he allowed Visma-Lease a Bike teammate Christophe Laporte to clinch the win in the race then known as Gent-Wevelgem after their two-up break, Van Aert told <em>Sporza<\/em> on Sunday morning at the In Flanders Field start that the race is traditionally one which &#8220;always goes either way.&#8221; A breakaway could take the victory in Wevelgem on Sunday afternoon, in other words, or it could end up in some kind of sprint.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c5f3bc37-6fcd-46e8-8717-b056dea835c3-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Despite the spectacularly close victory for arch-rival Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech) on Friday in the E3 Saxo Classic, Van Aert said he did not rue not taking part. Rather he preferred to rest up following his promising third place finish in Milan-San Remo the weekend before.<\/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\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-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;It was clear that Mathieu was not pulling full gas&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert foiled by &#8216;defensive&#8217; ride from Van der Poel in promising In Flanders Fields attack<\/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\/axSyFCPgVigaqbMzLVybS5-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/axSyFCPgVigaqbMzLVybS5-150-80.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 understand I win less than I used to but that doesn&#8217;t mean the winner in me has disappeared&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert gaining momentum for the Classics<\/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\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-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 we had gone all out I think we could have made it&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel explains tactical decisions taken in breakaway at In Flanders Fields<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;No, I wasn&#8217;t disappointed &#8211; just for my teammate Per (Strand Hagenes), who just missed out on the win.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;Just like all of Flanders, I was watching the race on TV. But you make choices, and then you look at the race in a different way.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Van Aert explained that he would be forming part of a two-pronged plan at Gent-Wevelgem, his first major Belgian Classic of the season after illness forced him out of Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. At the same time, Visma-Lease a Bike have a second option with speed machine Matthew Brennan, winner of Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne &#8211; a race with a similar profile to In Flanders Fields &#8211; back in early March.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;There are a lot of things that can happen between the start and the finish, Gent-Wevelgem is a race that can always go either way, although nowadays the breakaway riders often come out on top,&#8221; Van Aert warned.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-YMFU7qy5ThLJJLB2vbTAig\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-YMFU7qy5ThLJJLB2vbTAig 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<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;In any case, I want to put up a fight.&#8221; As for Brennan, he added that, &#8220;It would be logical for him to speculate on the sprint and for me to make the race.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Meanwhile E3 winner Van der Poel told <em>Sporza<\/em> that he will likely race quite defensively in his bid to win In Flanders Fields, one of the few cobbled Classics he has yet to conquer. <\/p>\n<p>As he put it, after his breakaway bid nearly unravelled on Friday, he is opting for a more conservative mode 48 hours later, although &#8211; like Van Aert and Brennan &#8211; Alpecin-Premier Tech also have Jasper Philipsen as a major second option for the race.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;We share the leadership. We both have a chance to win this race. It will become clear which card we play during or after the hilly section,&#8221; Van der Poel concluded.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-62be5d0b-a9d4-4b2e-baee-4834d1cdb6d5\"><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 id=\"slice-container-authorBio-YMFU7qy5ThLJJLB2vbTAig\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-YMFU7qy5ThLJJLB2vbTAig 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\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.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\">Alasdair Fotheringham<\/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>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Alasdair Fotheringham has been reporting on cycling since 1991. He has covered every Tour de France since 1992 bar one, as well as numerous other bike races of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the Olympic Games in 2008 to the now sadly defunct Subida a Urkiola hill climb in Spain. As well as working for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, he has also written for <em>The Independent<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>The Guardian<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>ProCycling<\/em>, <em>The Express<\/em> and <em>Reuters<\/em>.<\/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\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-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\">&#8216;It was clear that Mathieu was not pulling full gas&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert foiled by &#8216;defensive&#8217; ride from Van der Poel in promising In Flanders Fields attack<\/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\/axSyFCPgVigaqbMzLVybS5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/axSyFCPgVigaqbMzLVybS5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/axSyFCPgVigaqbMzLVybS5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/axSyFCPgVigaqbMzLVybS5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/axSyFCPgVigaqbMzLVybS5-320-80.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 understand I win less than I used to but that doesn&#8217;t mean the winner in me has disappeared&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert gaining momentum for the Classics<\/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\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-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\">&#8216;If we had gone all out I think we could have made it&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel explains tactical decisions taken in breakaway at In Flanders Fields<\/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\/jshCXAHngxGRjqNewUBPLn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jshCXAHngxGRjqNewUBPLn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jshCXAHngxGRjqNewUBPLn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jshCXAHngxGRjqNewUBPLn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jshCXAHngxGRjqNewUBPLn-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\">&#8216;I\u2019ll arrive at the start with more question marks than I had hoped&#8217; &#8211; Wout van Aert prepares for voyage into the dark at Strade Bianche<\/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\/uf5iXzRqNjabmFqMd2fRq3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uf5iXzRqNjabmFqMd2fRq3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uf5iXzRqNjabmFqMd2fRq3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uf5iXzRqNjabmFqMd2fRq3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uf5iXzRqNjabmFqMd2fRq3-320-80.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\">Wout van Aert recovered and ready to return to racing at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Le Samyn after ankle fracture threatened to disrupt season start<\/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\/xgrujA9SdLqVnWSHiwmjc4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xgrujA9SdLqVnWSHiwmjc4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xgrujA9SdLqVnWSHiwmjc4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xgrujA9SdLqVnWSHiwmjc4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xgrujA9SdLqVnWSHiwmjc4-320-80.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\">&#8216;They were trying to hurt each other&#8217; \u2013 Florian Vermeersch fades in front row seat to latest Wout van Aert versus Mathieu van der Poel battle at In Flanders Fields<\/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 Racing<\/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\/NZXQKBpqMUUWwWGdzXU7ES-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NZXQKBpqMUUWwWGdzXU7ES-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NZXQKBpqMUUWwWGdzXU7ES-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NZXQKBpqMUUWwWGdzXU7ES-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NZXQKBpqMUUWwWGdzXU7ES-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\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s in favour of Lorena, that&#8217;s a bit of a pity&#8217; \u2013 FDJ United-Suez say UAE Team ADQ had to roll attacks against Wiebes at In Flanders Fields, but defend working with her <\/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\/HLjg3mBRtkfqrQFpKDiwzj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HLjg3mBRtkfqrQFpKDiwzj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HLjg3mBRtkfqrQFpKDiwzj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HLjg3mBRtkfqrQFpKDiwzj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HLjg3mBRtkfqrQFpKDiwzj-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\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It almost went wrong&#8217; \u2013 Despite sprint scare, Lorena Wiebes took one of her most impressive wins yet at In Flanders Fields<\/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\/xgrujA9SdLqVnWSHiwmjc4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xgrujA9SdLqVnWSHiwmjc4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xgrujA9SdLqVnWSHiwmjc4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xgrujA9SdLqVnWSHiwmjc4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xgrujA9SdLqVnWSHiwmjc4-320-80.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\">&#8216;They were trying to hurt each other&#8217; \u2013 Florian Vermeersch fades in front row seat to latest Wout van Aert versus Mathieu van der Poel battle at In Flanders Fields<\/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\/JM7abyE4iw2Lrx4xTSQwBE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JM7abyE4iw2Lrx4xTSQwBE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JM7abyE4iw2Lrx4xTSQwBE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JM7abyE4iw2Lrx4xTSQwBE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JM7abyE4iw2Lrx4xTSQwBE-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\">Cl\u00e9ment Venturini claims first win in eight years at Roue Tourangelle<\/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\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-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\">&#8216;It was clear that Mathieu was not pulling full gas&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert foiled by &#8216;defensive&#8217; ride from Van der Poel in promising In Flanders Fields attack<\/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\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-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\">&#8216;If we had gone all out I think we could have made it&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel explains tactical decisions taken in breakaway at In Flanders Fields<\/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 News<\/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\/NZXQKBpqMUUWwWGdzXU7ES-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NZXQKBpqMUUWwWGdzXU7ES-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NZXQKBpqMUUWwWGdzXU7ES-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NZXQKBpqMUUWwWGdzXU7ES-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NZXQKBpqMUUWwWGdzXU7ES-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\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s in favour of Lorena, that&#8217;s a bit of a pity&#8217; \u2013 FDJ United-Suez say UAE Team ADQ had to roll attacks against Wiebes at In Flanders Fields, but defend working with her <\/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\/HLjg3mBRtkfqrQFpKDiwzj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HLjg3mBRtkfqrQFpKDiwzj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HLjg3mBRtkfqrQFpKDiwzj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HLjg3mBRtkfqrQFpKDiwzj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HLjg3mBRtkfqrQFpKDiwzj-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\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It almost went wrong&#8217; \u2013 Despite sprint scare, Lorena Wiebes took one of her most impressive wins yet at In Flanders Fields<\/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\/xgrujA9SdLqVnWSHiwmjc4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xgrujA9SdLqVnWSHiwmjc4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xgrujA9SdLqVnWSHiwmjc4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xgrujA9SdLqVnWSHiwmjc4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xgrujA9SdLqVnWSHiwmjc4-320-80.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\">&#8216;They were trying to hurt each other&#8217; \u2013 Florian Vermeersch fades in front row seat to latest Wout van Aert versus Mathieu van der Poel battle at In Flanders Fields<\/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\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-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\">&#8216;It was clear that Mathieu was not pulling full gas&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert foiled by &#8216;defensive&#8217; ride from Van der Poel in promising In Flanders Fields attack<\/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\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-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\">&#8216;If we had gone all out I think we could have made it&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel explains tactical decisions taken in breakaway at In Flanders Fields<\/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\/SUtwYYZC7T5uBdmdcFHmRe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SUtwYYZC7T5uBdmdcFHmRe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SUtwYYZC7T5uBdmdcFHmRe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SUtwYYZC7T5uBdmdcFHmRe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SUtwYYZC7T5uBdmdcFHmRe-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\">&#8216;They put me under big pressure today&#8217;  &#8211; Jonas Vingegaard celebrates hard fought win at Volta a Catalunya and looks to the future at Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/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\/JM7abyE4iw2Lrx4xTSQwBE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JM7abyE4iw2Lrx4xTSQwBE-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JM7abyE4iw2Lrx4xTSQwBE-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JM7abyE4iw2Lrx4xTSQwBE-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JM7abyE4iw2Lrx4xTSQwBE.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JM7abyE4iw2Lrx4xTSQwBE.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JM7abyE4iw2Lrx4xTSQwBE.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\">Cl\u00e9ment Venturini claims first win in eight years at Roue Tourangelle<\/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\">&#8216;They were trying to hurt each other&#8217; \u2013 Florian Vermeersch fades in front row seat to latest Wout van Aert versus Mathieu van der Poel battle at 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\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">In Flanders Fields Women: Lorena Wiebes sprints to record third consecutive victory in Wevelgem<\/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\">&#8216;It was clear that Mathieu was not pulling full gas&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert foiled by &#8216;defensive&#8217; ride from Van der Poel in promising In Flanders Fields attack<\/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;If we had gone all out I think we could have made it&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel explains tactical decisions taken in breakaway at In Flanders Fields<\/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>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nIn Flanders Fields-From Middelkerke to Wevelgem\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I want to put up a fight&#8217; &#8211; Wout van Aert in upbeat mood for In Flanders Fields<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-29T09:08:57Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n29 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Belgian star won the race back in 2021, gifted victory to teammate Christophe Laporte two years later<\/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-c5f3bc37-6fcd-46e8-8717-b056dea835c3\">After missing the E3 Saxo Classic on Friday, Classics star Wout van Aert has started In Flanders Fields on Sunday in a notably upbeat mood, insisting that he &#8220;wants to put up a fight&#8221; for a repeat victory in a race he won in 2021.<\/p>\n<p>Second in 2023 when he allowed Visma-Lease a Bike teammate Christophe Laporte to clinch the win in the race then known as Gent-Wevelgem after their two-up break, Van Aert told <em>Sporza<\/em> on Sunday morning at the In Flanders Field start that the race is traditionally one which &#8220;always goes either way.&#8221; A breakaway could take the victory in Wevelgem on Sunday afternoon, in other words, or it could end up in some kind of sprint.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c5f3bc37-6fcd-46e8-8717-b056dea835c3-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Despite the spectacularly close victory for arch-rival Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech) on Friday in the E3 Saxo Classic, Van Aert said he did not rue not taking part. Rather he preferred to rest up following his promising third place finish in Milan-San Remo the weekend before.<\/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\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-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;It was clear that Mathieu was not pulling full gas&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert foiled by &#8216;defensive&#8217; ride from Van der Poel in promising In Flanders Fields attack<\/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\/axSyFCPgVigaqbMzLVybS5-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/axSyFCPgVigaqbMzLVybS5-150-80.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 understand I win less than I used to but that doesn&#8217;t mean the winner in me has disappeared&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert gaining momentum for the Classics<\/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\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-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 we had gone all out I think we could have made it&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel explains tactical decisions taken in breakaway at In Flanders Fields<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;No, I wasn&#8217;t disappointed &#8211; just for my teammate Per (Strand Hagenes), who just missed out on the win.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;Just like all of Flanders, I was watching the race on TV. But you make choices, and then you look at the race in a different way.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Van Aert explained that he would be forming part of a two-pronged plan at Gent-Wevelgem, his first major Belgian Classic of the season after illness forced him out of Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. At the same time, Visma-Lease a Bike have a second option with speed machine Matthew Brennan, winner of Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne &#8211; a race with a similar profile to In Flanders Fields &#8211; back in early March.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;There are a lot of things that can happen between the start and the finish, Gent-Wevelgem is a race that can always go either way, although nowadays the breakaway riders often come out on top,&#8221; Van Aert warned.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-YMFU7qy5ThLJJLB2vbTAig\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-YMFU7qy5ThLJJLB2vbTAig 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<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;In any case, I want to put up a fight.&#8221; As for Brennan, he added that, &#8220;It would be logical for him to speculate on the sprint and for me to make the race.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Meanwhile E3 winner Van der Poel told <em>Sporza<\/em> that he will likely race quite defensively in his bid to win In Flanders Fields, one of the few cobbled Classics he has yet to conquer. <\/p>\n<p>As he put it, after his breakaway bid nearly unravelled on Friday, he is opting for a more conservative mode 48 hours later, although &#8211; like Van Aert and Brennan &#8211; Alpecin-Premier Tech also have Jasper Philipsen as a major second option for the race.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;We share the leadership. We both have a chance to win this race. It will become clear which card we play during or after the hilly section,&#8221; Van der Poel concluded.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-62be5d0b-a9d4-4b2e-baee-4834d1cdb6d5\"><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 id=\"slice-container-authorBio-YMFU7qy5ThLJJLB2vbTAig\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-YMFU7qy5ThLJJLB2vbTAig 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\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.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\">Alasdair Fotheringham<\/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>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Alasdair Fotheringham has been reporting on cycling since 1991. He has covered every Tour de France since 1992 bar one, as well as numerous other bike races of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the Olympic Games in 2008 to the now sadly defunct Subida a Urkiola hill climb in Spain. As well as working for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, he has also written for <em>The Independent<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>The Guardian<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>ProCycling<\/em>, <em>The Express<\/em> and <em>Reuters<\/em>.<\/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\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-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\">&#8216;It was clear that Mathieu was not pulling full gas&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert foiled by &#8216;defensive&#8217; ride from Van der Poel in promising In Flanders Fields attack<\/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\/axSyFCPgVigaqbMzLVybS5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/axSyFCPgVigaqbMzLVybS5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/axSyFCPgVigaqbMzLVybS5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/axSyFCPgVigaqbMzLVybS5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/axSyFCPgVigaqbMzLVybS5-320-80.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 understand I win less than I used to but that doesn&#8217;t mean the winner in me has disappeared&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert gaining momentum for the Classics<\/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\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-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\">&#8216;If we had gone all out I think we could have made it&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel explains tactical decisions taken in breakaway at In Flanders Fields<\/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\/jshCXAHngxGRjqNewUBPLn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jshCXAHngxGRjqNewUBPLn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jshCXAHngxGRjqNewUBPLn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jshCXAHngxGRjqNewUBPLn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jshCXAHngxGRjqNewUBPLn-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\">&#8216;I\u2019ll arrive at the start with more question marks than I had hoped&#8217; &#8211; Wout van Aert prepares for voyage into the dark at Strade Bianche<\/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\/uf5iXzRqNjabmFqMd2fRq3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uf5iXzRqNjabmFqMd2fRq3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uf5iXzRqNjabmFqMd2fRq3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uf5iXzRqNjabmFqMd2fRq3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uf5iXzRqNjabmFqMd2fRq3-320-80.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\">Wout van Aert recovered and ready to return to racing at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Le Samyn after ankle fracture threatened to disrupt season start<\/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\/xgrujA9SdLqVnWSHiwmjc4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xgrujA9SdLqVnWSHiwmjc4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xgrujA9SdLqVnWSHiwmjc4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xgrujA9SdLqVnWSHiwmjc4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xgrujA9SdLqVnWSHiwmjc4-320-80.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\">&#8216;They were trying to hurt each other&#8217; \u2013 Florian Vermeersch fades in front row seat to latest Wout van Aert versus Mathieu van der Poel battle at In Flanders Fields<\/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 Racing<\/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\/NZXQKBpqMUUWwWGdzXU7ES-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NZXQKBpqMUUWwWGdzXU7ES-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NZXQKBpqMUUWwWGdzXU7ES-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NZXQKBpqMUUWwWGdzXU7ES-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NZXQKBpqMUUWwWGdzXU7ES-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\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s in favour of Lorena, that&#8217;s a bit of a pity&#8217; \u2013 FDJ United-Suez say UAE Team ADQ had to roll attacks against Wiebes at In Flanders Fields, but defend working with her <\/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\/HLjg3mBRtkfqrQFpKDiwzj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HLjg3mBRtkfqrQFpKDiwzj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HLjg3mBRtkfqrQFpKDiwzj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HLjg3mBRtkfqrQFpKDiwzj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HLjg3mBRtkfqrQFpKDiwzj-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\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It almost went wrong&#8217; \u2013 Despite sprint scare, Lorena Wiebes took one of her most impressive wins yet at In Flanders Fields<\/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\/xgrujA9SdLqVnWSHiwmjc4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xgrujA9SdLqVnWSHiwmjc4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xgrujA9SdLqVnWSHiwmjc4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xgrujA9SdLqVnWSHiwmjc4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xgrujA9SdLqVnWSHiwmjc4-320-80.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\">&#8216;They were trying to hurt each other&#8217; \u2013 Florian Vermeersch fades in front row seat to latest Wout van Aert versus Mathieu van der Poel battle at In Flanders Fields<\/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\/JM7abyE4iw2Lrx4xTSQwBE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JM7abyE4iw2Lrx4xTSQwBE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JM7abyE4iw2Lrx4xTSQwBE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JM7abyE4iw2Lrx4xTSQwBE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JM7abyE4iw2Lrx4xTSQwBE-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\">Cl\u00e9ment Venturini claims first win in eight years at Roue Tourangelle<\/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\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-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\">&#8216;It was clear that Mathieu was not pulling full gas&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert foiled by &#8216;defensive&#8217; ride from Van der Poel in promising In Flanders Fields attack<\/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\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-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\">&#8216;If we had gone all out I think we could have made it&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel explains tactical decisions taken in breakaway at In Flanders Fields<\/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 News<\/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\/NZXQKBpqMUUWwWGdzXU7ES-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NZXQKBpqMUUWwWGdzXU7ES-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NZXQKBpqMUUWwWGdzXU7ES-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NZXQKBpqMUUWwWGdzXU7ES-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NZXQKBpqMUUWwWGdzXU7ES-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\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s in favour of Lorena, that&#8217;s a bit of a pity&#8217; \u2013 FDJ United-Suez say UAE Team ADQ had to roll attacks against Wiebes at In Flanders Fields, but defend working with her <\/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\/HLjg3mBRtkfqrQFpKDiwzj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HLjg3mBRtkfqrQFpKDiwzj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HLjg3mBRtkfqrQFpKDiwzj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HLjg3mBRtkfqrQFpKDiwzj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HLjg3mBRtkfqrQFpKDiwzj-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\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It almost went wrong&#8217; \u2013 Despite sprint scare, Lorena Wiebes took one of her most impressive wins yet at In Flanders Fields<\/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\/xgrujA9SdLqVnWSHiwmjc4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xgrujA9SdLqVnWSHiwmjc4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xgrujA9SdLqVnWSHiwmjc4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xgrujA9SdLqVnWSHiwmjc4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xgrujA9SdLqVnWSHiwmjc4-320-80.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\">&#8216;They were trying to hurt each other&#8217; \u2013 Florian Vermeersch fades in front row seat to latest Wout van Aert versus Mathieu van der Poel battle at In Flanders Fields<\/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\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-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\">&#8216;It was clear that Mathieu was not pulling full gas&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert foiled by &#8216;defensive&#8217; ride from Van der Poel in promising In Flanders Fields attack<\/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\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-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\">&#8216;If we had gone all out I think we could have made it&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel explains tactical decisions taken in breakaway at In Flanders Fields<\/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\/SUtwYYZC7T5uBdmdcFHmRe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SUtwYYZC7T5uBdmdcFHmRe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SUtwYYZC7T5uBdmdcFHmRe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SUtwYYZC7T5uBdmdcFHmRe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SUtwYYZC7T5uBdmdcFHmRe-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\">&#8216;They put me under big pressure today&#8217;  &#8211; Jonas Vingegaard celebrates hard fought win at Volta a Catalunya and looks to the future at Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/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\/JM7abyE4iw2Lrx4xTSQwBE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JM7abyE4iw2Lrx4xTSQwBE-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JM7abyE4iw2Lrx4xTSQwBE-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JM7abyE4iw2Lrx4xTSQwBE-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JM7abyE4iw2Lrx4xTSQwBE.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JM7abyE4iw2Lrx4xTSQwBE.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JM7abyE4iw2Lrx4xTSQwBE.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\">Cl\u00e9ment Venturini claims first win in eight years at Roue Tourangelle<\/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\">&#8216;They were trying to hurt each other&#8217; \u2013 Florian Vermeersch fades in front row seat to latest Wout van Aert versus Mathieu van der Poel battle at 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\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">In Flanders Fields Women: Lorena Wiebes sprints to record third consecutive victory in Wevelgem<\/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\">&#8216;It was clear that Mathieu was not pulling full gas&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert foiled by &#8216;defensive&#8217; ride from Van der Poel in promising In Flanders Fields attack<\/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;If we had gone all out I think we could have made it&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel explains tactical decisions taken in breakaway at In Flanders Fields<\/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>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nIn Flanders Fields-From Middelkerke to Wevelgem\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I want to put up a fight&#8217; &#8211; Wout van Aert in upbeat mood for In Flanders Fields<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-29T09:08:57Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n29 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Belgian star won the race back in 2021, gifted victory to teammate Christophe Laporte two years later<\/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-c5f3bc37-6fcd-46e8-8717-b056dea835c3\">After missing the E3 Saxo Classic on Friday, Classics star Wout van Aert has started In Flanders Fields on Sunday in a notably upbeat mood, insisting that he &#8220;wants to put up a fight&#8221; for a repeat victory in a race he won in 2021.<\/p>\n<p>Second in 2023 when he allowed Visma-Lease a Bike teammate Christophe Laporte to clinch the win in the race then known as Gent-Wevelgem after their two-up break, Van Aert told <em>Sporza<\/em> on Sunday morning at the In Flanders Field start that the race is traditionally one which &#8220;always goes either way.&#8221; A breakaway could take the victory in Wevelgem on Sunday afternoon, in other words, or it could end up in some kind of sprint.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c5f3bc37-6fcd-46e8-8717-b056dea835c3-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Despite the spectacularly close victory for arch-rival Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech) on Friday in the E3 Saxo Classic, Van Aert said he did not rue not taking part. Rather he preferred to rest up following his promising third place finish in Milan-San Remo the weekend before.<\/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\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-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;It was clear that Mathieu was not pulling full gas&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert foiled by &#8216;defensive&#8217; ride from Van der Poel in promising In Flanders Fields attack<\/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\/axSyFCPgVigaqbMzLVybS5-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/axSyFCPgVigaqbMzLVybS5-150-80.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 understand I win less than I used to but that doesn&#8217;t mean the winner in me has disappeared&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert gaining momentum for the Classics<\/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\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-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 we had gone all out I think we could have made it&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel explains tactical decisions taken in breakaway at In Flanders Fields<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;No, I wasn&#8217;t disappointed &#8211; just for my teammate Per (Strand Hagenes), who just missed out on the win.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;Just like all of Flanders, I was watching the race on TV. But you make choices, and then you look at the race in a different way.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Van Aert explained that he would be forming part of a two-pronged plan at Gent-Wevelgem, his first major Belgian Classic of the season after illness forced him out of Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. At the same time, Visma-Lease a Bike have a second option with speed machine Matthew Brennan, winner of Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne &#8211; a race with a similar profile to In Flanders Fields &#8211; back in early March.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;There are a lot of things that can happen between the start and the finish, Gent-Wevelgem is a race that can always go either way, although nowadays the breakaway riders often come out on top,&#8221; Van Aert warned.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-YMFU7qy5ThLJJLB2vbTAig\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-YMFU7qy5ThLJJLB2vbTAig 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<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;In any case, I want to put up a fight.&#8221; As for Brennan, he added that, &#8220;It would be logical for him to speculate on the sprint and for me to make the race.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Meanwhile E3 winner Van der Poel told <em>Sporza<\/em> that he will likely race quite defensively in his bid to win In Flanders Fields, one of the few cobbled Classics he has yet to conquer. <\/p>\n<p>As he put it, after his breakaway bid nearly unravelled on Friday, he is opting for a more conservative mode 48 hours later, although &#8211; like Van Aert and Brennan &#8211; Alpecin-Premier Tech also have Jasper Philipsen as a major second option for the race.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;We share the leadership. We both have a chance to win this race. It will become clear which card we play during or after the hilly section,&#8221; Van der Poel concluded.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-62be5d0b-a9d4-4b2e-baee-4834d1cdb6d5\"><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\/racing\/i-want-to-put-up-a-fight-wout-van-aert-in-upbeat-mood-for-in-flanders-fields\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-1024-80.jpg&#8221;] Pro Cycling Racing Road In Flanders Fields-From Middelkerke to Wevelgem &#8216;I want to put up a fight&#8217; &#8211; Wout van Aert in upbeat mood for In Flanders Fields News By Alasdair Fotheringham published 29 March 2026 Belgian star won the race back in 2021, gifted victory to teammate Christophe Laporte two years [&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-1855057","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\/1855057","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=1855057"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1855057\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1855057"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1855057"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1855057"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}