{"id":1855065,"date":"2026-03-29T14:59:29","date_gmt":"2026-03-29T11:59:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1855065"},"modified":"2026-03-29T14:59:29","modified_gmt":"2026-03-29T11:59:29","slug":"it-was-clear-that-mathieu-was-not-pulling-full-gas-wout-van-aert-foiled-by-defensive-ride-from-van-der-poel-in-promising-in-flanders-fields-attack","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1855065","title":{"rendered":"&#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"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-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;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<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nMatilda Price <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-29T14:59:29Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n29 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">&#8216;Mathieu had the luxury that Philipsen was still behind&#8217; says Belgian as blockbuster battle fails to materialise in Wevelgem<\/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\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-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-a32a6887-074b-4da0-b094-729e4d39a3e9\">For a time, it looked like the men&#8217;s In Flanders Fields finale was going to be pure cinema, a much longed-for head-to-head fight between Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike) and Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech), a pair whose rivalry goes back 20 years.<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s a battle we&#8217;ve been deprived of for some time, with the duo not directly sparring for the win in a Classic for three years now, and everyone&#8217;s mouths were watering at the possibility of an all-out sprint between the two in Wevelgem.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a32a6887-074b-4da0-b094-729e4d39a3e9-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">We got the all-out sprint, but it wasn&#8217;t between these two titans of the Classics, with a chasing group reeling them back in in the final kilometre to give way for Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Premier Tech).<\/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\/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<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\/Lk7kejsz7kmSLaN4BUMG7R-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Lk7kejsz7kmSLaN4BUMG7R-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\">In Flanders Fields: Jasper Philipsen clinches bunch sprint victory as spectacular late breakaway by Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert collapses close to the line<\/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\/xgrujA9SdLqVnWSHiwmjc4-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xgrujA9SdLqVnWSHiwmjc4-150-80.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;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><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>It was therefore still something of a win by proxy for Van der Poel, following on from his own thriller victory on Friday \u2013 when things didn&#8217;t go the way of the chasers \u2013 and Van Aert lamented the &#8220;luxury&#8221; situation his long-time rival found himself in.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;It was somewhat inevitable in the final, because the peloton was closing in quickly,&#8221; he said to <em>Sporza. <\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;The collaboration with Mathieu was good, but he had the luxury of Philipsen still being behind him, which allowed him to race a bit more defensively at the end. That worked to my disadvantage and made the difference.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Van Aert had his own teammates behind him, but perhaps not quite sprinters <em>de luxe <\/em>in the vein of Philipsen. Christophe Laporte grabbed third for Visma, as Matthew Brennan didn&#8217;t figure, given he is still recovering from illness.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-4KsgTZwo69CAttxm4q9mqD\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-4KsgTZwo69CAttxm4q9mqD 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>Whilst Van Aert praised the collaboration with Van der Poel, Visma sports director Arthur van Dongen was more direct in his assessment that the Dutchman was responsible for the duo not staying away \u2013 for a good reason.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;It was clear that Mathieu was not pulling full gas,&#8221; Van Dongen told <em>Cyclingnews. <\/em>&#8220;But I think that was a good tactic for them.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Another podium spot is probably not what Visma-Lease a Bike wanted from this race, but with Van der Poel&#8217;s trump card and missing their top sprinter in the finale, there was not an awful lot to complain about after Van Aert committed to the move.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-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 want to put up a fight&#8217;  &#8211; Wout van Aert in upbeat mood for In Flanders Fields<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I gave up, actually, because they were so close&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel made to look human despite completing E3 Saxo Classic hat-trick with &#8216;one of my best efforts&#8217;<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-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;My companions decided to gamble&#8217; \u2013 Florian Vermeersch disappointed at lack of cooperation after chasers let Mathieu van der Poel stay away in final kilometre of E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;We missed Matthew [Brennan] in that group, but he&#8217;s still coming back from sickness, so we don&#8217;t worry, this race is a step up to the next races. Then we had Christophe and we sprinted to a podium spot, so I think that&#8217;s still good,&#8221; Van Dongen said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Despite not getting the win, or even battling for it, Van Aert was also characteristically upbeat at the finish, rather than down on his performance. In fact, it was his eldest son who he had to console at the finish, disappointed at not seeing his dad win.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;The feeling was good, I was able to follow Mathieu on the last time up Kemmel,&#8221; he said. &#8220;I thought we had a good chance of staying ahead. But it just didn&#8217;t quite work out.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I am satisfied with how I was able to race. The result didn&#8217;t follow, but it was still a nice day.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">A nice day may not satisfy Van Aert&#8217;s critics, but it&#8217;s much better than a bad one as he approaches his bigger goals of the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-68bb766d-7b1f-4a02-af48-ab735238e229\"><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-4KsgTZwo69CAttxm4q9mqD\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-4KsgTZwo69CAttxm4q9mqD 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__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Matilda Price<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Assistant Features Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Matilda is an NCTJ-qualified journalist based in the UK who joined <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>in March 2025. Prior to that, she worked as the Racing News Editor at <em>GCN<\/em>, and extensively as a freelancer contributing to <em>Cyclingnews, Cycling Weekly, Velo, Rouleur, Escape Collective, Red Bull <\/em>and more. She has reported on the ground at all of the biggest events on the calendar, including the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Tours de France, the Giro d&#8217;Italia, the Vuelta a Espana, the Spring Classics and the World Championships. She has particular experience and expertise in women&#8217;s cycling, and women&#8217;s sport in general. She is a graduate of modern languages and sports journalism.<\/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\/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\/Lk7kejsz7kmSLaN4BUMG7R-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Lk7kejsz7kmSLaN4BUMG7R-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Lk7kejsz7kmSLaN4BUMG7R-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Lk7kejsz7kmSLaN4BUMG7R-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Lk7kejsz7kmSLaN4BUMG7R-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\">In Flanders Fields: Jasper Philipsen clinches bunch sprint victory as spectacular late breakaway by Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert collapses close to the line<\/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\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-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 want to put up a fight&#8217;  &#8211; Wout van Aert in upbeat mood for 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\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I gave up, actually, because they were so close&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel made to look human despite completing E3 Saxo Classic hat-trick with &#8216;one of my best efforts&#8217;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;My companions decided to gamble&#8217; \u2013 Florian Vermeersch disappointed at lack of cooperation after chasers let Mathieu van der Poel stay away in final kilometre of E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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\/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<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\/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 class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-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 want to put up a fight&#8217;  &#8211; Wout van Aert in upbeat mood for 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<\/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;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<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nMatilda Price <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-29T14:59:29Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n29 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">&#8216;Mathieu had the luxury that Philipsen was still behind&#8217; says Belgian as blockbuster battle fails to materialise in Wevelgem<\/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-a32a6887-074b-4da0-b094-729e4d39a3e9\">For a time, it looked like the men&#8217;s In Flanders Fields finale was going to be pure cinema, a much longed-for head-to-head fight between Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike) and Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech), a pair whose rivalry goes back 20 years.<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s a battle we&#8217;ve been deprived of for some time, with the duo not directly sparring for the win in a Classic for three years now, and everyone&#8217;s mouths were watering at the possibility of an all-out sprint between the two in Wevelgem.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a32a6887-074b-4da0-b094-729e4d39a3e9-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">We got the all-out sprint, but it wasn&#8217;t between these two titans of the Classics, with a chasing group reeling them back in in the final kilometre to give way for Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Premier Tech).<\/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\/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<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\/Lk7kejsz7kmSLaN4BUMG7R-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Lk7kejsz7kmSLaN4BUMG7R-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\">In Flanders Fields: Jasper Philipsen clinches bunch sprint victory as spectacular late breakaway by Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert collapses close to the line<\/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\/xgrujA9SdLqVnWSHiwmjc4-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xgrujA9SdLqVnWSHiwmjc4-150-80.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;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><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>It was therefore still something of a win by proxy for Van der Poel, following on from his own thriller victory on Friday \u2013 when things didn&#8217;t go the way of the chasers \u2013 and Van Aert lamented the &#8220;luxury&#8221; situation his long-time rival found himself in.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;It was somewhat inevitable in the final, because the peloton was closing in quickly,&#8221; he said to <em>Sporza. <\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;The collaboration with Mathieu was good, but he had the luxury of Philipsen still being behind him, which allowed him to race a bit more defensively at the end. That worked to my disadvantage and made the difference.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Van Aert had his own teammates behind him, but perhaps not quite sprinters <em>de luxe <\/em>in the vein of Philipsen. Christophe Laporte grabbed third for Visma, as Matthew Brennan didn&#8217;t figure, given he is still recovering from illness.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-4KsgTZwo69CAttxm4q9mqD\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-4KsgTZwo69CAttxm4q9mqD 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>Whilst Van Aert praised the collaboration with Van der Poel, Visma sports director Arthur van Dongen was more direct in his assessment that the Dutchman was responsible for the duo not staying away \u2013 for a good reason.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;It was clear that Mathieu was not pulling full gas,&#8221; Van Dongen told <em>Cyclingnews. <\/em>&#8220;But I think that was a good tactic for them.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Another podium spot is probably not what Visma-Lease a Bike wanted from this race, but with Van der Poel&#8217;s trump card and missing their top sprinter in the finale, there was not an awful lot to complain about after Van Aert committed to the move.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-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 want to put up a fight&#8217;  &#8211; Wout van Aert in upbeat mood for In Flanders Fields<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I gave up, actually, because they were so close&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel made to look human despite completing E3 Saxo Classic hat-trick with &#8216;one of my best efforts&#8217;<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-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;My companions decided to gamble&#8217; \u2013 Florian Vermeersch disappointed at lack of cooperation after chasers let Mathieu van der Poel stay away in final kilometre of E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;We missed Matthew [Brennan] in that group, but he&#8217;s still coming back from sickness, so we don&#8217;t worry, this race is a step up to the next races. Then we had Christophe and we sprinted to a podium spot, so I think that&#8217;s still good,&#8221; Van Dongen said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Despite not getting the win, or even battling for it, Van Aert was also characteristically upbeat at the finish, rather than down on his performance. In fact, it was his eldest son who he had to console at the finish, disappointed at not seeing his dad win.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;The feeling was good, I was able to follow Mathieu on the last time up Kemmel,&#8221; he said. &#8220;I thought we had a good chance of staying ahead. But it just didn&#8217;t quite work out.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I am satisfied with how I was able to race. The result didn&#8217;t follow, but it was still a nice day.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">A nice day may not satisfy Van Aert&#8217;s critics, but it&#8217;s much better than a bad one as he approaches his bigger goals of the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-68bb766d-7b1f-4a02-af48-ab735238e229\"><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-4KsgTZwo69CAttxm4q9mqD\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-4KsgTZwo69CAttxm4q9mqD 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__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Matilda Price<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Assistant Features Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Matilda is an NCTJ-qualified journalist based in the UK who joined <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>in March 2025. Prior to that, she worked as the Racing News Editor at <em>GCN<\/em>, and extensively as a freelancer contributing to <em>Cyclingnews, Cycling Weekly, Velo, Rouleur, Escape Collective, Red Bull <\/em>and more. She has reported on the ground at all of the biggest events on the calendar, including the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Tours de France, the Giro d&#8217;Italia, the Vuelta a Espana, the Spring Classics and the World Championships. She has particular experience and expertise in women&#8217;s cycling, and women&#8217;s sport in general. She is a graduate of modern languages and sports journalism.<\/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\/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\/Lk7kejsz7kmSLaN4BUMG7R-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Lk7kejsz7kmSLaN4BUMG7R-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Lk7kejsz7kmSLaN4BUMG7R-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Lk7kejsz7kmSLaN4BUMG7R-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Lk7kejsz7kmSLaN4BUMG7R-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\">In Flanders Fields: Jasper Philipsen clinches bunch sprint victory as spectacular late breakaway by Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert collapses close to the line<\/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\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-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 want to put up a fight&#8217;  &#8211; Wout van Aert in upbeat mood for 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\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I gave up, actually, because they were so close&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel made to look human despite completing E3 Saxo Classic hat-trick with &#8216;one of my best efforts&#8217;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;My companions decided to gamble&#8217; \u2013 Florian Vermeersch disappointed at lack of cooperation after chasers let Mathieu van der Poel stay away in final kilometre of E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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\/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<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\/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 class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-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 want to put up a fight&#8217;  &#8211; Wout van Aert in upbeat mood for 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<\/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;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<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nMatilda Price <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-29T14:59:29Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n29 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">&#8216;Mathieu had the luxury that Philipsen was still behind&#8217; says Belgian as blockbuster battle fails to materialise in Wevelgem<\/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-a32a6887-074b-4da0-b094-729e4d39a3e9\">For a time, it looked like the men&#8217;s In Flanders Fields finale was going to be pure cinema, a much longed-for head-to-head fight between Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike) and Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech), a pair whose rivalry goes back 20 years.<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s a battle we&#8217;ve been deprived of for some time, with the duo not directly sparring for the win in a Classic for three years now, and everyone&#8217;s mouths were watering at the possibility of an all-out sprint between the two in Wevelgem.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a32a6887-074b-4da0-b094-729e4d39a3e9-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">We got the all-out sprint, but it wasn&#8217;t between these two titans of the Classics, with a chasing group reeling them back in in the final kilometre to give way for Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Premier Tech).<\/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\/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<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\/Lk7kejsz7kmSLaN4BUMG7R-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Lk7kejsz7kmSLaN4BUMG7R-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\">In Flanders Fields: Jasper Philipsen clinches bunch sprint victory as spectacular late breakaway by Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert collapses close to the line<\/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\/xgrujA9SdLqVnWSHiwmjc4-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xgrujA9SdLqVnWSHiwmjc4-150-80.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;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><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>It was therefore still something of a win by proxy for Van der Poel, following on from his own thriller victory on Friday \u2013 when things didn&#8217;t go the way of the chasers \u2013 and Van Aert lamented the &#8220;luxury&#8221; situation his long-time rival found himself in.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;It was somewhat inevitable in the final, because the peloton was closing in quickly,&#8221; he said to <em>Sporza. <\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;The collaboration with Mathieu was good, but he had the luxury of Philipsen still being behind him, which allowed him to race a bit more defensively at the end. That worked to my disadvantage and made the difference.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Van Aert had his own teammates behind him, but perhaps not quite sprinters <em>de luxe <\/em>in the vein of Philipsen. Christophe Laporte grabbed third for Visma, as Matthew Brennan didn&#8217;t figure, given he is still recovering from illness.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-4KsgTZwo69CAttxm4q9mqD\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-4KsgTZwo69CAttxm4q9mqD 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>Whilst Van Aert praised the collaboration with Van der Poel, Visma sports director Arthur van Dongen was more direct in his assessment that the Dutchman was responsible for the duo not staying away \u2013 for a good reason.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;It was clear that Mathieu was not pulling full gas,&#8221; Van Dongen told <em>Cyclingnews. <\/em>&#8220;But I think that was a good tactic for them.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Another podium spot is probably not what Visma-Lease a Bike wanted from this race, but with Van der Poel&#8217;s trump card and missing their top sprinter in the finale, there was not an awful lot to complain about after Van Aert committed to the move.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-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 want to put up a fight&#8217;  &#8211; Wout van Aert in upbeat mood for In Flanders Fields<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I gave up, actually, because they were so close&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel made to look human despite completing E3 Saxo Classic hat-trick with &#8216;one of my best efforts&#8217;<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-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;My companions decided to gamble&#8217; \u2013 Florian Vermeersch disappointed at lack of cooperation after chasers let Mathieu van der Poel stay away in final kilometre of E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;We missed Matthew [Brennan] in that group, but he&#8217;s still coming back from sickness, so we don&#8217;t worry, this race is a step up to the next races. Then we had Christophe and we sprinted to a podium spot, so I think that&#8217;s still good,&#8221; Van Dongen said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Despite not getting the win, or even battling for it, Van Aert was also characteristically upbeat at the finish, rather than down on his performance. In fact, it was his eldest son who he had to console at the finish, disappointed at not seeing his dad win.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;The feeling was good, I was able to follow Mathieu on the last time up Kemmel,&#8221; he said. &#8220;I thought we had a good chance of staying ahead. But it just didn&#8217;t quite work out.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I am satisfied with how I was able to race. The result didn&#8217;t follow, but it was still a nice day.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">A nice day may not satisfy Van Aert&#8217;s critics, but it&#8217;s much better than a bad one as he approaches his bigger goals of the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-68bb766d-7b1f-4a02-af48-ab735238e229\"><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\/it-was-clear-that-mathieu-was-not-pulling-full-gas-wout-van-aert-foiled-by-defensive-ride-from-van-der-poel-in-promising-in-flanders-fields-attack\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-1024-80.jpg&#8221;] Pro Cycling Racing Road In Flanders Fields-From Middelkerke to Wevelgem &#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 News By Matilda Price published 29 March 2026 &#8216;Mathieu had the luxury that Philipsen [&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-1855065","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\/1855065","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=1855065"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1855065\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1855065"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1855065"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1855065"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}