{"id":1855068,"date":"2026-03-29T16:35:19","date_gmt":"2026-03-29T13:35:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1855068"},"modified":"2026-03-29T16:35:19","modified_gmt":"2026-03-29T13:35:19","slug":"they-were-trying-to-hurt-each-other-florian-vermeersch-fades-in-front-row-seat-to-latest-wout-van-aert-versus-mathieu-van-der-poel-battle-at-in-flanders-fields","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1855068","title":{"rendered":"&#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"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xgrujA9SdLqVnWSHiwmjc4-1024-80.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;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<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-29T16:35:19Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n29 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Despite being dropped on the final Kemmelberg ascent, UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider impresses again by following superstar rivals<\/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\/xgrujA9SdLqVnWSHiwmjc4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xgrujA9SdLqVnWSHiwmjc4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xgrujA9SdLqVnWSHiwmjc4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xgrujA9SdLqVnWSHiwmjc4-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xgrujA9SdLqVnWSHiwmjc4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xgrujA9SdLqVnWSHiwmjc4-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xgrujA9SdLqVnWSHiwmjc4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">In Flanders Fields 2026: Florian Vermeersch during the race<\/span><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 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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-acd84acb-46f0-454c-a3c3-144f4110afcd\">Florian Vermeersch continued to impress as the third strongest cobbled climber at In Flanders Fields on Sunday, only dropping behind Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel on the third rep of the Kemmelberg, the final climb of the race.<\/p>\n<p>As the leader for UAE Team Emirates-XRG, Vermeersch backed up his podium finish from E3 Saxo Classic on Friday by first responding to the acceleration of Van Aert on the second Kemmelberg ascent. He was then the only other rider, except for Van der Poel, to make it into the leading group heading into the last 57km.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-acd84acb-46f0-454c-a3c3-144f4110afcd-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">They were joined by five riders from the early breakaway, but once they reached the Ossuaire side up the steep berg and the final 35km loomed, Vermeersch could no longer hold on to the two superstar riders.<\/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\/LWDwHt38fdUHcabetmT6Y-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LWDwHt38fdUHcabetmT6Y-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 believe I&#8217;ll be able to beat him one day&#8217; &#8211; Florian Vermeersch bullish about Classics future after going toe-to-toe with Mathieu Van der Poel in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad<\/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\/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<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\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;It was clear that Mathieu was not pulling full gas&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert foiled by &#8216;defensive&#8217; ride from Van der Poel in promising In Flanders Fields attack<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I missed the last 1 or 2 % on them; it is what it is. It&#8217;s not a shame, they are two of the best riders in the world, so it was good I was up there,&#8221; said Vermeersch in the mixed zone.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I think I was the only one able to follow on the Kemmelberg, and I&#8217;m happy with how I raced. It was just those last few per cent, but that&#8217;s racing.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Vermeersch chased solo for 24km and kept his gap around a respectable 20 seconds from the lead duo the entire time, before the peloton reeled him in. They too then came unstuck in the final 1-2km, with Van Aert doing the lion&#8217;s share of the work and Van der Poel&#8217;s teammate Jasper Philipsen winning the sprint.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;The peloton eventually caught up, but I already knew beforehand that it is difficult to race from the breakaway here,&#8221; said Vermeersch to <em>Sporza<\/em>.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-RMHhMkS5gTrZysMVFSkPeR\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-RMHhMkS5gTrZysMVFSkPeR 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>&#8220;I really hoped they would ride up at pace, but they were trying to hurt each other. I really rode my absolute best to try and catch up, but it\u2019s not easy against those two.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;After the last ascent of the Kemmelberg, I did everything I could to come back, but against Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel, that is, of course, not easy.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">He finished 31st, so the top result has gone amiss for Vermeersch, but his stock as a top Classics rider only keeps rising, and with UAE&#8217;s leader still set to arrive for the Tour of Flanders in a week&#8217;s time, the defending champion will have an elite domestique racing in his service.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">At 27, too, it wouldn&#8217;t be a surprise to see Vermeersch continue to develop and really push the Van Aerts and Van der Poels of the world in the next few seasons. That second place at the wet Paris-Roubaix back in 2021 may have seemed like somewhat of an anomaly at the time, but it was actually a clear sign of what was to come in the longer-term for Vermeersch.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ffc199ca-1f62-4639-ae90-d8fd446c1095\"><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-RMHhMkS5gTrZysMVFSkPeR\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-RMHhMkS5gTrZysMVFSkPeR slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">James Moultrie<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>James Moultrie is a gold-standard NCTJ journalist who joined\u00a0Cyclingnews\u00a0as a News Writer in 2023 after originally contributing as a freelancer for eight months, during which time he also wrote for Eurosport, Rouleur and Cycling Weekly. Prior to joining the team he reported on races such as Paris-Roubaix and the Giro d\u2019Italia Donne for Eurosport and has interviewed some of the sport\u2019s top riders in Chlo\u00e9 Dygert, Lizzie Deignan and Wout van Aert. Outside of cycling, he spends the majority of his time watching other sports \u2013 rugby, football, cricket, and American Football to name a few.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LWDwHt38fdUHcabetmT6Y-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LWDwHt38fdUHcabetmT6Y-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LWDwHt38fdUHcabetmT6Y-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LWDwHt38fdUHcabetmT6Y-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LWDwHt38fdUHcabetmT6Y-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 believe I&#8217;ll be able to beat him one day&#8217; &#8211; Florian Vermeersch bullish about Classics future after going toe-to-toe with Mathieu Van der Poel in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;My companions decided to gamble&#8217; \u2013 Florian Vermeersch disappointed at lack of cooperation after chasers let Mathieu van der Poel stay away in final kilometre of E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It was clear that Mathieu was not pulling full gas&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert foiled by &#8216;defensive&#8217; ride from Van der Poel in promising In Flanders Fields attack<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;If we had gone all out I think we could have made it&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel explains tactical decisions taken in breakaway at In Flanders Fields<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-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\">Why Poga\u010dar and Van Aert&#8217;s teams aren&#8217;t sensing weakness for the Tour of Flanders despite Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s near-miss at E3 Saxo Classic<\/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<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\/JM7abyE4iw2Lrx4xTSQwBE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JM7abyE4iw2Lrx4xTSQwBE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JM7abyE4iw2Lrx4xTSQwBE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JM7abyE4iw2Lrx4xTSQwBE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JM7abyE4iw2Lrx4xTSQwBE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Cl\u00e9ment Venturini claims first win in eight years at Roue Tourangelle<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It was clear that Mathieu was not pulling full gas&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert foiled by &#8216;defensive&#8217; ride from Van der Poel in promising In Flanders Fields attack<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;If we had gone all out I think we could have made it&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel explains tactical decisions taken in breakaway at In Flanders Fields<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div 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\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It was clear that Mathieu was not pulling full gas&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert foiled by &#8216;defensive&#8217; ride from Van der Poel in promising In Flanders Fields attack<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;If we had gone all out I think we could have made it&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel explains tactical decisions taken in breakaway at In Flanders Fields<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SUtwYYZC7T5uBdmdcFHmRe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SUtwYYZC7T5uBdmdcFHmRe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SUtwYYZC7T5uBdmdcFHmRe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SUtwYYZC7T5uBdmdcFHmRe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SUtwYYZC7T5uBdmdcFHmRe-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;They put me under big pressure today&#8217;  &#8211; Jonas Vingegaard celebrates hard fought win at Volta a Catalunya and looks to the future at Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div 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;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<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-29T16:35:19Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n29 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Despite being dropped on the final Kemmelberg ascent, UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider impresses again by following superstar rivals<\/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\/xgrujA9SdLqVnWSHiwmjc4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xgrujA9SdLqVnWSHiwmjc4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xgrujA9SdLqVnWSHiwmjc4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xgrujA9SdLqVnWSHiwmjc4-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xgrujA9SdLqVnWSHiwmjc4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xgrujA9SdLqVnWSHiwmjc4-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xgrujA9SdLqVnWSHiwmjc4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">In Flanders Fields 2026: Florian Vermeersch during the race<\/span><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 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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-acd84acb-46f0-454c-a3c3-144f4110afcd\">Florian Vermeersch continued to impress as the third strongest cobbled climber at In Flanders Fields on Sunday, only dropping behind Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel on the third rep of the Kemmelberg, the final climb of the race.<\/p>\n<p>As the leader for UAE Team Emirates-XRG, Vermeersch backed up his podium finish from E3 Saxo Classic on Friday by first responding to the acceleration of Van Aert on the second Kemmelberg ascent. He was then the only other rider, except for Van der Poel, to make it into the leading group heading into the last 57km.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-acd84acb-46f0-454c-a3c3-144f4110afcd-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">They were joined by five riders from the early breakaway, but once they reached the Ossuaire side up the steep berg and the final 35km loomed, Vermeersch could no longer hold on to the two superstar riders.<\/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\/LWDwHt38fdUHcabetmT6Y-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LWDwHt38fdUHcabetmT6Y-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 believe I&#8217;ll be able to beat him one day&#8217; &#8211; Florian Vermeersch bullish about Classics future after going toe-to-toe with Mathieu Van der Poel in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad<\/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\/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<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\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;It was clear that Mathieu was not pulling full gas&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert foiled by &#8216;defensive&#8217; ride from Van der Poel in promising In Flanders Fields attack<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I missed the last 1 or 2 % on them; it is what it is. It&#8217;s not a shame, they are two of the best riders in the world, so it was good I was up there,&#8221; said Vermeersch in the mixed zone.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I think I was the only one able to follow on the Kemmelberg, and I&#8217;m happy with how I raced. It was just those last few per cent, but that&#8217;s racing.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Vermeersch chased solo for 24km and kept his gap around a respectable 20 seconds from the lead duo the entire time, before the peloton reeled him in. They too then came unstuck in the final 1-2km, with Van Aert doing the lion&#8217;s share of the work and Van der Poel&#8217;s teammate Jasper Philipsen winning the sprint.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;The peloton eventually caught up, but I already knew beforehand that it is difficult to race from the breakaway here,&#8221; said Vermeersch to <em>Sporza<\/em>.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-RMHhMkS5gTrZysMVFSkPeR\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-RMHhMkS5gTrZysMVFSkPeR 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>&#8220;I really hoped they would ride up at pace, but they were trying to hurt each other. I really rode my absolute best to try and catch up, but it\u2019s not easy against those two.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;After the last ascent of the Kemmelberg, I did everything I could to come back, but against Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel, that is, of course, not easy.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">He finished 31st, so the top result has gone amiss for Vermeersch, but his stock as a top Classics rider only keeps rising, and with UAE&#8217;s leader still set to arrive for the Tour of Flanders in a week&#8217;s time, the defending champion will have an elite domestique racing in his service.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">At 27, too, it wouldn&#8217;t be a surprise to see Vermeersch continue to develop and really push the Van Aerts and Van der Poels of the world in the next few seasons. That second place at the wet Paris-Roubaix back in 2021 may have seemed like somewhat of an anomaly at the time, but it was actually a clear sign of what was to come in the longer-term for Vermeersch.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ffc199ca-1f62-4639-ae90-d8fd446c1095\"><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-RMHhMkS5gTrZysMVFSkPeR\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-RMHhMkS5gTrZysMVFSkPeR slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">James Moultrie<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>James Moultrie is a gold-standard NCTJ journalist who joined\u00a0Cyclingnews\u00a0as a News Writer in 2023 after originally contributing as a freelancer for eight months, during which time he also wrote for Eurosport, Rouleur and Cycling Weekly. Prior to joining the team he reported on races such as Paris-Roubaix and the Giro d\u2019Italia Donne for Eurosport and has interviewed some of the sport\u2019s top riders in Chlo\u00e9 Dygert, Lizzie Deignan and Wout van Aert. Outside of cycling, he spends the majority of his time watching other sports \u2013 rugby, football, cricket, and American Football to name a few.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LWDwHt38fdUHcabetmT6Y-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LWDwHt38fdUHcabetmT6Y-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LWDwHt38fdUHcabetmT6Y-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LWDwHt38fdUHcabetmT6Y-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LWDwHt38fdUHcabetmT6Y-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 believe I&#8217;ll be able to beat him one day&#8217; &#8211; Florian Vermeersch bullish about Classics future after going toe-to-toe with Mathieu Van der Poel in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;My companions decided to gamble&#8217; \u2013 Florian Vermeersch disappointed at lack of cooperation after chasers let Mathieu van der Poel stay away in final kilometre of E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It was clear that Mathieu was not pulling full gas&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert foiled by &#8216;defensive&#8217; ride from Van der Poel in promising In Flanders Fields attack<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;If we had gone all out I think we could have made it&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel explains tactical decisions taken in breakaway at In Flanders Fields<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-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\">Why Poga\u010dar and Van Aert&#8217;s teams aren&#8217;t sensing weakness for the Tour of Flanders despite Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s near-miss at E3 Saxo Classic<\/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<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\/JM7abyE4iw2Lrx4xTSQwBE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JM7abyE4iw2Lrx4xTSQwBE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JM7abyE4iw2Lrx4xTSQwBE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JM7abyE4iw2Lrx4xTSQwBE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JM7abyE4iw2Lrx4xTSQwBE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Cl\u00e9ment Venturini claims first win in eight years at Roue Tourangelle<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It was clear that Mathieu was not pulling full gas&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert foiled by &#8216;defensive&#8217; ride from Van der Poel in promising In Flanders Fields attack<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;If we had gone all out I think we could have made it&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel explains tactical decisions taken in breakaway at In Flanders Fields<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div 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\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It was clear that Mathieu was not pulling full gas&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert foiled by &#8216;defensive&#8217; ride from Van der Poel in promising In Flanders Fields attack<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vJzUBdH8atLF8LJ6UiMygk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;If we had gone all out I think we could have made it&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel explains tactical decisions taken in breakaway at In Flanders Fields<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SUtwYYZC7T5uBdmdcFHmRe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SUtwYYZC7T5uBdmdcFHmRe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SUtwYYZC7T5uBdmdcFHmRe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SUtwYYZC7T5uBdmdcFHmRe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SUtwYYZC7T5uBdmdcFHmRe-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;They put me under big pressure today&#8217;  &#8211; Jonas Vingegaard celebrates hard fought win at Volta a Catalunya and looks to the future at Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div 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;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<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-29T16:35:19Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n29 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Despite being dropped on the final Kemmelberg ascent, UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider impresses again by following superstar rivals<\/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-acd84acb-46f0-454c-a3c3-144f4110afcd\">Florian Vermeersch continued to impress as the third strongest cobbled climber at In Flanders Fields on Sunday, only dropping behind Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel on the third rep of the Kemmelberg, the final climb of the race.<\/p>\n<p>As the leader for UAE Team Emirates-XRG, Vermeersch backed up his podium finish from E3 Saxo Classic on Friday by first responding to the acceleration of Van Aert on the second Kemmelberg ascent. He was then the only other rider, except for Van der Poel, to make it into the leading group heading into the last 57km.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-acd84acb-46f0-454c-a3c3-144f4110afcd-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">They were joined by five riders from the early breakaway, but once they reached the Ossuaire side up the steep berg and the final 35km loomed, Vermeersch could no longer hold on to the two superstar riders.<\/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\/LWDwHt38fdUHcabetmT6Y-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LWDwHt38fdUHcabetmT6Y-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 believe I&#8217;ll be able to beat him one day&#8217; &#8211; Florian Vermeersch bullish about Classics future after going toe-to-toe with Mathieu Van der Poel in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad<\/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\/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<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\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;It was clear that Mathieu was not pulling full gas&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert foiled by &#8216;defensive&#8217; ride from Van der Poel in promising In Flanders Fields attack<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I missed the last 1 or 2 % on them; it is what it is. It&#8217;s not a shame, they are two of the best riders in the world, so it was good I was up there,&#8221; said Vermeersch in the mixed zone.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I think I was the only one able to follow on the Kemmelberg, and I&#8217;m happy with how I raced. It was just those last few per cent, but that&#8217;s racing.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Vermeersch chased solo for 24km and kept his gap around a respectable 20 seconds from the lead duo the entire time, before the peloton reeled him in. They too then came unstuck in the final 1-2km, with Van Aert doing the lion&#8217;s share of the work and Van der Poel&#8217;s teammate Jasper Philipsen winning the sprint.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;The peloton eventually caught up, but I already knew beforehand that it is difficult to race from the breakaway here,&#8221; said Vermeersch to <em>Sporza<\/em>.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-RMHhMkS5gTrZysMVFSkPeR\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-RMHhMkS5gTrZysMVFSkPeR 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>&#8220;I really hoped they would ride up at pace, but they were trying to hurt each other. I really rode my absolute best to try and catch up, but it\u2019s not easy against those two.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;After the last ascent of the Kemmelberg, I did everything I could to come back, but against Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel, that is, of course, not easy.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">He finished 31st, so the top result has gone amiss for Vermeersch, but his stock as a top Classics rider only keeps rising, and with UAE&#8217;s leader still set to arrive for the Tour of Flanders in a week&#8217;s time, the defending champion will have an elite domestique racing in his service.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">At 27, too, it wouldn&#8217;t be a surprise to see Vermeersch continue to develop and really push the Van Aerts and Van der Poels of the world in the next few seasons. That second place at the wet Paris-Roubaix back in 2021 may have seemed like somewhat of an anomaly at the time, but it was actually a clear sign of what was to come in the longer-term for Vermeersch.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ffc199ca-1f62-4639-ae90-d8fd446c1095\"><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\/they-were-trying-to-hurt-each-other-florian-vermeersch-fades-in-front-row-seat-to-latest-wout-van-aert-versus-mathieu-van-der-poel-battle-at-in-flanders-fields\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xgrujA9SdLqVnWSHiwmjc4-1024-80.jpg&#8221;] Pro Cycling Racing Road In Flanders Fields-From Middelkerke to Wevelgem &#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 News By James Moultrie published 29 March 2026 Despite being dropped on [&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-1855068","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\/1855068","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=1855068"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1855068\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1855068"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1855068"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1855068"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}