{"id":1857068,"date":"2026-03-30T19:19:54","date_gmt":"2026-03-30T16:19:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1857068"},"modified":"2026-03-30T19:19:54","modified_gmt":"2026-03-30T16:19:54","slug":"sean-kellys-classics-column-the-alternative-way-to-beat-the-big-hitters-and-why-lorena-wiebes-is-a-master","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1857068","title":{"rendered":"Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: The alternative way to beat the big hitters, and why Lorena Wiebes is a master"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-2000-80.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<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: The alternative way to beat the big hitters, and why Lorena Wiebes is a master<\/h1>\n<div class=\"kiosq-member-label\"><span class=\"kiosq-member-label-text\"><b>MEMBER EXCLUSIVE<\/b><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nFeatures<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nSean Kelly <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-30T19:19:54Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n30 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">The nine-time Monument winner analyses the latest cobbled Classics action, including bizarre breakaway tactics, a vintage MVDP-WVA attack, and how Wiebes can do it all<\/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\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-2000-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-1440-80.jpg.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">We enjoyed enthralling editions of both E3 and In Flanders Fields in recent days<\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Tim de Waele\/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 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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<div id=\"slice-container-person-Jfu8EqjXT5jeXiqqnbrvWg-LxdbcKq14nl58oHH4kdr7WAjAQ4MOSlz\" class=\"slice-container person-wrapper person-Jfu8EqjXT5jeXiqqnbrvWg-LxdbcKq14nl58oHH4kdr7WAjAQ4MOSlz slice-container-person\">\n<div class=\"person person--separator person--strapline\"><span class=\"person__strapline\">Column by<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"person__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=\"person__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gRjGnmp2Xe9C7vB3rsL555-140-80.png.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gRjGnmp2Xe9C7vB3rsL555.png\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gRjGnmp2Xe9C7vB3rsL555.png\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gRjGnmp2Xe9C7vB3rsL555.png\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"person__heading\"><span class=\"person__strapline-inline\">Column by<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"person__name-socials\"><span class=\"person__name\">Sean Kelly<\/span><\/div>\n<aside class=\"person__role\">Cyclingnews&#8217; Classics columnist<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"person__bio\">\n<p>&#8220;King Kelly&#8221;, the greatest Irish cyclist to have graced the peloton, brought the Emerald Isle to the fore alongside compatriot Stephen Roche in the 1980s. Points winner at the Tour de France four times, GC in the 1988 Vuelta, and a record-breaking seven consecutive wins at Paris-Nice feature during his glittering career \u2013 alongside double victories at Paris-Roubaix, Milan-San Remo and Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-eea4f465-5c97-40b2-9d0e-ff4f0ec60f53\">We&#8217;re into the thick of things as far as the spring Classics are concerned, and Flemish Holy Week is already delivering. Over the last few days, E3 Saxo Classic and the newly renamed In Flanders Field \u2013 what used to be Gent-Wevelgem \u2013 both proved that Mathieu van der Poel isn&#8217;t untouchable; you just have to play your cards right.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">In a different vein, Lorena Wiebes reminded many, if it was even necessary, that even without a leadout or teammate in sight, she can dominate a sprint finish.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-eea4f465-5c97-40b2-9d0e-ff4f0ec60f53-2\">Before we get into Sunday&#8217;s action, let&#8217;s rewind to Friday and an almighty finale in E3. It was very nice to see that Van der Poel was catchable, not least because it made what would&#8217;ve otherwise been a textbook solo breakaway victory far more interesting. It&#8217;s hard to say whether he was racing at his best or whether his Milan-San Remo crash was still affecting him.<\/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\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: Sometimes Poga\u010dar doesn&#8217;t need tactics to win<\/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\/HLjg3mBRtkfqrQFpKDiwzj-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HLjg3mBRtkfqrQFpKDiwzj-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 almost went wrong&#8217; \u2013 Despite sprint scare, Lorena Wiebes took one of her most impressive wins yet at In Flanders Fields<\/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\/NdgzY8f3EduHrfmgUBNdNE-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NdgzY8f3EduHrfmgUBNdNE-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics Column: Sometimes, you have to be a glass-cranker<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>The chase group of Florian Vermeersch (UAE Team Emirates-XRG), Per Strand Hagenes (Visma-Lease a Bike), Jonas Abrahamsen (Uno-X Mobility) and Stan Dewulf (Decathlon CMA CGM), who was the last survivor of the day&#8217;s early break, worked incredibly well together, up to a point.<\/p>\n<p>All their hard work was undone with 1500m remaining, and it&#8217;s always the case. Who&#8217;s going to close the final few metres? Because the rider who closes the gap is going to throw their own chance of winning by doing the work to bridge across.<\/p>\n<p>It would be interesting to understand what Van der Poel was thinking at this point because he went to sit up and throw in the towel, only for the guys behind to start playing the game and looking at each other. I reckon he got a shout from the team car: &#8216;OK, they&#8217;re looking at each other, just go all out for it now and see what happens.&#8217;<\/p>\n<p>Or perhaps when he looked around, he could see them spread across the road, all four of them waiting for the other to do a final pull. It&#8217;s tricky in those situations because, regardless of how well the group works together to bring the time down, they will inevitably start to spare their own energy when they see that the catch is about to be made. The closer the group get, the less work each rider wants to do.<\/p>\n<p>When you&#8217;re in that situation, you have to play the game, as Vermeersch did, by throwing your hands in the air and shouting at the others, in the hope that someone will panic and ride through, but nobody did on this occasion, and Van der Poel was able to sneak away again.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure full-width-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-21cf46e7-6988-4a7d-9423-773160586cf8\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VxfZTC99eDPY2axDwJMWmQ-2560-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VxfZTC99eDPY2axDwJMWmQ-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VxfZTC99eDPY2axDwJMWmQ-1440-80.jpg.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VxfZTC99eDPY2axDwJMWmQ-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VxfZTC99eDPY2axDwJMWmQ-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VxfZTC99eDPY2axDwJMWmQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VxfZTC99eDPY2axDwJMWmQ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VxfZTC99eDPY2axDwJMWmQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VxfZTC99eDPY2axDwJMWmQ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VxfZTC99eDPY2axDwJMWmQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" full-width-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The chase group were made to rue their missed opportunity <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"get-your-cards-right-and-the-big-hitters-are-beatable-3\">Get your cards right, and the big hitters are beatable<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-e42eba26-5bcc-4a2b-ab71-c219bcd9a733\">Of course, 48 hours can change a lot when it comes to a minor injury like Van der Poel&#8217;s, and from questioning his strength at E3, to watching him do what he does best at In Flanders Fields, full-on efforts for short periods on the bergs, like he&#8217;s so used to doing through the winter cyclo-cross season.<\/p>\n<p>Thankfully, though, someone else was able to follow his fiercest of attacks in the form of Wout van Aert. The Belgian is definitely coming good at the right time, which is pleasing because the Classics need riders of his calibre. If he&#8217;s on a good day at the upcoming Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix, he can be up there challenging against the top guys.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: All eyes are on Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel, but Isaac del Toro is the danger man at Milan-San Remo<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tpvSkeCzvqy3q8KAbjLPRj-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tpvSkeCzvqy3q8KAbjLPRj-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classic column: Tadej Poga\u010dar is unbeatable, but thank God for Paul Seixas<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Sprinters vs attackers on the Kemmelberg \u2013\u00a0Analysing the contenders for In Flanders Fields<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>The last man this duo dropped on the final ascent of the Kemmelberg was Vermeersch, and as I also touched on in my earlier spring Classics column after Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, he was, once again, far too generous with his turns. He was riding strongly before the Kemmelberg, but in this situation, with Van Aert and Van der Poel, he has to expect an explosive attack at any moment, and save his legs as much as possible in anticipation. He has to say to himself, &#8216;Can I just stay with them over the last climb, then I&#8217;m with them in the final kilometres&#8217;.<\/p>\n<p>OK, when you&#8217;re in a group with the likes of Van Aert and Van der Poel, there is an element of respect, but when you&#8217;re in the running for a one-day win in Flanders, you can throw that respect out of the window for a little while. He needs to skip turns or just go through very lightly; as we say in cycling terms, you have to just &#8216;fall through&#8217;.<\/p>\n<p>Once the duo were on their own, Van der Poel was taking his turns at first, but with 20km or so to go, he eased off. There was a little discussion there, and perhaps Van der Poel may have felt the fatigue coming on.<\/p>\n<p>On the one hand, he wants to preserve his energy if they stay away, but on the other, he also has the luxury of Jasper Philipsen in the group behind; team-wise, it was the perfect scenario.<\/p>\n<p>For Van Aert, it would have been disappointing to realise his hands were tied. However, Visma-Lease a Bike will take positives from this going into the second portion of the cobbled Classics, with Christophe Laporte also looking sharp in the sprint.<\/p>\n<p>The Frenchman earned a nice podium spot, but Philipsen proved the fastest in the end, even if there was a moment where he looked boxed in. That&#8217;s where the race situation will have benefited Alpecin-Premier Tech&#8217;s sprinter. With Van der Poel up front for much of the day, it will have given him confidence and eased his workload, as it&#8217;s not up to their team to bring the race back together.<\/p>\n<p>Looking ahead, even though the favourites still came out on top at both E3 and In Flanders Fields, the races have shown rival teams that there&#8217;s an alternative way to beat the big hitters. If the bunch or a chase group get organised behind, that catch is possible as the race enters its final stages. Of course, the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix are another step up, and you have the added complication of Tadej Poga\u010dar thrown into the mix, too.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure full-width-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-265b4994-ad59-43c9-ab9f-b0194a67a278\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WbzymE6FhnBHDNM82UVA2D-2000-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WbzymE6FhnBHDNM82UVA2D-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WbzymE6FhnBHDNM82UVA2D-1440-80.jpg.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WbzymE6FhnBHDNM82UVA2D-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WbzymE6FhnBHDNM82UVA2D-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WbzymE6FhnBHDNM82UVA2D-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WbzymE6FhnBHDNM82UVA2D-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WbzymE6FhnBHDNM82UVA2D-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WbzymE6FhnBHDNM82UVA2D-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WbzymE6FhnBHDNM82UVA2D-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" full-width-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Only a slightly premature celebration could detract from Wiebes&#8217; dominant display <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"wiebes-can-do-it-all-3\">Wiebes can do it all<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-0820063c-8297-4598-b66d-589342a396a7\">Lorena Wiebes is a master and put on another magnificent display yesterday.<\/p>\n<p>The SD Worx-Protime sprinter found herself in a five-rider break after attacking on the Kemmelberg and put in several big efforts to close down counter-attacks.<\/p>\n<p>She was fortunate that the gap back to the peloton was dwindling as the lead group reached the final kilometres, because it prevented any games from her breakaway companions. They had to ride, or risk missing out on a top-five finish altogether. If the pace had gone out of the chase altogether, it would have been fascinating to see the finale play out.<\/p>\n<p>Even when UAE Team ADQ used their numerical advantage, Wiebes looked so in control and bridged across smartly. She didn&#8217;t just immediately jump onto their wheel; instead, she rolled across at a steady pace. That&#8217;s the perfect way to play it for someone like Wiebes, who is in such great shape and looked totally in control.<\/p>\n<p>You couldn&#8217;t fault UAE either; they played it almost perfectly, too, tactically speaking. Their only problem was that, when you&#8217;re in a group with a top sprinter, you&#8217;re not just thinking about winning, but also the podium, so they kept on riding, which played into Wiebes&#8217; hands.<\/p>\n<p>They were forced to continue riding until they were absolutely certain that they wouldn&#8217;t be caught, and by that point, it&#8217;s too late to make your numbers count.<\/p>\n<p>Lidl-Trek&#8217;s youngster Fleur Moors nearly frightened Wiebes right on the line with a really fast finish, but when you&#8217;re winning sprints like the Dutch woman is winning them, you know when you&#8217;ve done enough. She got a little surprise, but personally, I think the TV cameras and commentators made it look closer than it actually was.<\/p>\n<p><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-Jfu8EqjXT5jeXiqqnbrvWg\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-Jfu8EqjXT5jeXiqqnbrvWg 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\/vmD8LbesKYYgEy3Vh8ZQUe-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vmD8LbesKYYgEy3Vh8ZQUe.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vmD8LbesKYYgEy3Vh8ZQUe.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vmD8LbesKYYgEy3Vh8ZQUe.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\">Sean Kelly<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>&#8220;King Kelly&#8221;, the greatest Irish cyclist to have graced the peloton, brought the Emerald Isle to the fore alongside compatriot Stephen Roche in the 1980s. Points winner at the Tour de France four times, GC in the 1988 Vuelta, and a record-breaking seven consecutive wins at Paris-Nice feature during his glittering career \u2013 alongside double victories at Paris-Roubaix, Milan-San Remo and Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge.<\/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\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: Sometimes Poga\u010dar doesn&#8217;t need tactics to win<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\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>\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\/NdgzY8f3EduHrfmgUBNdNE-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NdgzY8f3EduHrfmgUBNdNE-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NdgzY8f3EduHrfmgUBNdNE-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NdgzY8f3EduHrfmgUBNdNE-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NdgzY8f3EduHrfmgUBNdNE-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics Column: Sometimes, you have to be a glass-cranker<\/span><\/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\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: All eyes are on Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel, but Isaac del Toro is the danger man at Milan-San Remo<\/span><\/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\/tpvSkeCzvqy3q8KAbjLPRj-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tpvSkeCzvqy3q8KAbjLPRj-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tpvSkeCzvqy3q8KAbjLPRj-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tpvSkeCzvqy3q8KAbjLPRj-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tpvSkeCzvqy3q8KAbjLPRj-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classic column: Tadej Poga\u010dar is unbeatable, but thank God for Paul Seixas<\/span><\/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\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-320-80.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\">Sprinters vs attackers on the Kemmelberg \u2013\u00a0Analysing the contenders for In Flanders Fields<\/span><\/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\/fc7DN5yrkKAzuxuu3qL2g8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fc7DN5yrkKAzuxuu3qL2g8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fc7DN5yrkKAzuxuu3qL2g8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fc7DN5yrkKAzuxuu3qL2g8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fc7DN5yrkKAzuxuu3qL2g8-320-80.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\">Five ways to win Omloop Het Nieuwsblad \u2013 From the familiar formulas to ways to outwit the competition<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The cobbled Classics storylines we&#8217;re looking forward to \u2013 From Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar on the cusp of history to a different Demi Vollering and a resurgent Mads Pedersen<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\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>\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\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-320-80.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\">From top riders&#8217; real form to the teams not quite thriving \u2013 Five key questions ahead of Milan-San Remo and the next Classics<\/span><\/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\/QA29koQarCiGLEMs7RhWm6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QA29koQarCiGLEMs7RhWm6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QA29koQarCiGLEMs7RhWm6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QA29koQarCiGLEMs7RhWm6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QA29koQarCiGLEMs7RhWm6-320-80.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;Sometimes it is up to me to bang on the table and say that I am still here&#8217; \u2013 Why Lotte Kopecky demanding Milan-San Remo leadership is an ominous sign for the rest of the Classics<\/span><\/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\/epecAqbjxGLWyW6N8nja3X-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/epecAqbjxGLWyW6N8nja3X-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/epecAqbjxGLWyW6N8nja3X-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/epecAqbjxGLWyW6N8nja3X-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/epecAqbjxGLWyW6N8nja3X-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;We make agreements&#8217; \u2013 How Lorena Wiebes and Lotte Kopecky divide the spoils as they head into the Spring Classics<\/span><\/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 Pro Cycling<\/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\/LcHV4scDifcYtpPXLbFYE5-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LcHV4scDifcYtpPXLbFYE5-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LcHV4scDifcYtpPXLbFYE5-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LcHV4scDifcYtpPXLbFYE5-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LcHV4scDifcYtpPXLbFYE5-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">A dark horse for the podium at Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix? \u2013 Cycling&#8217;s new late attacker is making his presence impossible to ignore<\/span><\/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\/zZnidYmqdY7qd9srimXRVH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zZnidYmqdY7qd9srimXRVH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zZnidYmqdY7qd9srimXRVH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zZnidYmqdY7qd9srimXRVH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zZnidYmqdY7qd9srimXRVH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Life Time Grand Prix 2026<\/span><\/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\/q4wQw5h4YugeLrLYK2mqEm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/q4wQw5h4YugeLrLYK2mqEm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/q4wQw5h4YugeLrLYK2mqEm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/q4wQw5h4YugeLrLYK2mqEm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/q4wQw5h4YugeLrLYK2mqEm-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\">Safety<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">No &#8216;criminally relevant breach of duty&#8217; in death of Muriel Furrer during UCI Road World Championships as investigation closed<\/span><\/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\/MKWBaDLoZMm6zxaaaxGDTA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MKWBaDLoZMm6zxaaaxGDTA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MKWBaDLoZMm6zxaaaxGDTA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MKWBaDLoZMm6zxaaaxGDTA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MKWBaDLoZMm6zxaaaxGDTA-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\">Soft pulls, subtle digs: The Tour of Flanders mind games have already begun \u2013 Analysis<\/span><\/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\/Yh2HMUhWfZ7fa3Z8FTwzjQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yh2HMUhWfZ7fa3Z8FTwzjQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yh2HMUhWfZ7fa3Z8FTwzjQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yh2HMUhWfZ7fa3Z8FTwzjQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yh2HMUhWfZ7fa3Z8FTwzjQ-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\">La Fl\u00e8che Wallonne past winners<\/span><\/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\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-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\">Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe have the makings of a great Tour of Flanders team, but is Remco Evenepoel the missing piece for taking on Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel?<\/span><\/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\/HoAmherVy4enDV9BNVR7PK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HoAmherVy4enDV9BNVR7PK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HoAmherVy4enDV9BNVR7PK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HoAmherVy4enDV9BNVR7PK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HoAmherVy4enDV9BNVR7PK-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\">La Fl\u00e8che Wallonne Femmes past winners<\/span><\/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\/yXXQXCGbSBwgQtDapyEEA3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yXXQXCGbSBwgQtDapyEEA3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yXXQXCGbSBwgQtDapyEEA3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yXXQXCGbSBwgQtDapyEEA3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yXXQXCGbSBwgQtDapyEEA3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I need to rest and see what&#8217;s wrong with me&#8217; \u2013 Jo\u00e3o Almeida off for medical tests after Volta a Catalunya struggles<\/span><\/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\/7cZHn64DUq8U5itRQmrUn7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7cZHn64DUq8U5itRQmrUn7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7cZHn64DUq8U5itRQmrUn7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7cZHn64DUq8U5itRQmrUn7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7cZHn64DUq8U5itRQmrUn7-320-80.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\">Mathieu van der Poel retreats to Spain on private jet to fine-tune Tour of Flanders form<\/span><\/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\/RFsQPgVqh9mBM2sQpfTau8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFsQPgVqh9mBM2sQpfTau8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFsQPgVqh9mBM2sQpfTau8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFsQPgVqh9mBM2sQpfTau8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFsQPgVqh9mBM2sQpfTau8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;She&#8217;s a real go-getter&#8217; \u2013 Who is Fleur Moors, the rapidly rising star who has challenged Lorena Wiebes twice already this season?<\/span><\/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\/QJfnfA2HenLCZ5jT9bZhN5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QJfnfA2HenLCZ5jT9bZhN5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QJfnfA2HenLCZ5jT9bZhN5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QJfnfA2HenLCZ5jT9bZhN5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QJfnfA2HenLCZ5jT9bZhN5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">UCI Gravel World Series: Nicole Frain and Mads W\u00fcrtz Schmidt drop rivals for solo wins at 114 Gravel Race<\/span><\/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\/8UL7P993cuH8sXmBTmLuU3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8UL7P993cuH8sXmBTmLuU3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8UL7P993cuH8sXmBTmLuU3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8UL7P993cuH8sXmBTmLuU3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8UL7P993cuH8sXmBTmLuU3-320-80.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 was so close&#8217; &#8211; Breakthrough moment sees Fleur Moors on the podium at In Flanders Fields<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Features<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MKWBaDLoZMm6zxaaaxGDTA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MKWBaDLoZMm6zxaaaxGDTA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MKWBaDLoZMm6zxaaaxGDTA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MKWBaDLoZMm6zxaaaxGDTA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MKWBaDLoZMm6zxaaaxGDTA-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\">Soft pulls, subtle digs: The Tour of Flanders mind games have already begun \u2013 Analysis<\/span><\/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\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-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\">Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe have the makings of a great Tour of Flanders team, but is Remco Evenepoel the missing piece for taking on Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel?<\/span><\/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\/RFsQPgVqh9mBM2sQpfTau8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFsQPgVqh9mBM2sQpfTau8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFsQPgVqh9mBM2sQpfTau8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFsQPgVqh9mBM2sQpfTau8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFsQPgVqh9mBM2sQpfTau8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;She&#8217;s a real go-getter&#8217; \u2013 Who is Fleur Moors, the rapidly rising star who has challenged Lorena Wiebes twice already this season?<\/span><\/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>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dqVVi4h9cgTsAJFPibNhVN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dqVVi4h9cgTsAJFPibNhVN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dqVVi4h9cgTsAJFPibNhVN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dqVVi4h9cgTsAJFPibNhVN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dqVVi4h9cgTsAJFPibNhVN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">340 watts, 500g of carbs, and nothing on the mind \u2013 How Silvan Dillier pulls the peloton alone for hours on end<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L6GZerJe5CABhrmtBydHZN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L6GZerJe5CABhrmtBydHZN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L6GZerJe5CABhrmtBydHZN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L6GZerJe5CABhrmtBydHZN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L6GZerJe5CABhrmtBydHZN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">If your bike computer is getting old, you should upgrade it this week &#8211; Here&#8217;s why<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EpUYzQWpNs9hyYFef7CjvP-840-80.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EpUYzQWpNs9hyYFef7CjvP-650-80.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EpUYzQWpNs9hyYFef7CjvP-500-80.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EpUYzQWpNs9hyYFef7CjvP-450-80.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EpUYzQWpNs9hyYFef7CjvP-320-80.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Pressure Map MyOwn: Saddle perfection, according to science<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The cobbled Classics storylines we&#8217;re looking forward to \u2013 From Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar on the cusp of history to a different Demi Vollering and a resurgent Mads Pedersen<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: Sometimes Poga\u010dar doesn&#8217;t need tactics to win<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The winning was never the boring part \u2013 When Tadej Poga\u010dar does it like he did at Milan-San Remo, I could watch him win every week<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\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\/MRdcveigHcbEeei3uw5URg-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MRdcveigHcbEeei3uw5URg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MRdcveigHcbEeei3uw5URg-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MRdcveigHcbEeei3uw5URg-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MRdcveigHcbEeei3uw5URg-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\">Wheels &amp; Tyres<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Vision Metron RS CS Silver ED: Exclusive excellence<\/span><\/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\/mikForwhSjoECGciZiavj3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mikForwhSjoECGciZiavj3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mikForwhSjoECGciZiavj3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mikForwhSjoECGciZiavj3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mikForwhSjoECGciZiavj3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">32-inch gravel wheels, aero tyres and more: Six tech highlights from the Cycling World Europe show<\/span><\/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\/k7dMLVyDHrJ5anwEdjNxoh-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k7dMLVyDHrJ5anwEdjNxoh-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k7dMLVyDHrJ5anwEdjNxoh-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k7dMLVyDHrJ5anwEdjNxoh-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k7dMLVyDHrJ5anwEdjNxoh.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k7dMLVyDHrJ5anwEdjNxoh.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k7dMLVyDHrJ5anwEdjNxoh.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\">Initiating clubs dispute AusCycling decision to rule out bulk of requested special general meeting resolutions as invalid<\/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\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: E3 Saxo Classic and In Flanders Fields show that there&#8217;s an alternative way to beat the big hitters<\/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\">UCI Gravel World Series: Nicole Frain and Mads W\u00fcrtz Schmidt drop rivals for solo wins at 114 Gravel Race<\/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\">No &#8216;criminally relevant breach of duty&#8217; in death of Muriel Furrer during UCI Road World Championships as investigation closed<\/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\">The Amazon Spring Sale has less than 24 hours to go, and a host of great Garmin tech has discounts of up to 29%<\/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<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: The alternative way to beat the big hitters, and why Lorena Wiebes is a master<\/h1>\n<div class=\"kiosq-member-label\"><span class=\"kiosq-member-label-text\"><b>MEMBER EXCLUSIVE<\/b><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nFeatures<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nSean Kelly <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-30T19:19:54Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n30 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">The nine-time Monument winner analyses the latest cobbled Classics action, including bizarre breakaway tactics, a vintage MVDP-WVA attack, and how Wiebes can do it all<\/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\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-2000-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-1440-80.jpg.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">We enjoyed enthralling editions of both E3 and In Flanders Fields in recent days<\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Tim de Waele\/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 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guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<div data-component-name=\"Newsletter:NewsletterForm\">\n<hr class=\"modal_hr mt-3 mb-4 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"modal_footer block text-left opacity-80 text-[.8em] leading-[1.3em] mt-2 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline font-article-copy\">\nBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-person-Jfu8EqjXT5jeXiqqnbrvWg-LxdbcKq14nl58oHH4kdr7WAjAQ4MOSlz\" class=\"slice-container person-wrapper person-Jfu8EqjXT5jeXiqqnbrvWg-LxdbcKq14nl58oHH4kdr7WAjAQ4MOSlz slice-container-person\">\n<div class=\"person person--separator person--strapline\"><span class=\"person__strapline\">Column by<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"person__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=\"person__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gRjGnmp2Xe9C7vB3rsL555-140-80.png.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gRjGnmp2Xe9C7vB3rsL555.png\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gRjGnmp2Xe9C7vB3rsL555.png\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gRjGnmp2Xe9C7vB3rsL555.png\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"person__heading\"><span class=\"person__strapline-inline\">Column by<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"person__name-socials\"><span class=\"person__name\">Sean Kelly<\/span><\/div>\n<aside class=\"person__role\">Cyclingnews&#8217; Classics columnist<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"person__bio\">\n<p>&#8220;King Kelly&#8221;, the greatest Irish cyclist to have graced the peloton, brought the Emerald Isle to the fore alongside compatriot Stephen Roche in the 1980s. Points winner at the Tour de France four times, GC in the 1988 Vuelta, and a record-breaking seven consecutive wins at Paris-Nice feature during his glittering career \u2013 alongside double victories at Paris-Roubaix, Milan-San Remo and Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-eea4f465-5c97-40b2-9d0e-ff4f0ec60f53\">We&#8217;re into the thick of things as far as the spring Classics are concerned, and Flemish Holy Week is already delivering. Over the last few days, E3 Saxo Classic and the newly renamed In Flanders Field \u2013 what used to be Gent-Wevelgem \u2013 both proved that Mathieu van der Poel isn&#8217;t untouchable; you just have to play your cards right.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">In a different vein, Lorena Wiebes reminded many, if it was even necessary, that even without a leadout or teammate in sight, she can dominate a sprint finish.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-eea4f465-5c97-40b2-9d0e-ff4f0ec60f53-2\">Before we get into Sunday&#8217;s action, let&#8217;s rewind to Friday and an almighty finale in E3. It was very nice to see that Van der Poel was catchable, not least because it made what would&#8217;ve otherwise been a textbook solo breakaway victory far more interesting. It&#8217;s hard to say whether he was racing at his best or whether his Milan-San Remo crash was still affecting him.<\/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\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: Sometimes Poga\u010dar doesn&#8217;t need tactics to win<\/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\/HLjg3mBRtkfqrQFpKDiwzj-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HLjg3mBRtkfqrQFpKDiwzj-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 almost went wrong&#8217; \u2013 Despite sprint scare, Lorena Wiebes took one of her most impressive wins yet at In Flanders Fields<\/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\/NdgzY8f3EduHrfmgUBNdNE-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NdgzY8f3EduHrfmgUBNdNE-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics Column: Sometimes, you have to be a glass-cranker<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>The chase group of Florian Vermeersch (UAE Team Emirates-XRG), Per Strand Hagenes (Visma-Lease a Bike), Jonas Abrahamsen (Uno-X Mobility) and Stan Dewulf (Decathlon CMA CGM), who was the last survivor of the day&#8217;s early break, worked incredibly well together, up to a point.<\/p>\n<p>All their hard work was undone with 1500m remaining, and it&#8217;s always the case. Who&#8217;s going to close the final few metres? Because the rider who closes the gap is going to throw their own chance of winning by doing the work to bridge across.<\/p>\n<p>It would be interesting to understand what Van der Poel was thinking at this point because he went to sit up and throw in the towel, only for the guys behind to start playing the game and looking at each other. I reckon he got a shout from the team car: &#8216;OK, they&#8217;re looking at each other, just go all out for it now and see what happens.&#8217;<\/p>\n<p>Or perhaps when he looked around, he could see them spread across the road, all four of them waiting for the other to do a final pull. It&#8217;s tricky in those situations because, regardless of how well the group works together to bring the time down, they will inevitably start to spare their own energy when they see that the catch is about to be made. The closer the group get, the less work each rider wants to do.<\/p>\n<p>When you&#8217;re in that situation, you have to play the game, as Vermeersch did, by throwing your hands in the air and shouting at the others, in the hope that someone will panic and ride through, but nobody did on this occasion, and Van der Poel was able to sneak away again.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure full-width-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-21cf46e7-6988-4a7d-9423-773160586cf8\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VxfZTC99eDPY2axDwJMWmQ-2560-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VxfZTC99eDPY2axDwJMWmQ-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VxfZTC99eDPY2axDwJMWmQ-1440-80.jpg.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VxfZTC99eDPY2axDwJMWmQ-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VxfZTC99eDPY2axDwJMWmQ-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VxfZTC99eDPY2axDwJMWmQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VxfZTC99eDPY2axDwJMWmQ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VxfZTC99eDPY2axDwJMWmQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VxfZTC99eDPY2axDwJMWmQ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VxfZTC99eDPY2axDwJMWmQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" full-width-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The chase group were made to rue their missed opportunity <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"get-your-cards-right-and-the-big-hitters-are-beatable-3\">Get your cards right, and the big hitters are beatable<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-e42eba26-5bcc-4a2b-ab71-c219bcd9a733\">Of course, 48 hours can change a lot when it comes to a minor injury like Van der Poel&#8217;s, and from questioning his strength at E3, to watching him do what he does best at In Flanders Fields, full-on efforts for short periods on the bergs, like he&#8217;s so used to doing through the winter cyclo-cross season.<\/p>\n<p>Thankfully, though, someone else was able to follow his fiercest of attacks in the form of Wout van Aert. The Belgian is definitely coming good at the right time, which is pleasing because the Classics need riders of his calibre. If he&#8217;s on a good day at the upcoming Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix, he can be up there challenging against the top guys.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: All eyes are on Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel, but Isaac del Toro is the danger man at Milan-San Remo<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tpvSkeCzvqy3q8KAbjLPRj-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tpvSkeCzvqy3q8KAbjLPRj-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classic column: Tadej Poga\u010dar is unbeatable, but thank God for Paul Seixas<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Sprinters vs attackers on the Kemmelberg \u2013\u00a0Analysing the contenders for In Flanders Fields<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>The last man this duo dropped on the final ascent of the Kemmelberg was Vermeersch, and as I also touched on in my earlier spring Classics column after Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, he was, once again, far too generous with his turns. He was riding strongly before the Kemmelberg, but in this situation, with Van Aert and Van der Poel, he has to expect an explosive attack at any moment, and save his legs as much as possible in anticipation. He has to say to himself, &#8216;Can I just stay with them over the last climb, then I&#8217;m with them in the final kilometres&#8217;.<\/p>\n<p>OK, when you&#8217;re in a group with the likes of Van Aert and Van der Poel, there is an element of respect, but when you&#8217;re in the running for a one-day win in Flanders, you can throw that respect out of the window for a little while. He needs to skip turns or just go through very lightly; as we say in cycling terms, you have to just &#8216;fall through&#8217;.<\/p>\n<p>Once the duo were on their own, Van der Poel was taking his turns at first, but with 20km or so to go, he eased off. There was a little discussion there, and perhaps Van der Poel may have felt the fatigue coming on.<\/p>\n<p>On the one hand, he wants to preserve his energy if they stay away, but on the other, he also has the luxury of Jasper Philipsen in the group behind; team-wise, it was the perfect scenario.<\/p>\n<p>For Van Aert, it would have been disappointing to realise his hands were tied. However, Visma-Lease a Bike will take positives from this going into the second portion of the cobbled Classics, with Christophe Laporte also looking sharp in the sprint.<\/p>\n<p>The Frenchman earned a nice podium spot, but Philipsen proved the fastest in the end, even if there was a moment where he looked boxed in. That&#8217;s where the race situation will have benefited Alpecin-Premier Tech&#8217;s sprinter. With Van der Poel up front for much of the day, it will have given him confidence and eased his workload, as it&#8217;s not up to their team to bring the race back together.<\/p>\n<p>Looking ahead, even though the favourites still came out on top at both E3 and In Flanders Fields, the races have shown rival teams that there&#8217;s an alternative way to beat the big hitters. If the bunch or a chase group get organised behind, that catch is possible as the race enters its final stages. Of course, the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix are another step up, and you have the added complication of Tadej Poga\u010dar thrown into the mix, too.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure full-width-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-265b4994-ad59-43c9-ab9f-b0194a67a278\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WbzymE6FhnBHDNM82UVA2D-2000-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WbzymE6FhnBHDNM82UVA2D-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WbzymE6FhnBHDNM82UVA2D-1440-80.jpg.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WbzymE6FhnBHDNM82UVA2D-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WbzymE6FhnBHDNM82UVA2D-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WbzymE6FhnBHDNM82UVA2D-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WbzymE6FhnBHDNM82UVA2D-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WbzymE6FhnBHDNM82UVA2D-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WbzymE6FhnBHDNM82UVA2D-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WbzymE6FhnBHDNM82UVA2D-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" full-width-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Only a slightly premature celebration could detract from Wiebes&#8217; dominant display <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"wiebes-can-do-it-all-3\">Wiebes can do it all<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-0820063c-8297-4598-b66d-589342a396a7\">Lorena Wiebes is a master and put on another magnificent display yesterday.<\/p>\n<p>The SD Worx-Protime sprinter found herself in a five-rider break after attacking on the Kemmelberg and put in several big efforts to close down counter-attacks.<\/p>\n<p>She was fortunate that the gap back to the peloton was dwindling as the lead group reached the final kilometres, because it prevented any games from her breakaway companions. They had to ride, or risk missing out on a top-five finish altogether. If the pace had gone out of the chase altogether, it would have been fascinating to see the finale play out.<\/p>\n<p>Even when UAE Team ADQ used their numerical advantage, Wiebes looked so in control and bridged across smartly. She didn&#8217;t just immediately jump onto their wheel; instead, she rolled across at a steady pace. That&#8217;s the perfect way to play it for someone like Wiebes, who is in such great shape and looked totally in control.<\/p>\n<p>You couldn&#8217;t fault UAE either; they played it almost perfectly, too, tactically speaking. Their only problem was that, when you&#8217;re in a group with a top sprinter, you&#8217;re not just thinking about winning, but also the podium, so they kept on riding, which played into Wiebes&#8217; hands.<\/p>\n<p>They were forced to continue riding until they were absolutely certain that they wouldn&#8217;t be caught, and by that point, it&#8217;s too late to make your numbers count.<\/p>\n<p>Lidl-Trek&#8217;s youngster Fleur Moors nearly frightened Wiebes right on the line with a really fast finish, but when you&#8217;re winning sprints like the Dutch woman is winning them, you know when you&#8217;ve done enough. She got a little surprise, but personally, I think the TV cameras and commentators made it look closer than it actually was.<\/p>\n<p><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-Jfu8EqjXT5jeXiqqnbrvWg\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-Jfu8EqjXT5jeXiqqnbrvWg 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\/vmD8LbesKYYgEy3Vh8ZQUe-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vmD8LbesKYYgEy3Vh8ZQUe.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vmD8LbesKYYgEy3Vh8ZQUe.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vmD8LbesKYYgEy3Vh8ZQUe.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\">Sean Kelly<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>&#8220;King Kelly&#8221;, the greatest Irish cyclist to have graced the peloton, brought the Emerald Isle to the fore alongside compatriot Stephen Roche in the 1980s. Points winner at the Tour de France four times, GC in the 1988 Vuelta, and a record-breaking seven consecutive wins at Paris-Nice feature during his glittering career \u2013 alongside double victories at Paris-Roubaix, Milan-San Remo and Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge.<\/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\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: Sometimes Poga\u010dar doesn&#8217;t need tactics to win<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\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>\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\/NdgzY8f3EduHrfmgUBNdNE-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NdgzY8f3EduHrfmgUBNdNE-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NdgzY8f3EduHrfmgUBNdNE-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NdgzY8f3EduHrfmgUBNdNE-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NdgzY8f3EduHrfmgUBNdNE-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics Column: Sometimes, you have to be a glass-cranker<\/span><\/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\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: All eyes are on Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel, but Isaac del Toro is the danger man at Milan-San Remo<\/span><\/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\/tpvSkeCzvqy3q8KAbjLPRj-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tpvSkeCzvqy3q8KAbjLPRj-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tpvSkeCzvqy3q8KAbjLPRj-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tpvSkeCzvqy3q8KAbjLPRj-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tpvSkeCzvqy3q8KAbjLPRj-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classic column: Tadej Poga\u010dar is unbeatable, but thank God for Paul Seixas<\/span><\/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\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-320-80.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\">Sprinters vs attackers on the Kemmelberg \u2013\u00a0Analysing the contenders for In Flanders Fields<\/span><\/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\/fc7DN5yrkKAzuxuu3qL2g8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fc7DN5yrkKAzuxuu3qL2g8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fc7DN5yrkKAzuxuu3qL2g8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fc7DN5yrkKAzuxuu3qL2g8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fc7DN5yrkKAzuxuu3qL2g8-320-80.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\">Five ways to win Omloop Het Nieuwsblad \u2013 From the familiar formulas to ways to outwit the competition<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The cobbled Classics storylines we&#8217;re looking forward to \u2013 From Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar on the cusp of history to a different Demi Vollering and a resurgent Mads Pedersen<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\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>\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\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-320-80.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\">From top riders&#8217; real form to the teams not quite thriving \u2013 Five key questions ahead of Milan-San Remo and the next Classics<\/span><\/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\/QA29koQarCiGLEMs7RhWm6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QA29koQarCiGLEMs7RhWm6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QA29koQarCiGLEMs7RhWm6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QA29koQarCiGLEMs7RhWm6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QA29koQarCiGLEMs7RhWm6-320-80.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;Sometimes it is up to me to bang on the table and say that I am still here&#8217; \u2013 Why Lotte Kopecky demanding Milan-San Remo leadership is an ominous sign for the rest of the Classics<\/span><\/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\/epecAqbjxGLWyW6N8nja3X-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/epecAqbjxGLWyW6N8nja3X-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/epecAqbjxGLWyW6N8nja3X-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/epecAqbjxGLWyW6N8nja3X-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/epecAqbjxGLWyW6N8nja3X-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;We make agreements&#8217; \u2013 How Lorena Wiebes and Lotte Kopecky divide the spoils as they head into the Spring Classics<\/span><\/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 Pro Cycling<\/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\/LcHV4scDifcYtpPXLbFYE5-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LcHV4scDifcYtpPXLbFYE5-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LcHV4scDifcYtpPXLbFYE5-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LcHV4scDifcYtpPXLbFYE5-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LcHV4scDifcYtpPXLbFYE5-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">A dark horse for the podium at Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix? \u2013 Cycling&#8217;s new late attacker is making his presence impossible to ignore<\/span><\/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\/zZnidYmqdY7qd9srimXRVH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zZnidYmqdY7qd9srimXRVH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zZnidYmqdY7qd9srimXRVH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zZnidYmqdY7qd9srimXRVH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zZnidYmqdY7qd9srimXRVH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Life Time Grand Prix 2026<\/span><\/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\/q4wQw5h4YugeLrLYK2mqEm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/q4wQw5h4YugeLrLYK2mqEm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/q4wQw5h4YugeLrLYK2mqEm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/q4wQw5h4YugeLrLYK2mqEm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/q4wQw5h4YugeLrLYK2mqEm-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\">Safety<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">No &#8216;criminally relevant breach of duty&#8217; in death of Muriel Furrer during UCI Road World Championships as investigation closed<\/span><\/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\/MKWBaDLoZMm6zxaaaxGDTA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MKWBaDLoZMm6zxaaaxGDTA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MKWBaDLoZMm6zxaaaxGDTA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MKWBaDLoZMm6zxaaaxGDTA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MKWBaDLoZMm6zxaaaxGDTA-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\">Soft pulls, subtle digs: The Tour of Flanders mind games have already begun \u2013 Analysis<\/span><\/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\/Yh2HMUhWfZ7fa3Z8FTwzjQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yh2HMUhWfZ7fa3Z8FTwzjQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yh2HMUhWfZ7fa3Z8FTwzjQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yh2HMUhWfZ7fa3Z8FTwzjQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yh2HMUhWfZ7fa3Z8FTwzjQ-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\">La Fl\u00e8che Wallonne past winners<\/span><\/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\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-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\">Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe have the makings of a great Tour of Flanders team, but is Remco Evenepoel the missing piece for taking on Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel?<\/span><\/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\/HoAmherVy4enDV9BNVR7PK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HoAmherVy4enDV9BNVR7PK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HoAmherVy4enDV9BNVR7PK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HoAmherVy4enDV9BNVR7PK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HoAmherVy4enDV9BNVR7PK-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\">La Fl\u00e8che Wallonne Femmes past winners<\/span><\/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\/yXXQXCGbSBwgQtDapyEEA3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yXXQXCGbSBwgQtDapyEEA3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yXXQXCGbSBwgQtDapyEEA3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yXXQXCGbSBwgQtDapyEEA3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yXXQXCGbSBwgQtDapyEEA3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I need to rest and see what&#8217;s wrong with me&#8217; \u2013 Jo\u00e3o Almeida off for medical tests after Volta a Catalunya struggles<\/span><\/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\/7cZHn64DUq8U5itRQmrUn7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7cZHn64DUq8U5itRQmrUn7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7cZHn64DUq8U5itRQmrUn7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7cZHn64DUq8U5itRQmrUn7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7cZHn64DUq8U5itRQmrUn7-320-80.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\">Mathieu van der Poel retreats to Spain on private jet to fine-tune Tour of Flanders form<\/span><\/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\/RFsQPgVqh9mBM2sQpfTau8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFsQPgVqh9mBM2sQpfTau8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFsQPgVqh9mBM2sQpfTau8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFsQPgVqh9mBM2sQpfTau8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFsQPgVqh9mBM2sQpfTau8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;She&#8217;s a real go-getter&#8217; \u2013 Who is Fleur Moors, the rapidly rising star who has challenged Lorena Wiebes twice already this season?<\/span><\/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\/QJfnfA2HenLCZ5jT9bZhN5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QJfnfA2HenLCZ5jT9bZhN5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QJfnfA2HenLCZ5jT9bZhN5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QJfnfA2HenLCZ5jT9bZhN5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QJfnfA2HenLCZ5jT9bZhN5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">UCI Gravel World Series: Nicole Frain and Mads W\u00fcrtz Schmidt drop rivals for solo wins at 114 Gravel Race<\/span><\/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\/8UL7P993cuH8sXmBTmLuU3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8UL7P993cuH8sXmBTmLuU3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8UL7P993cuH8sXmBTmLuU3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8UL7P993cuH8sXmBTmLuU3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8UL7P993cuH8sXmBTmLuU3-320-80.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 was so close&#8217; &#8211; Breakthrough moment sees Fleur Moors on the podium at In Flanders Fields<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Features<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MKWBaDLoZMm6zxaaaxGDTA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MKWBaDLoZMm6zxaaaxGDTA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MKWBaDLoZMm6zxaaaxGDTA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MKWBaDLoZMm6zxaaaxGDTA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MKWBaDLoZMm6zxaaaxGDTA-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\">Soft pulls, subtle digs: The Tour of Flanders mind games have already begun \u2013 Analysis<\/span><\/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\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-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\">Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe have the makings of a great Tour of Flanders team, but is Remco Evenepoel the missing piece for taking on Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel?<\/span><\/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\/RFsQPgVqh9mBM2sQpfTau8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFsQPgVqh9mBM2sQpfTau8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFsQPgVqh9mBM2sQpfTau8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFsQPgVqh9mBM2sQpfTau8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFsQPgVqh9mBM2sQpfTau8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;She&#8217;s a real go-getter&#8217; \u2013 Who is Fleur Moors, the rapidly rising star who has challenged Lorena Wiebes twice already this season?<\/span><\/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>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dqVVi4h9cgTsAJFPibNhVN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dqVVi4h9cgTsAJFPibNhVN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dqVVi4h9cgTsAJFPibNhVN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dqVVi4h9cgTsAJFPibNhVN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dqVVi4h9cgTsAJFPibNhVN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">340 watts, 500g of carbs, and nothing on the mind \u2013 How Silvan Dillier pulls the peloton alone for hours on end<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L6GZerJe5CABhrmtBydHZN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L6GZerJe5CABhrmtBydHZN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L6GZerJe5CABhrmtBydHZN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L6GZerJe5CABhrmtBydHZN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L6GZerJe5CABhrmtBydHZN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">If your bike computer is getting old, you should upgrade it this week &#8211; Here&#8217;s why<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EpUYzQWpNs9hyYFef7CjvP-840-80.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EpUYzQWpNs9hyYFef7CjvP-650-80.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EpUYzQWpNs9hyYFef7CjvP-500-80.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EpUYzQWpNs9hyYFef7CjvP-450-80.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EpUYzQWpNs9hyYFef7CjvP-320-80.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Pressure Map MyOwn: Saddle perfection, according to science<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The cobbled Classics storylines we&#8217;re looking forward to \u2013 From Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar on the cusp of history to a different Demi Vollering and a resurgent Mads Pedersen<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: Sometimes Poga\u010dar doesn&#8217;t need tactics to win<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The winning was never the boring part \u2013 When Tadej Poga\u010dar does it like he did at Milan-San Remo, I could watch him win every week<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\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\/MRdcveigHcbEeei3uw5URg-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MRdcveigHcbEeei3uw5URg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MRdcveigHcbEeei3uw5URg-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MRdcveigHcbEeei3uw5URg-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MRdcveigHcbEeei3uw5URg-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\">Wheels &amp; Tyres<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Vision Metron RS CS Silver ED: Exclusive excellence<\/span><\/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\/mikForwhSjoECGciZiavj3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mikForwhSjoECGciZiavj3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mikForwhSjoECGciZiavj3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mikForwhSjoECGciZiavj3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mikForwhSjoECGciZiavj3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">32-inch gravel wheels, aero tyres and more: Six tech highlights from the Cycling World Europe show<\/span><\/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 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class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: The alternative way to beat the big hitters, and why Lorena Wiebes is a master<\/h1>\n<div class=\"kiosq-member-label\"><span class=\"kiosq-member-label-text\"><b>MEMBER EXCLUSIVE<\/b><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nFeatures<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nSean Kelly <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-30T19:19:54Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n30 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">The nine-time Monument winner analyses the latest cobbled Classics action, including bizarre breakaway tactics, a vintage MVDP-WVA attack, and how Wiebes can do it all<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" 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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<div id=\"slice-container-person-Jfu8EqjXT5jeXiqqnbrvWg-LxdbcKq14nl58oHH4kdr7WAjAQ4MOSlz\" class=\"slice-container person-wrapper person-Jfu8EqjXT5jeXiqqnbrvWg-LxdbcKq14nl58oHH4kdr7WAjAQ4MOSlz slice-container-person\">\n<div class=\"person person--separator person--strapline\"><span class=\"person__strapline\">Column by<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"person__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=\"person__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gRjGnmp2Xe9C7vB3rsL555-140-80.png.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gRjGnmp2Xe9C7vB3rsL555.png\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gRjGnmp2Xe9C7vB3rsL555.png\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gRjGnmp2Xe9C7vB3rsL555.png\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"person__heading\"><span class=\"person__strapline-inline\">Column by<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"person__name-socials\"><span class=\"person__name\">Sean Kelly<\/span><\/div>\n<aside class=\"person__role\">Cyclingnews&#8217; Classics columnist<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"person__bio\">\n<p>&#8220;King Kelly&#8221;, the greatest Irish cyclist to have graced the peloton, brought the Emerald Isle to the fore alongside compatriot Stephen Roche in the 1980s. Points winner at the Tour de France four times, GC in the 1988 Vuelta, and a record-breaking seven consecutive wins at Paris-Nice feature during his glittering career \u2013 alongside double victories at Paris-Roubaix, Milan-San Remo and Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-eea4f465-5c97-40b2-9d0e-ff4f0ec60f53\">We&#8217;re into the thick of things as far as the spring Classics are concerned, and Flemish Holy Week is already delivering. Over the last few days, E3 Saxo Classic and the newly renamed In Flanders Field \u2013 what used to be Gent-Wevelgem \u2013 both proved that Mathieu van der Poel isn&#8217;t untouchable; you just have to play your cards right.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">In a different vein, Lorena Wiebes reminded many, if it was even necessary, that even without a leadout or teammate in sight, she can dominate a sprint finish.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-eea4f465-5c97-40b2-9d0e-ff4f0ec60f53-2\">Before we get into Sunday&#8217;s action, let&#8217;s rewind to Friday and an almighty finale in E3. It was very nice to see that Van der Poel was catchable, not least because it made what would&#8217;ve otherwise been a textbook solo breakaway victory far more interesting. It&#8217;s hard to say whether he was racing at his best or whether his Milan-San Remo crash was still affecting him.<\/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\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: Sometimes Poga\u010dar doesn&#8217;t need tactics to win<\/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\/HLjg3mBRtkfqrQFpKDiwzj-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HLjg3mBRtkfqrQFpKDiwzj-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 almost went wrong&#8217; \u2013 Despite sprint scare, Lorena Wiebes took one of her most impressive wins yet at In Flanders Fields<\/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\/NdgzY8f3EduHrfmgUBNdNE-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NdgzY8f3EduHrfmgUBNdNE-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics Column: Sometimes, you have to be a glass-cranker<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>The chase group of Florian Vermeersch (UAE Team Emirates-XRG), Per Strand Hagenes (Visma-Lease a Bike), Jonas Abrahamsen (Uno-X Mobility) and Stan Dewulf (Decathlon CMA CGM), who was the last survivor of the day&#8217;s early break, worked incredibly well together, up to a point.<\/p>\n<p>All their hard work was undone with 1500m remaining, and it&#8217;s always the case. Who&#8217;s going to close the final few metres? Because the rider who closes the gap is going to throw their own chance of winning by doing the work to bridge across.<\/p>\n<p>It would be interesting to understand what Van der Poel was thinking at this point because he went to sit up and throw in the towel, only for the guys behind to start playing the game and looking at each other. I reckon he got a shout from the team car: &#8216;OK, they&#8217;re looking at each other, just go all out for it now and see what happens.&#8217;<\/p>\n<p>Or perhaps when he looked around, he could see them spread across the road, all four of them waiting for the other to do a final pull. It&#8217;s tricky in those situations because, regardless of how well the group works together to bring the time down, they will inevitably start to spare their own energy when they see that the catch is about to be made. The closer the group get, the less work each rider wants to do.<\/p>\n<p>When you&#8217;re in that situation, you have to play the game, as Vermeersch did, by throwing your hands in the air and shouting at the others, in the hope that someone will panic and ride through, but nobody did on this occasion, and Van der Poel was able to sneak away again.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure full-width-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-21cf46e7-6988-4a7d-9423-773160586cf8\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VxfZTC99eDPY2axDwJMWmQ-2560-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VxfZTC99eDPY2axDwJMWmQ-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VxfZTC99eDPY2axDwJMWmQ-1440-80.jpg.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VxfZTC99eDPY2axDwJMWmQ-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VxfZTC99eDPY2axDwJMWmQ-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VxfZTC99eDPY2axDwJMWmQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VxfZTC99eDPY2axDwJMWmQ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VxfZTC99eDPY2axDwJMWmQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VxfZTC99eDPY2axDwJMWmQ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VxfZTC99eDPY2axDwJMWmQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" full-width-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The chase group were made to rue their missed opportunity <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"get-your-cards-right-and-the-big-hitters-are-beatable-3\">Get your cards right, and the big hitters are beatable<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-e42eba26-5bcc-4a2b-ab71-c219bcd9a733\">Of course, 48 hours can change a lot when it comes to a minor injury like Van der Poel&#8217;s, and from questioning his strength at E3, to watching him do what he does best at In Flanders Fields, full-on efforts for short periods on the bergs, like he&#8217;s so used to doing through the winter cyclo-cross season.<\/p>\n<p>Thankfully, though, someone else was able to follow his fiercest of attacks in the form of Wout van Aert. The Belgian is definitely coming good at the right time, which is pleasing because the Classics need riders of his calibre. If he&#8217;s on a good day at the upcoming Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix, he can be up there challenging against the top guys.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: All eyes are on Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel, but Isaac del Toro is the danger man at Milan-San Remo<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tpvSkeCzvqy3q8KAbjLPRj-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tpvSkeCzvqy3q8KAbjLPRj-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classic column: Tadej Poga\u010dar is unbeatable, but thank God for Paul Seixas<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Sprinters vs attackers on the Kemmelberg \u2013\u00a0Analysing the contenders for In Flanders Fields<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>The last man this duo dropped on the final ascent of the Kemmelberg was Vermeersch, and as I also touched on in my earlier spring Classics column after Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, he was, once again, far too generous with his turns. He was riding strongly before the Kemmelberg, but in this situation, with Van Aert and Van der Poel, he has to expect an explosive attack at any moment, and save his legs as much as possible in anticipation. He has to say to himself, &#8216;Can I just stay with them over the last climb, then I&#8217;m with them in the final kilometres&#8217;.<\/p>\n<p>OK, when you&#8217;re in a group with the likes of Van Aert and Van der Poel, there is an element of respect, but when you&#8217;re in the running for a one-day win in Flanders, you can throw that respect out of the window for a little while. He needs to skip turns or just go through very lightly; as we say in cycling terms, you have to just &#8216;fall through&#8217;.<\/p>\n<p>Once the duo were on their own, Van der Poel was taking his turns at first, but with 20km or so to go, he eased off. There was a little discussion there, and perhaps Van der Poel may have felt the fatigue coming on.<\/p>\n<p>On the one hand, he wants to preserve his energy if they stay away, but on the other, he also has the luxury of Jasper Philipsen in the group behind; team-wise, it was the perfect scenario.<\/p>\n<p>For Van Aert, it would have been disappointing to realise his hands were tied. However, Visma-Lease a Bike will take positives from this going into the second portion of the cobbled Classics, with Christophe Laporte also looking sharp in the sprint.<\/p>\n<p>The Frenchman earned a nice podium spot, but Philipsen proved the fastest in the end, even if there was a moment where he looked boxed in. That&#8217;s where the race situation will have benefited Alpecin-Premier Tech&#8217;s sprinter. With Van der Poel up front for much of the day, it will have given him confidence and eased his workload, as it&#8217;s not up to their team to bring the race back together.<\/p>\n<p>Looking ahead, even though the favourites still came out on top at both E3 and In Flanders Fields, the races have shown rival teams that there&#8217;s an alternative way to beat the big hitters. If the bunch or a chase group get organised behind, that catch is possible as the race enters its final stages. Of course, the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix are another step up, and you have the added complication of Tadej Poga\u010dar thrown into the mix, too.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure full-width-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-265b4994-ad59-43c9-ab9f-b0194a67a278\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WbzymE6FhnBHDNM82UVA2D-2000-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WbzymE6FhnBHDNM82UVA2D-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WbzymE6FhnBHDNM82UVA2D-1440-80.jpg.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WbzymE6FhnBHDNM82UVA2D-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WbzymE6FhnBHDNM82UVA2D-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WbzymE6FhnBHDNM82UVA2D-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WbzymE6FhnBHDNM82UVA2D-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WbzymE6FhnBHDNM82UVA2D-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WbzymE6FhnBHDNM82UVA2D-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WbzymE6FhnBHDNM82UVA2D-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" full-width-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Only a slightly premature celebration could detract from Wiebes&#8217; dominant display <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"wiebes-can-do-it-all-3\">Wiebes can do it all<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-0820063c-8297-4598-b66d-589342a396a7\">Lorena Wiebes is a master and put on another magnificent display yesterday.<\/p>\n<p>The SD Worx-Protime sprinter found herself in a five-rider break after attacking on the Kemmelberg and put in several big efforts to close down counter-attacks.<\/p>\n<p>She was fortunate that the gap back to the peloton was dwindling as the lead group reached the final kilometres, because it prevented any games from her breakaway companions. They had to ride, or risk missing out on a top-five finish altogether. If the pace had gone out of the chase altogether, it would have been fascinating to see the finale play out.<\/p>\n<p>Even when UAE Team ADQ used their numerical advantage, Wiebes looked so in control and bridged across smartly. She didn&#8217;t just immediately jump onto their wheel; instead, she rolled across at a steady pace. That&#8217;s the perfect way to play it for someone like Wiebes, who is in such great shape and looked totally in control.<\/p>\n<p>You couldn&#8217;t fault UAE either; they played it almost perfectly, too, tactically speaking. Their only problem was that, when you&#8217;re in a group with a top sprinter, you&#8217;re not just thinking about winning, but also the podium, so they kept on riding, which played into Wiebes&#8217; hands.<\/p>\n<p>They were forced to continue riding until they were absolutely certain that they wouldn&#8217;t be caught, and by that point, it&#8217;s too late to make your numbers count.<\/p>\n<p>Lidl-Trek&#8217;s youngster Fleur Moors nearly frightened Wiebes right on the line with a really fast finish, but when you&#8217;re winning sprints like the Dutch woman is winning them, you know when you&#8217;ve done enough. She got a little surprise, but personally, I think the TV cameras and commentators made it look closer than it actually was.<\/p>\n<p><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\/sean-kellys-classics-column-e3-saxo-classic-and-in-flanders-fields-show-that-van-der-poel-isnt-untouchable\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-2000-80.jpg&#8221;] Pro Cycling Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: The alternative way to beat the big hitters, and why Lorena Wiebes is a master MEMBER EXCLUSIVE Features By Sean Kelly published 30 March 2026 The nine-time Monument winner analyses the latest cobbled Classics action, including bizarre breakaway tactics, a vintage MVDP-WVA attack, and how Wiebes [&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-1857068","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\/1857068","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=1857068"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1857068\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1857068"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1857068"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1857068"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}