{"id":1858676,"date":"2026-03-31T15:57:40","date_gmt":"2026-03-31T12:57:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1858676"},"modified":"2026-03-31T15:57:40","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T12:57:40","slug":"more-than-a-tour-of-flanders-warm-up-analysing-the-contenders-at-dwars-door-vlaanderen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1858676","title":{"rendered":"More than a Tour of Flanders warm-up \u2013 Analysing the contenders at Dwars door Vlaanderen"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rk3esFqRGQfMaCDXoZMm9W-2560-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>More than a Tour of Flanders warm-up \u2013 Analysing the contenders at Dwars door Vlaanderen<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nLaura Weislo <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-31T15:57:40Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n31 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Lotte Kopecky, Wout van Aert, Demi Vollering, and Jasper Philipsen among the major names taking part in Wednesday&#8217;s cobbled Classic<\/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\/Rk3esFqRGQfMaCDXoZMm9W-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rk3esFqRGQfMaCDXoZMm9W-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rk3esFqRGQfMaCDXoZMm9W-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rk3esFqRGQfMaCDXoZMm9W-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rk3esFqRGQfMaCDXoZMm9W-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rk3esFqRGQfMaCDXoZMm9W-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rk3esFqRGQfMaCDXoZMm9W-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Wout van Aert and Demi Vollering are among the main contenders at Dwars door Vlaanderen<\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo\" class=\"contents\" data-only-inline=\"0\">\n<div class=\"visible flex flex-row flex-nowrap sticky max-lg:-ml-5 top-[60px] sm:top-0 z-[9994] w-screen lg:w-full h-[50px] bg-white p-0 mb-5 border-neutral-200 border border-solid xl:hidden\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Variants:Inline\" data-analytics-id=\"sticky-nav\" id=\"sticky-nav--inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"sticky-nav\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-row w-full h-full overflow-x-scroll overflow-y-hidden tracking-normal overscroll-x-contain\" id=\"sticky-nav__scroll-container\"><span class=\"pl-4 my-auto text-base font-semibold font-article-heading lg:pl-3 lg:text-sm whitespace-nowrap uppercase\">Jump to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-row w-auto border-y-0\">\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\nborder-b-[3px] border-b-[var(--jumpto-underline-color)] border-solid font-semibold \" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Jasper Philipsen<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Lotte Kopecky<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Wout van Aert<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Demi Vollering<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Mads Pedersen<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Elisa Longo Borghini<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Florian Vermeersch<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" 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id=\"elk-a614e603-b2b2-4737-b8fe-30a96901db56\">Dwars door Vlaanderen, like many of the races which were previously viewed as tune-up events for the Tour of Flanders, has become a target of its own as part of the WorldTour for both men and women.<\/p>\n<p>The same names who will be favourites to win De Ronde on Sunday will also feature prominently in the mid-week race, which takes place on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a614e603-b2b2-4737-b8fe-30a96901db56-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Dwars door Vlaanderen finishes Waregem and features 12 climbs and seven cobbled sections in the Flemish Ardennes for men, and eight climbs and six cobbled sectors for the Dwars door Vlaanderen Women.<\/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\/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<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\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">New name, new route, new winners? \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Ronde Van Brugge<\/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\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-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\">Will Demi Vollering take a third win or can the powerful SD Worx-Protime and Visma-Lease a Bike duos stand in her way? \u2013\u00a0Analysing the favourites for Strade Bianche Women<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">It&#8217;s not the longest race at 185km for men and 128.9km for women, but wind and aggressive racing can make for a much tougher day in the saddle than what appears on the profile. The race concludes with a circuit with two ascents of the Nokereberg, the last coming with 9.2km to go.<\/p>\n<p>The first trip over the Nokereberg is from the shorter, cobbled side \u2013 the previous finish of Nokere Koerse \u2013 while the final climb uses the longer paved side, the current finale of Nokere Koerse.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">So it stands to reason that riders who excel in that earlier race will do well in Dwars door Vlaanderen, but that isn&#8217;t always the case.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Neither Lotte Kopecky (SD Worx-ProTime) nor Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Premier Tech), winners of Nokere Koerse this year, have won Dwars door Vlaanderen &#8211; yet. Both are still top contenders to win it this year.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The Dwars door Vlaanderen Women&#8217;s race has been won by solo riders or small groups, with the occasional bunch sprint. Because the race is so short, the rough, back-to-back Doorn and Huispontweg cobble sectors have been where the difference has been made for the past three years.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Here, <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> looks at the top Dwars door Vlaanderen and Dwars door Vlaanderen Women contenders for 2026.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-jasper-philipsen-alpecin-premier-tech\"><span>Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Premier Tech)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-4abb388f-71fe-44cc-a21e-fc565cb2e085\">\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\/QpmdPdHAXQLVoWzCRox4E-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QpmdPdHAXQLVoWzCRox4E-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QpmdPdHAXQLVoWzCRox4E-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QpmdPdHAXQLVoWzCRox4E-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QpmdPdHAXQLVoWzCRox4E-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QpmdPdHAXQLVoWzCRox4E-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Jasper Philipsen recently won In Flanders Fields <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-6112ca09-788f-407b-9a64-c3b3cd799333\">Jasper Philipsen, a winner of Nokere Koerse and In Flanders Fields this year and Milan-San Remo in 2024, has yet to crack the code of Dwars door Vlaanderen, netting his best finish in 2023 with fourth place.<\/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\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-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\">Kopecky, Wiebes, Vollering ready to battle after last year&#8217;s upset \u2013 Analysing the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad Women contenders<\/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\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">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><\/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\/uVay2h9sfPE9H9LsHgUEQP-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uVay2h9sfPE9H9LsHgUEQP-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\">The return of the greats, cycling&#8217;s newest mega talent and &#8216;grande ciclismo&#8217; \u2013 What I&#8217;m excited to see at this year&#8217;s Strade Bianche<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>In the 2026 Dwars door Vlaanderen route, the same Nokereberg climb where Philipsen won Nokere Koerse is the last ascent, so why hasn&#8217;t Philipsen been able to win? The race often splits up well before the finish, and he hasn&#8217;t managed to make the winning move.<\/p>\n<p>When Philipsen came fourth in 2023, it was from a reduced peloton behind solo winner Christophe Laporte. That was the closest the race came to a bunch sprint since 2016.<\/p>\n<p>In 2024, Lidl-Trek shattered the bunch in the crosswinds before Berg Ten Houte with over 70km to go. In 2025, an attack on the Knokteberg-Trieu with 56km to go stayed clear, with Neilson Powless (EF Education-EasyPost) outfoxing three Visma-Lease a Bike riders, including Wout van Aert, to take the win.<\/p>\n<p>This season seems to have a different dynamic, with Van der Poel&#8217;s attack during In Flanders Fields being nullified and his E3 Saxo Classic romp almost coming to heel in the final kilometre. It might be that the peloton has learned to control long-range attacks even from the top riders, improving the chances for a sprint.<\/p>\n<p>After winning in Wevelgem on Sunday, Philipsen is one of the top favourites to win Dwars door Vlaanderen. With Mathieu van der Poel taking a pass, Philipsen will have the full support of his team, but it also means an aggressive race to try to get rid of him.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-lotte-kopecky-sd-worx-protime\"><span>Lotte Kopecky (SD Worx-ProTime)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1fcbf238-e5b2-4f01-b02a-259a0f80a9c1\">\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\/yyCBW2WT8ELdq63nagfsvC-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yyCBW2WT8ELdq63nagfsvC-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yyCBW2WT8ELdq63nagfsvC-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yyCBW2WT8ELdq63nagfsvC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yyCBW2WT8ELdq63nagfsvC-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yyCBW2WT8ELdq63nagfsvC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Lotte Kopecky celebrates victory at Milan-San Remo <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-580a5a02-8db9-47e5-bf1c-5d26a8abb965\">With back-to-back victories in two very different races, Nokere Koerse and Milan-San Remo, Lotte Kopecky has had time to recover after skipping In Flanders Fields.<\/p>\n<p>Kopecky fought for her chance to take the win in San Remo and earned the backing of her team while sprinter Lorena Wiebes won the bunch sprint for sixth behind the break of five.<\/p>\n<p>SD Worx appear to be leaving Wiebes on the bench for Wednesday, so the team will be fully behind the Belgian phenom on Wednesday, with Dwars door Vlaanderen a rare blank on her palmares.<\/p>\n<p>Kopecky&#8217;s best finish in the race came last year when she won the reduced sprint for second behind solo winner Elisa Longo Borghini.<\/p>\n<p>With this race not yet on her palmares, expect to see Kopecky on the attack across the cobbles.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-wout-van-aert-visma-lease-a-bike\"><span>Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1f26b38b-78fc-4dbc-8c72-a4c0e8cd9aeb\">\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\/uqVXGohAYmE4UWxGTa3hnK-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uqVXGohAYmE4UWxGTa3hnK-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uqVXGohAYmE4UWxGTa3hnK-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uqVXGohAYmE4UWxGTa3hnK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uqVXGohAYmE4UWxGTa3hnK-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uqVXGohAYmE4UWxGTa3hnK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Wout van Aert in action at In Flanders Fields <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-391c723a-0d20-4186-abfd-3f3d502cefdb\">Wout van Aert will be itching for revenge after the botched team finish in 2025, where they had the numbers but not the correct tactics, losing to Powless in a three-versus-one scenario.<\/p>\n<p>Powless is not racing this year due to a knee problem, but after finishing second to Van der Poel in Wevelgem at the end of In Flanders Fields on Sunday, Van Aert needs a win.<\/p>\n<p>Dwars door Vlaanderen also happens to be the race where Van Aert suffered terrible injuries in a high-speed crash on a descent that has now been removed from the race, and a win would put those demons to bed as well.<\/p>\n<p>Van Aert is joined by a strong team, with sprinter Matthew Brennan on hand if the race comes back together, and Christophe Laporte to make the race hard.<\/p>\n<p>While the team has great options, Van Aert will want to be the one atop the podium to gain confidence and momentum ahead of the Tour of Flanders, where he wants to finally fill that blank row on his win list.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-demi-vollering-fdj-united-suez\"><span>Demi Vollering (FDJ United-Suez)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-16161abe-e02e-4c74-8982-28c585e77bc4\">\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\/4Muxpx867Wq2T29zgm4zZ6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4Muxpx867Wq2T29zgm4zZ6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4Muxpx867Wq2T29zgm4zZ6-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4Muxpx867Wq2T29zgm4zZ6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4Muxpx867Wq2T29zgm4zZ6-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4Muxpx867Wq2T29zgm4zZ6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">European champion Demi Vollering has already won Omloop Het Nieuwsblad this season <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-f4844c54-cedc-4b3f-9052-968bc9b35888\">The former winner of Dwars door Vlaanderen started her 2026 season strong with two stages and the overall at the Volta a Valenciana before winning Omloop het Nieuwsblad. Since February, Demi Vollering has only raced Strade Bianche, where her teammate Elise Chabbey took the win.<\/p>\n<p>Dwars door Vlaanderen marks the start of Vollering&#8217;s Classics campaign, which includes the Tour of Flanders and all three Ardennes Classics.<\/p>\n<p>Vollering won Omloop with a successful breakaway with Kasia Niewiadoma, won the first stage in Valencia solo, and then won from a small breakaway on stage 3. It will be more complicated in Dwars door Vlaanderen to win solo, especially with an on-form Kopecky in the mix.<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s tough to say where Vollering&#8217;s form is since she hasn&#8217;t been racing since Strade Bianche, but she rarely toes the line without the intent to win. With sprinter Ally Wollaston also in the lineup, Vollering has options, too.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-mads-pedersen-lidl-trek\"><span>Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-d820cbd9-4774-430a-933c-f6d43a3cf025\">\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\/gAUfibBg2JchHLMcqrN9Bd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gAUfibBg2JchHLMcqrN9Bd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gAUfibBg2JchHLMcqrN9Bd-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gAUfibBg2JchHLMcqrN9Bd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gAUfibBg2JchHLMcqrN9Bd-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gAUfibBg2JchHLMcqrN9Bd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Mads Pedersen on the front during the E3 Saxo Classic <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-5ee3b510-d274-4cd8-b554-bf4eb83b2081\">Lidl-Trek&#8217;s spring campaign has been a washout so far, largely because Mads Pedersen was out with a wrist and collarbone fracture since February, returning for Milan-San Remo, and then fell ill and skipped In Flanders Fields.<\/p>\n<p>Pedersen is still racing with tape on his wrist, and just eight weeks into his recovery, he still has to be feeling some pain on the cobbles. Pedersen is a true foreign Flandrien and hard as nails, but his record in Dwars door Vlaanderen isn&#8217;t the best &#8211; he&#8217;s been fifth three times (2018, 2023, 2025).<\/p>\n<p>The team will also have sprinter Jonathan Milan and underrated Classics rider Mathias Vacek, covering their bases much like Visma-Lease a Bike.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-elisa-longo-borghini-uae-team-adq\"><span>Elisa Longo Borghini (UAE Team ADQ)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-92b77127-845b-4ffd-8af1-4d76193acbd4\">\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\/azvnWkS278tnHS8GgA6SRn-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/azvnWkS278tnHS8GgA6SRn-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/azvnWkS278tnHS8GgA6SRn-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/azvnWkS278tnHS8GgA6SRn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/azvnWkS278tnHS8GgA6SRn-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/azvnWkS278tnHS8GgA6SRn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Longo Borghini on the attack during the Trofeo Oro in Euro <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-2639dd24-f7ac-445a-8e41-a5af0ec0df9f\">The Italian champion, winner of the UAE Tour in February, had to sit out Milan-San Remo due to illness, but after a couple of weeks of recovery, Elisa Longo Borghini is expected to be another major contender for Dwars door Vlaanderen.<\/p>\n<p>Longo Borghini is ramping up for the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix, her major spring targets, so she will be peaking this week.<\/p>\n<p>Her display in last year&#8217;s Dwars door Vlaanderen showed that Longo Borghini is probably the best female rider on cobblestones, and she will be closely followed in the key moments of Wednesday&#8217;s race.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-florian-vermeersch-uae-team-emirates-xrg\"><span>Florian Vermeersch (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-2158f2f2-c799-4119-9edc-f7c55d35e39d\">\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\/DAchWE2JfDMLSBfdrLFSaA-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DAchWE2JfDMLSBfdrLFSaA-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DAchWE2JfDMLSBfdrLFSaA-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DAchWE2JfDMLSBfdrLFSaA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DAchWE2JfDMLSBfdrLFSaA-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DAchWE2JfDMLSBfdrLFSaA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Vermeersch in action at the E3 Saxo Classic <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-39e191e9-a801-4ad7-95e8-8a02c41687c8\">Florian Vermeersch was so close to chasing down Van der Poel in Friday&#8217;s E3 Saxo Classic, but one hesitation while he looked to his breakaway companions for one last pull spoiled his chances.<\/p>\n<p>Third in that race and Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Vermeersch is looking like a real contender in the Classics this year after finding his feet again with UAE Team Emirates.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-marianne-vos-visma-lease-a-bike\"><span>Marianne Vos (Visma-Lease a Bike)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-6b4e784d-8326-421e-b3b5-2eccdbe0b2a0\">\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\/wxrrNbeWPJC3HYn8iko7cM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wxrrNbeWPJC3HYn8iko7cM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wxrrNbeWPJC3HYn8iko7cM-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wxrrNbeWPJC3HYn8iko7cM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wxrrNbeWPJC3HYn8iko7cM-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wxrrNbeWPJC3HYn8iko7cM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Marianne Vos heads up Visma-Lease a Bike <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-98b7f781-0620-4f9e-a412-6b5c2390e70e\">The greatest cyclist of all time, Marianne Vos, is always going to be a favourite to win a Classic, and with a recent victory in Dwars door Vlaanderen still fresh, we expect her to be at the pointy end yet again.<\/p>\n<p>Now 38, Vos might be a shade less prolific than in past years, but a sixth in the Trofeo Alfredo Binda and seventh in Strade Bianche show she can&#8217;t be counted out yet.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-add5a433-e731-4233-8646-e4e6564f6da1\"><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled 2026 Spring Classics coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Dwars door Vlaanderen Women<\/p>\n<p>Dwars door Vlaanderen<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-dM4bcBf5CfEp8ydVMzfzSD\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-dM4bcBf5CfEp8ydVMzfzSD 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\/rbx5aMuCYhP4dUt7us9LAi-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rbx5aMuCYhP4dUt7us9LAi.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rbx5aMuCYhP4dUt7us9LAi.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rbx5aMuCYhP4dUt7us9LAi.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\">Laura Weislo<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Managing Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Laura Weislo is a <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> veteran of 20 years. Having joined in 2006, Laura extensively covered the Operacion Puerto doping scandal, the years-long conflict between the UCI and the Tour de France organisers ASO over the creation of the WorldTour, and the downfall of Lance Armstrong and his lifetime ban for doping. As Managing Editor, Laura coordinates coverage for North American events and global news.<\/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\/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 class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-320-80.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\">New name, new route, new winners? \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Ronde Van Brugge<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-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\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Will Demi Vollering take a third win or can the powerful SD Worx-Protime and Visma-Lease a Bike duos stand in her way? \u2013\u00a0Analysing the favourites for Strade Bianche Women<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-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\">Kopecky, Wiebes, Vollering ready to battle after last year&#8217;s upset \u2013 Analysing the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad Women contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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 class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uVay2h9sfPE9H9LsHgUEQP-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uVay2h9sfPE9H9LsHgUEQP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uVay2h9sfPE9H9LsHgUEQP-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uVay2h9sfPE9H9LsHgUEQP-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uVay2h9sfPE9H9LsHgUEQP-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 return of the greats, cycling&#8217;s newest mega talent and &#8216;grande ciclismo&#8217; \u2013 What I&#8217;m excited to see at this year&#8217;s Strade Bianche<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBMVTpHoTRW4RpAjmCmojZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBMVTpHoTRW4RpAjmCmojZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBMVTpHoTRW4RpAjmCmojZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBMVTpHoTRW4RpAjmCmojZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBMVTpHoTRW4RpAjmCmojZ-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\">Gravel Earth Series 2026<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/keuExybEEZWPSH5SLzW2LX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/keuExybEEZWPSH5SLzW2LX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/keuExybEEZWPSH5SLzW2LX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/keuExybEEZWPSH5SLzW2LX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/keuExybEEZWPSH5SLzW2LX-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;She&#8217;ll be one of our big cards to play&#8217; \u2013 Marlen Reusser primed to hit the ground running for Movistar at Dwars door Vlaanderen after long injury sideline<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKkMGBtSCAA23AaBz9KDyX-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKkMGBtSCAA23AaBz9KDyX-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKkMGBtSCAA23AaBz9KDyX-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKkMGBtSCAA23AaBz9KDyX-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKkMGBtSCAA23AaBz9KDyX-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\">&#8216;We&#8217;ll certainly not make that same mistake again&#8217; \u2013 Can Wout van Aert and Visma take revenge at Dwars door Vlaanderen a year on from three-against-one tactical blunder?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eig4dUoh47GZESqrzGagsU-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eig4dUoh47GZESqrzGagsU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eig4dUoh47GZESqrzGagsU-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eig4dUoh47GZESqrzGagsU-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eig4dUoh47GZESqrzGagsU-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\">Paris-Camembert: Frenchman Pierre Gautherat escapes breakaway partners in final kilometre to win home race<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dg5tGScNagTNBvNVTePeGU-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dg5tGScNagTNBvNVTePeGU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dg5tGScNagTNBvNVTePeGU-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dg5tGScNagTNBvNVTePeGU-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dg5tGScNagTNBvNVTePeGU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I misjudged this situation for a moment&#8217; \u2013 Fan apologises for close encounter of the nasal kind with Wout Van Aert at In Flanders Fields<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rcETCoJsDCpoif83S8uocA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rcETCoJsDCpoif83S8uocA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rcETCoJsDCpoif83S8uocA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rcETCoJsDCpoif83S8uocA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rcETCoJsDCpoif83S8uocA-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\">A clinical Jonas Vingegaard and a long list of riders MIA \u2013 Philippa York analyses the Volta a Catalunya<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Previews<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar has changed E3 Saxo Classic&#8217;s status but it remains the best Flanders form guide \u2013 A closer look at the contenders for Friday&#8217;s race<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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 class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-320-80.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\">New name, new route, new winners? \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Ronde Van Brugge<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tdMM9USiVzeJJ9QkhvYSBE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tdMM9USiVzeJJ9QkhvYSBE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tdMM9USiVzeJJ9QkhvYSBE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tdMM9USiVzeJJ9QkhvYSBE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tdMM9USiVzeJJ9QkhvYSBE-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\">Crunch time in the Pyrenees for Jonas Vingegaard, Remco Evenepoel and Tom Pidcock \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the 2026 Volta a Catalunya<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-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 Poga\u010dar followers, the fast finishers and the outsiders \u2013 Analysing the Milan-San Remo contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-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\">Can the sprinters shut down a Poggio attack or will aggressors seize the day? &#8211; Analysing the favourites for the 2026 Milan-San Remo Women<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MYry5NPGaWFQUqUUuZkaEm-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MYry5NPGaWFQUqUUuZkaEm-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MYry5NPGaWFQUqUUuZkaEm-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MYry5NPGaWFQUqUUuZkaEm-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MYry5NPGaWFQUqUUuZkaEm.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MYry5NPGaWFQUqUUuZkaEm.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MYry5NPGaWFQUqUUuZkaEm.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\">UCI Gravel World Series: Joaquin Plomer and Maria Laura Bugarin take elite victories at Vuelta Altas Cumbres Gravel on home soil in Argentina <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;They told us they were going to kill us&#8217; &#8211; Aggressive driver arrested for endangering US criterium champion after video of road rage incident went viral<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;We&#8217;ll certainly not make that same mistake again&#8217; \u2013 Can Wout van Aert and Visma take revenge at Dwars door Vlaanderen a year on from three-against-one tactical blunder?<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;She&#8217;ll be one of our big cards to play&#8217; \u2013 Marlen Reusser primed to hit the ground running for Movistar at Dwars door Vlaanderen after long injury sideline<\/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\">More than a Tour of Flanders warm-up \u2013 Analysing the contenders at Dwars door Vlaanderen<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>More than a Tour of Flanders warm-up \u2013 Analysing the contenders at Dwars door Vlaanderen<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nLaura Weislo <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-31T15:57:40Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n31 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Lotte Kopecky, Wout van Aert, Demi Vollering, and Jasper Philipsen among the major names taking part in Wednesday&#8217;s cobbled Classic<\/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\/Rk3esFqRGQfMaCDXoZMm9W-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rk3esFqRGQfMaCDXoZMm9W-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rk3esFqRGQfMaCDXoZMm9W-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rk3esFqRGQfMaCDXoZMm9W-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rk3esFqRGQfMaCDXoZMm9W-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rk3esFqRGQfMaCDXoZMm9W-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rk3esFqRGQfMaCDXoZMm9W-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Wout van Aert and Demi Vollering are among the main contenders at Dwars door Vlaanderen<\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo\" class=\"contents\" data-only-inline=\"0\">\n<div class=\"visible flex flex-row flex-nowrap sticky max-lg:-ml-5 top-[60px] sm:top-0 z-[9994] w-screen lg:w-full h-[50px] bg-white p-0 mb-5 border-neutral-200 border border-solid xl:hidden\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Variants:Inline\" data-analytics-id=\"sticky-nav\" id=\"sticky-nav--inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"sticky-nav\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-row w-full h-full overflow-x-scroll overflow-y-hidden tracking-normal overscroll-x-contain\" id=\"sticky-nav__scroll-container\"><span class=\"pl-4 my-auto text-base font-semibold font-article-heading lg:pl-3 lg:text-sm whitespace-nowrap uppercase\">Jump to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-row w-auto border-y-0\">\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\nborder-b-[3px] border-b-[var(--jumpto-underline-color)] border-solid font-semibold \" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Jasper Philipsen<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Lotte Kopecky<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Wout van Aert<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Demi Vollering<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Mads Pedersen<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Elisa Longo Borghini<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Florian Vermeersch<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" 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id=\"elk-a614e603-b2b2-4737-b8fe-30a96901db56\">Dwars door Vlaanderen, like many of the races which were previously viewed as tune-up events for the Tour of Flanders, has become a target of its own as part of the WorldTour for both men and women.<\/p>\n<p>The same names who will be favourites to win De Ronde on Sunday will also feature prominently in the mid-week race, which takes place on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a614e603-b2b2-4737-b8fe-30a96901db56-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Dwars door Vlaanderen finishes Waregem and features 12 climbs and seven cobbled sections in the Flemish Ardennes for men, and eight climbs and six cobbled sectors for the Dwars door Vlaanderen Women.<\/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\/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<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\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">New name, new route, new winners? \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Ronde Van Brugge<\/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\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-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\">Will Demi Vollering take a third win or can the powerful SD Worx-Protime and Visma-Lease a Bike duos stand in her way? \u2013\u00a0Analysing the favourites for Strade Bianche Women<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">It&#8217;s not the longest race at 185km for men and 128.9km for women, but wind and aggressive racing can make for a much tougher day in the saddle than what appears on the profile. The race concludes with a circuit with two ascents of the Nokereberg, the last coming with 9.2km to go.<\/p>\n<p>The first trip over the Nokereberg is from the shorter, cobbled side \u2013 the previous finish of Nokere Koerse \u2013 while the final climb uses the longer paved side, the current finale of Nokere Koerse.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">So it stands to reason that riders who excel in that earlier race will do well in Dwars door Vlaanderen, but that isn&#8217;t always the case.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Neither Lotte Kopecky (SD Worx-ProTime) nor Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Premier Tech), winners of Nokere Koerse this year, have won Dwars door Vlaanderen &#8211; yet. Both are still top contenders to win it this year.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The Dwars door Vlaanderen Women&#8217;s race has been won by solo riders or small groups, with the occasional bunch sprint. Because the race is so short, the rough, back-to-back Doorn and Huispontweg cobble sectors have been where the difference has been made for the past three years.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Here, <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> looks at the top Dwars door Vlaanderen and Dwars door Vlaanderen Women contenders for 2026.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-jasper-philipsen-alpecin-premier-tech\"><span>Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Premier Tech)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-4abb388f-71fe-44cc-a21e-fc565cb2e085\">\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\/QpmdPdHAXQLVoWzCRox4E-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QpmdPdHAXQLVoWzCRox4E-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QpmdPdHAXQLVoWzCRox4E-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QpmdPdHAXQLVoWzCRox4E-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QpmdPdHAXQLVoWzCRox4E-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QpmdPdHAXQLVoWzCRox4E-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Jasper Philipsen recently won In Flanders Fields <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-6112ca09-788f-407b-9a64-c3b3cd799333\">Jasper Philipsen, a winner of Nokere Koerse and In Flanders Fields this year and Milan-San Remo in 2024, has yet to crack the code of Dwars door Vlaanderen, netting his best finish in 2023 with fourth place.<\/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\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-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\">Kopecky, Wiebes, Vollering ready to battle after last year&#8217;s upset \u2013 Analysing the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad Women contenders<\/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\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">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><\/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\/uVay2h9sfPE9H9LsHgUEQP-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uVay2h9sfPE9H9LsHgUEQP-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\">The return of the greats, cycling&#8217;s newest mega talent and &#8216;grande ciclismo&#8217; \u2013 What I&#8217;m excited to see at this year&#8217;s Strade Bianche<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>In the 2026 Dwars door Vlaanderen route, the same Nokereberg climb where Philipsen won Nokere Koerse is the last ascent, so why hasn&#8217;t Philipsen been able to win? The race often splits up well before the finish, and he hasn&#8217;t managed to make the winning move.<\/p>\n<p>When Philipsen came fourth in 2023, it was from a reduced peloton behind solo winner Christophe Laporte. That was the closest the race came to a bunch sprint since 2016.<\/p>\n<p>In 2024, Lidl-Trek shattered the bunch in the crosswinds before Berg Ten Houte with over 70km to go. In 2025, an attack on the Knokteberg-Trieu with 56km to go stayed clear, with Neilson Powless (EF Education-EasyPost) outfoxing three Visma-Lease a Bike riders, including Wout van Aert, to take the win.<\/p>\n<p>This season seems to have a different dynamic, with Van der Poel&#8217;s attack during In Flanders Fields being nullified and his E3 Saxo Classic romp almost coming to heel in the final kilometre. It might be that the peloton has learned to control long-range attacks even from the top riders, improving the chances for a sprint.<\/p>\n<p>After winning in Wevelgem on Sunday, Philipsen is one of the top favourites to win Dwars door Vlaanderen. With Mathieu van der Poel taking a pass, Philipsen will have the full support of his team, but it also means an aggressive race to try to get rid of him.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-lotte-kopecky-sd-worx-protime\"><span>Lotte Kopecky (SD Worx-ProTime)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1fcbf238-e5b2-4f01-b02a-259a0f80a9c1\">\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\/yyCBW2WT8ELdq63nagfsvC-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yyCBW2WT8ELdq63nagfsvC-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yyCBW2WT8ELdq63nagfsvC-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yyCBW2WT8ELdq63nagfsvC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yyCBW2WT8ELdq63nagfsvC-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yyCBW2WT8ELdq63nagfsvC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Lotte Kopecky celebrates victory at Milan-San Remo <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-580a5a02-8db9-47e5-bf1c-5d26a8abb965\">With back-to-back victories in two very different races, Nokere Koerse and Milan-San Remo, Lotte Kopecky has had time to recover after skipping In Flanders Fields.<\/p>\n<p>Kopecky fought for her chance to take the win in San Remo and earned the backing of her team while sprinter Lorena Wiebes won the bunch sprint for sixth behind the break of five.<\/p>\n<p>SD Worx appear to be leaving Wiebes on the bench for Wednesday, so the team will be fully behind the Belgian phenom on Wednesday, with Dwars door Vlaanderen a rare blank on her palmares.<\/p>\n<p>Kopecky&#8217;s best finish in the race came last year when she won the reduced sprint for second behind solo winner Elisa Longo Borghini.<\/p>\n<p>With this race not yet on her palmares, expect to see Kopecky on the attack across the cobbles.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-wout-van-aert-visma-lease-a-bike\"><span>Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1f26b38b-78fc-4dbc-8c72-a4c0e8cd9aeb\">\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\/uqVXGohAYmE4UWxGTa3hnK-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uqVXGohAYmE4UWxGTa3hnK-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uqVXGohAYmE4UWxGTa3hnK-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uqVXGohAYmE4UWxGTa3hnK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uqVXGohAYmE4UWxGTa3hnK-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uqVXGohAYmE4UWxGTa3hnK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Wout van Aert in action at In Flanders Fields <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-391c723a-0d20-4186-abfd-3f3d502cefdb\">Wout van Aert will be itching for revenge after the botched team finish in 2025, where they had the numbers but not the correct tactics, losing to Powless in a three-versus-one scenario.<\/p>\n<p>Powless is not racing this year due to a knee problem, but after finishing second to Van der Poel in Wevelgem at the end of In Flanders Fields on Sunday, Van Aert needs a win.<\/p>\n<p>Dwars door Vlaanderen also happens to be the race where Van Aert suffered terrible injuries in a high-speed crash on a descent that has now been removed from the race, and a win would put those demons to bed as well.<\/p>\n<p>Van Aert is joined by a strong team, with sprinter Matthew Brennan on hand if the race comes back together, and Christophe Laporte to make the race hard.<\/p>\n<p>While the team has great options, Van Aert will want to be the one atop the podium to gain confidence and momentum ahead of the Tour of Flanders, where he wants to finally fill that blank row on his win list.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-demi-vollering-fdj-united-suez\"><span>Demi Vollering (FDJ United-Suez)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-16161abe-e02e-4c74-8982-28c585e77bc4\">\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\/4Muxpx867Wq2T29zgm4zZ6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4Muxpx867Wq2T29zgm4zZ6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4Muxpx867Wq2T29zgm4zZ6-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4Muxpx867Wq2T29zgm4zZ6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4Muxpx867Wq2T29zgm4zZ6-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4Muxpx867Wq2T29zgm4zZ6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">European champion Demi Vollering has already won Omloop Het Nieuwsblad this season <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-f4844c54-cedc-4b3f-9052-968bc9b35888\">The former winner of Dwars door Vlaanderen started her 2026 season strong with two stages and the overall at the Volta a Valenciana before winning Omloop het Nieuwsblad. Since February, Demi Vollering has only raced Strade Bianche, where her teammate Elise Chabbey took the win.<\/p>\n<p>Dwars door Vlaanderen marks the start of Vollering&#8217;s Classics campaign, which includes the Tour of Flanders and all three Ardennes Classics.<\/p>\n<p>Vollering won Omloop with a successful breakaway with Kasia Niewiadoma, won the first stage in Valencia solo, and then won from a small breakaway on stage 3. It will be more complicated in Dwars door Vlaanderen to win solo, especially with an on-form Kopecky in the mix.<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s tough to say where Vollering&#8217;s form is since she hasn&#8217;t been racing since Strade Bianche, but she rarely toes the line without the intent to win. With sprinter Ally Wollaston also in the lineup, Vollering has options, too.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-mads-pedersen-lidl-trek\"><span>Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-d820cbd9-4774-430a-933c-f6d43a3cf025\">\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\/gAUfibBg2JchHLMcqrN9Bd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gAUfibBg2JchHLMcqrN9Bd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gAUfibBg2JchHLMcqrN9Bd-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gAUfibBg2JchHLMcqrN9Bd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gAUfibBg2JchHLMcqrN9Bd-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gAUfibBg2JchHLMcqrN9Bd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Mads Pedersen on the front during the E3 Saxo Classic <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-5ee3b510-d274-4cd8-b554-bf4eb83b2081\">Lidl-Trek&#8217;s spring campaign has been a washout so far, largely because Mads Pedersen was out with a wrist and collarbone fracture since February, returning for Milan-San Remo, and then fell ill and skipped In Flanders Fields.<\/p>\n<p>Pedersen is still racing with tape on his wrist, and just eight weeks into his recovery, he still has to be feeling some pain on the cobbles. Pedersen is a true foreign Flandrien and hard as nails, but his record in Dwars door Vlaanderen isn&#8217;t the best &#8211; he&#8217;s been fifth three times (2018, 2023, 2025).<\/p>\n<p>The team will also have sprinter Jonathan Milan and underrated Classics rider Mathias Vacek, covering their bases much like Visma-Lease a Bike.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-elisa-longo-borghini-uae-team-adq\"><span>Elisa Longo Borghini (UAE Team ADQ)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-92b77127-845b-4ffd-8af1-4d76193acbd4\">\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\/azvnWkS278tnHS8GgA6SRn-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/azvnWkS278tnHS8GgA6SRn-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/azvnWkS278tnHS8GgA6SRn-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/azvnWkS278tnHS8GgA6SRn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/azvnWkS278tnHS8GgA6SRn-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/azvnWkS278tnHS8GgA6SRn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Longo Borghini on the attack during the Trofeo Oro in Euro <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-2639dd24-f7ac-445a-8e41-a5af0ec0df9f\">The Italian champion, winner of the UAE Tour in February, had to sit out Milan-San Remo due to illness, but after a couple of weeks of recovery, Elisa Longo Borghini is expected to be another major contender for Dwars door Vlaanderen.<\/p>\n<p>Longo Borghini is ramping up for the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix, her major spring targets, so she will be peaking this week.<\/p>\n<p>Her display in last year&#8217;s Dwars door Vlaanderen showed that Longo Borghini is probably the best female rider on cobblestones, and she will be closely followed in the key moments of Wednesday&#8217;s race.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-florian-vermeersch-uae-team-emirates-xrg\"><span>Florian Vermeersch (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-2158f2f2-c799-4119-9edc-f7c55d35e39d\">\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\/DAchWE2JfDMLSBfdrLFSaA-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DAchWE2JfDMLSBfdrLFSaA-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DAchWE2JfDMLSBfdrLFSaA-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DAchWE2JfDMLSBfdrLFSaA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DAchWE2JfDMLSBfdrLFSaA-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DAchWE2JfDMLSBfdrLFSaA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Vermeersch in action at the E3 Saxo Classic <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-39e191e9-a801-4ad7-95e8-8a02c41687c8\">Florian Vermeersch was so close to chasing down Van der Poel in Friday&#8217;s E3 Saxo Classic, but one hesitation while he looked to his breakaway companions for one last pull spoiled his chances.<\/p>\n<p>Third in that race and Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Vermeersch is looking like a real contender in the Classics this year after finding his feet again with UAE Team Emirates.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-marianne-vos-visma-lease-a-bike\"><span>Marianne Vos (Visma-Lease a Bike)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-6b4e784d-8326-421e-b3b5-2eccdbe0b2a0\">\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\/wxrrNbeWPJC3HYn8iko7cM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wxrrNbeWPJC3HYn8iko7cM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wxrrNbeWPJC3HYn8iko7cM-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wxrrNbeWPJC3HYn8iko7cM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wxrrNbeWPJC3HYn8iko7cM-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wxrrNbeWPJC3HYn8iko7cM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Marianne Vos heads up Visma-Lease a Bike <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-98b7f781-0620-4f9e-a412-6b5c2390e70e\">The greatest cyclist of all time, Marianne Vos, is always going to be a favourite to win a Classic, and with a recent victory in Dwars door Vlaanderen still fresh, we expect her to be at the pointy end yet again.<\/p>\n<p>Now 38, Vos might be a shade less prolific than in past years, but a sixth in the Trofeo Alfredo Binda and seventh in Strade Bianche show she can&#8217;t be counted out yet.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-add5a433-e731-4233-8646-e4e6564f6da1\"><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled 2026 Spring Classics coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Dwars door Vlaanderen Women<\/p>\n<p>Dwars door Vlaanderen<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-dM4bcBf5CfEp8ydVMzfzSD\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-dM4bcBf5CfEp8ydVMzfzSD 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\/rbx5aMuCYhP4dUt7us9LAi-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rbx5aMuCYhP4dUt7us9LAi.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rbx5aMuCYhP4dUt7us9LAi.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rbx5aMuCYhP4dUt7us9LAi.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\">Laura Weislo<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Managing Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Laura Weislo is a <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> veteran of 20 years. Having joined in 2006, Laura extensively covered the Operacion Puerto doping scandal, the years-long conflict between the UCI and the Tour de France organisers ASO over the creation of the WorldTour, and the downfall of Lance Armstrong and his lifetime ban for doping. As Managing Editor, Laura coordinates coverage for North American events and global news.<\/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\/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 class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-320-80.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\">New name, new route, new winners? \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Ronde Van Brugge<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-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\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Will Demi Vollering take a third win or can the powerful SD Worx-Protime and Visma-Lease a Bike duos stand in her way? \u2013\u00a0Analysing the favourites for Strade Bianche Women<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-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\">Kopecky, Wiebes, Vollering ready to battle after last year&#8217;s upset \u2013 Analysing the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad Women contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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 class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uVay2h9sfPE9H9LsHgUEQP-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uVay2h9sfPE9H9LsHgUEQP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uVay2h9sfPE9H9LsHgUEQP-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uVay2h9sfPE9H9LsHgUEQP-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uVay2h9sfPE9H9LsHgUEQP-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 return of the greats, cycling&#8217;s newest mega talent and &#8216;grande ciclismo&#8217; \u2013 What I&#8217;m excited to see at this year&#8217;s Strade Bianche<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBMVTpHoTRW4RpAjmCmojZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBMVTpHoTRW4RpAjmCmojZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBMVTpHoTRW4RpAjmCmojZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBMVTpHoTRW4RpAjmCmojZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBMVTpHoTRW4RpAjmCmojZ-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\">Gravel Earth Series 2026<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/keuExybEEZWPSH5SLzW2LX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/keuExybEEZWPSH5SLzW2LX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/keuExybEEZWPSH5SLzW2LX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/keuExybEEZWPSH5SLzW2LX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/keuExybEEZWPSH5SLzW2LX-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;She&#8217;ll be one of our big cards to play&#8217; \u2013 Marlen Reusser primed to hit the ground running for Movistar at Dwars door Vlaanderen after long injury sideline<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKkMGBtSCAA23AaBz9KDyX-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKkMGBtSCAA23AaBz9KDyX-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKkMGBtSCAA23AaBz9KDyX-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKkMGBtSCAA23AaBz9KDyX-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKkMGBtSCAA23AaBz9KDyX-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\">&#8216;We&#8217;ll certainly not make that same mistake again&#8217; \u2013 Can Wout van Aert and Visma take revenge at Dwars door Vlaanderen a year on from three-against-one tactical blunder?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eig4dUoh47GZESqrzGagsU-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eig4dUoh47GZESqrzGagsU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eig4dUoh47GZESqrzGagsU-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eig4dUoh47GZESqrzGagsU-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eig4dUoh47GZESqrzGagsU-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\">Paris-Camembert: Frenchman Pierre Gautherat escapes breakaway partners in final kilometre to win home race<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dg5tGScNagTNBvNVTePeGU-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dg5tGScNagTNBvNVTePeGU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dg5tGScNagTNBvNVTePeGU-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dg5tGScNagTNBvNVTePeGU-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dg5tGScNagTNBvNVTePeGU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I misjudged this situation for a moment&#8217; \u2013 Fan apologises for close encounter of the nasal kind with Wout Van Aert at In Flanders Fields<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rcETCoJsDCpoif83S8uocA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rcETCoJsDCpoif83S8uocA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rcETCoJsDCpoif83S8uocA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rcETCoJsDCpoif83S8uocA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rcETCoJsDCpoif83S8uocA-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\">A clinical Jonas Vingegaard and a long list of riders MIA \u2013 Philippa York analyses the Volta a Catalunya<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Previews<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar has changed E3 Saxo Classic&#8217;s status but it remains the best Flanders form guide \u2013 A closer look at the contenders for Friday&#8217;s race<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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 class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-320-80.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\">New name, new route, new winners? \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Ronde Van Brugge<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tdMM9USiVzeJJ9QkhvYSBE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tdMM9USiVzeJJ9QkhvYSBE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tdMM9USiVzeJJ9QkhvYSBE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tdMM9USiVzeJJ9QkhvYSBE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tdMM9USiVzeJJ9QkhvYSBE-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\">Crunch time in the Pyrenees for Jonas Vingegaard, Remco Evenepoel and Tom Pidcock \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the 2026 Volta a Catalunya<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-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 Poga\u010dar followers, the fast finishers and the outsiders \u2013 Analysing the Milan-San Remo contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-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\">Can the sprinters shut down a Poggio attack or will aggressors seize the day? &#8211; Analysing the favourites for the 2026 Milan-San Remo Women<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" 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https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MYry5NPGaWFQUqUUuZkaEm-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MYry5NPGaWFQUqUUuZkaEm-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MYry5NPGaWFQUqUUuZkaEm-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MYry5NPGaWFQUqUUuZkaEm.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MYry5NPGaWFQUqUUuZkaEm.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MYry5NPGaWFQUqUUuZkaEm.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\">UCI Gravel World Series: Joaquin Plomer and Maria Laura Bugarin take elite victories at Vuelta Altas Cumbres Gravel on home soil in Argentina <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;They told us they were going to kill us&#8217; &#8211; Aggressive driver arrested for endangering US criterium champion after video of road rage incident went viral<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;We&#8217;ll certainly not make that same mistake again&#8217; \u2013 Can Wout van Aert and Visma take revenge at Dwars door Vlaanderen a year on from three-against-one tactical blunder?<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;She&#8217;ll be one of our big cards to play&#8217; \u2013 Marlen Reusser primed to hit the ground running for Movistar at Dwars door Vlaanderen after long injury sideline<\/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\">More than a Tour of Flanders warm-up \u2013 Analysing the contenders at Dwars door Vlaanderen<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>More than a Tour of Flanders warm-up \u2013 Analysing the contenders at Dwars door Vlaanderen<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nLaura Weislo <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-31T15:57:40Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n31 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Lotte Kopecky, Wout van Aert, Demi Vollering, and Jasper Philipsen among the major names taking part in Wednesday&#8217;s cobbled Classic<\/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 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Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"!m-0\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\"><span>0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div role=\"dialog\" class=\"hidden fixed inset-0 z-[999999999999999999] bg-[#33333370] flex items-center justify-center p-6 newsletter-modal\" data-batch-endpoint=\"https:\/\/newsletter-subscribe.futureplc.com\/v2\/submission\/submit_batch\" data-batch-source=\"302\" data-component-name=\"Newsletter:Modal\">\n<div class=\"bg-neutral-100 rounded-xl shadow-xl w-full lg:w-2\/3 xl:w-1\/2 p-6 relative max-h-[95vh] overflow-y-auto\">\n<div id=\"newsletter-capture-modal\">\n<div class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0 bg-inherit font-ui-heading\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base font-article-copy\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<div data-component-name=\"Newsletter:NewsletterForm\">\n<hr class=\"modal_hr mt-3 mb-4 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"modal_footer block text-left opacity-80 text-[.8em] leading-[1.3em] mt-2 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline font-article-copy\">\nBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-a614e603-b2b2-4737-b8fe-30a96901db56\">Dwars door Vlaanderen, like many of the races which were previously viewed as tune-up events for the Tour of Flanders, has become a target of its own as part of the WorldTour for both men and women.<\/p>\n<p>The same names who will be favourites to win De Ronde on Sunday will also feature prominently in the mid-week race, which takes place on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a614e603-b2b2-4737-b8fe-30a96901db56-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Dwars door Vlaanderen finishes Waregem and features 12 climbs and seven cobbled sections in the Flemish Ardennes for men, and eight climbs and six cobbled sectors for the Dwars door Vlaanderen Women.<\/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\/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<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\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">New name, new route, new winners? \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Ronde Van Brugge<\/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\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-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\">Will Demi Vollering take a third win or can the powerful SD Worx-Protime and Visma-Lease a Bike duos stand in her way? \u2013\u00a0Analysing the favourites for Strade Bianche Women<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">It&#8217;s not the longest race at 185km for men and 128.9km for women, but wind and aggressive racing can make for a much tougher day in the saddle than what appears on the profile. The race concludes with a circuit with two ascents of the Nokereberg, the last coming with 9.2km to go.<\/p>\n<p>The first trip over the Nokereberg is from the shorter, cobbled side \u2013 the previous finish of Nokere Koerse \u2013 while the final climb uses the longer paved side, the current finale of Nokere Koerse.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">So it stands to reason that riders who excel in that earlier race will do well in Dwars door Vlaanderen, but that isn&#8217;t always the case.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Neither Lotte Kopecky (SD Worx-ProTime) nor Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Premier Tech), winners of Nokere Koerse this year, have won Dwars door Vlaanderen &#8211; yet. Both are still top contenders to win it this year.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The Dwars door Vlaanderen Women&#8217;s race has been won by solo riders or small groups, with the occasional bunch sprint. Because the race is so short, the rough, back-to-back Doorn and Huispontweg cobble sectors have been where the difference has been made for the past three years.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Here, <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> looks at the top Dwars door Vlaanderen and Dwars door Vlaanderen Women contenders for 2026.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-jasper-philipsen-alpecin-premier-tech\"><span>Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Premier Tech)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-4abb388f-71fe-44cc-a21e-fc565cb2e085\">\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\/QpmdPdHAXQLVoWzCRox4E-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QpmdPdHAXQLVoWzCRox4E-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QpmdPdHAXQLVoWzCRox4E-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QpmdPdHAXQLVoWzCRox4E-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QpmdPdHAXQLVoWzCRox4E-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QpmdPdHAXQLVoWzCRox4E-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Jasper Philipsen recently won In Flanders Fields <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-6112ca09-788f-407b-9a64-c3b3cd799333\">Jasper Philipsen, a winner of Nokere Koerse and In Flanders Fields this year and Milan-San Remo in 2024, has yet to crack the code of Dwars door Vlaanderen, netting his best finish in 2023 with fourth place.<\/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\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-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\">Kopecky, Wiebes, Vollering ready to battle after last year&#8217;s upset \u2013 Analysing the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad Women contenders<\/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\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">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><\/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\/uVay2h9sfPE9H9LsHgUEQP-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uVay2h9sfPE9H9LsHgUEQP-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\">The return of the greats, cycling&#8217;s newest mega talent and &#8216;grande ciclismo&#8217; \u2013 What I&#8217;m excited to see at this year&#8217;s Strade Bianche<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>In the 2026 Dwars door Vlaanderen route, the same Nokereberg climb where Philipsen won Nokere Koerse is the last ascent, so why hasn&#8217;t Philipsen been able to win? The race often splits up well before the finish, and he hasn&#8217;t managed to make the winning move.<\/p>\n<p>When Philipsen came fourth in 2023, it was from a reduced peloton behind solo winner Christophe Laporte. That was the closest the race came to a bunch sprint since 2016.<\/p>\n<p>In 2024, Lidl-Trek shattered the bunch in the crosswinds before Berg Ten Houte with over 70km to go. In 2025, an attack on the Knokteberg-Trieu with 56km to go stayed clear, with Neilson Powless (EF Education-EasyPost) outfoxing three Visma-Lease a Bike riders, including Wout van Aert, to take the win.<\/p>\n<p>This season seems to have a different dynamic, with Van der Poel&#8217;s attack during In Flanders Fields being nullified and his E3 Saxo Classic romp almost coming to heel in the final kilometre. It might be that the peloton has learned to control long-range attacks even from the top riders, improving the chances for a sprint.<\/p>\n<p>After winning in Wevelgem on Sunday, Philipsen is one of the top favourites to win Dwars door Vlaanderen. With Mathieu van der Poel taking a pass, Philipsen will have the full support of his team, but it also means an aggressive race to try to get rid of him.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-lotte-kopecky-sd-worx-protime\"><span>Lotte Kopecky (SD Worx-ProTime)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1fcbf238-e5b2-4f01-b02a-259a0f80a9c1\">\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\/yyCBW2WT8ELdq63nagfsvC-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yyCBW2WT8ELdq63nagfsvC-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yyCBW2WT8ELdq63nagfsvC-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yyCBW2WT8ELdq63nagfsvC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yyCBW2WT8ELdq63nagfsvC-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yyCBW2WT8ELdq63nagfsvC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Lotte Kopecky celebrates victory at Milan-San Remo <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-580a5a02-8db9-47e5-bf1c-5d26a8abb965\">With back-to-back victories in two very different races, Nokere Koerse and Milan-San Remo, Lotte Kopecky has had time to recover after skipping In Flanders Fields.<\/p>\n<p>Kopecky fought for her chance to take the win in San Remo and earned the backing of her team while sprinter Lorena Wiebes won the bunch sprint for sixth behind the break of five.<\/p>\n<p>SD Worx appear to be leaving Wiebes on the bench for Wednesday, so the team will be fully behind the Belgian phenom on Wednesday, with Dwars door Vlaanderen a rare blank on her palmares.<\/p>\n<p>Kopecky&#8217;s best finish in the race came last year when she won the reduced sprint for second behind solo winner Elisa Longo Borghini.<\/p>\n<p>With this race not yet on her palmares, expect to see Kopecky on the attack across the cobbles.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-wout-van-aert-visma-lease-a-bike\"><span>Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1f26b38b-78fc-4dbc-8c72-a4c0e8cd9aeb\">\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\/uqVXGohAYmE4UWxGTa3hnK-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uqVXGohAYmE4UWxGTa3hnK-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uqVXGohAYmE4UWxGTa3hnK-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uqVXGohAYmE4UWxGTa3hnK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uqVXGohAYmE4UWxGTa3hnK-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uqVXGohAYmE4UWxGTa3hnK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Wout van Aert in action at In Flanders Fields <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-391c723a-0d20-4186-abfd-3f3d502cefdb\">Wout van Aert will be itching for revenge after the botched team finish in 2025, where they had the numbers but not the correct tactics, losing to Powless in a three-versus-one scenario.<\/p>\n<p>Powless is not racing this year due to a knee problem, but after finishing second to Van der Poel in Wevelgem at the end of In Flanders Fields on Sunday, Van Aert needs a win.<\/p>\n<p>Dwars door Vlaanderen also happens to be the race where Van Aert suffered terrible injuries in a high-speed crash on a descent that has now been removed from the race, and a win would put those demons to bed as well.<\/p>\n<p>Van Aert is joined by a strong team, with sprinter Matthew Brennan on hand if the race comes back together, and Christophe Laporte to make the race hard.<\/p>\n<p>While the team has great options, Van Aert will want to be the one atop the podium to gain confidence and momentum ahead of the Tour of Flanders, where he wants to finally fill that blank row on his win list.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-demi-vollering-fdj-united-suez\"><span>Demi Vollering (FDJ United-Suez)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-16161abe-e02e-4c74-8982-28c585e77bc4\">\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\/4Muxpx867Wq2T29zgm4zZ6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4Muxpx867Wq2T29zgm4zZ6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4Muxpx867Wq2T29zgm4zZ6-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4Muxpx867Wq2T29zgm4zZ6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4Muxpx867Wq2T29zgm4zZ6-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4Muxpx867Wq2T29zgm4zZ6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">European champion Demi Vollering has already won Omloop Het Nieuwsblad this season <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-f4844c54-cedc-4b3f-9052-968bc9b35888\">The former winner of Dwars door Vlaanderen started her 2026 season strong with two stages and the overall at the Volta a Valenciana before winning Omloop het Nieuwsblad. Since February, Demi Vollering has only raced Strade Bianche, where her teammate Elise Chabbey took the win.<\/p>\n<p>Dwars door Vlaanderen marks the start of Vollering&#8217;s Classics campaign, which includes the Tour of Flanders and all three Ardennes Classics.<\/p>\n<p>Vollering won Omloop with a successful breakaway with Kasia Niewiadoma, won the first stage in Valencia solo, and then won from a small breakaway on stage 3. It will be more complicated in Dwars door Vlaanderen to win solo, especially with an on-form Kopecky in the mix.<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s tough to say where Vollering&#8217;s form is since she hasn&#8217;t been racing since Strade Bianche, but she rarely toes the line without the intent to win. With sprinter Ally Wollaston also in the lineup, Vollering has options, too.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-mads-pedersen-lidl-trek\"><span>Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-d820cbd9-4774-430a-933c-f6d43a3cf025\">\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\/gAUfibBg2JchHLMcqrN9Bd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gAUfibBg2JchHLMcqrN9Bd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gAUfibBg2JchHLMcqrN9Bd-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gAUfibBg2JchHLMcqrN9Bd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gAUfibBg2JchHLMcqrN9Bd-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gAUfibBg2JchHLMcqrN9Bd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Mads Pedersen on the front during the E3 Saxo Classic <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-5ee3b510-d274-4cd8-b554-bf4eb83b2081\">Lidl-Trek&#8217;s spring campaign has been a washout so far, largely because Mads Pedersen was out with a wrist and collarbone fracture since February, returning for Milan-San Remo, and then fell ill and skipped In Flanders Fields.<\/p>\n<p>Pedersen is still racing with tape on his wrist, and just eight weeks into his recovery, he still has to be feeling some pain on the cobbles. Pedersen is a true foreign Flandrien and hard as nails, but his record in Dwars door Vlaanderen isn&#8217;t the best &#8211; he&#8217;s been fifth three times (2018, 2023, 2025).<\/p>\n<p>The team will also have sprinter Jonathan Milan and underrated Classics rider Mathias Vacek, covering their bases much like Visma-Lease a Bike.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-elisa-longo-borghini-uae-team-adq\"><span>Elisa Longo Borghini (UAE Team ADQ)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-92b77127-845b-4ffd-8af1-4d76193acbd4\">\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\/azvnWkS278tnHS8GgA6SRn-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/azvnWkS278tnHS8GgA6SRn-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/azvnWkS278tnHS8GgA6SRn-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/azvnWkS278tnHS8GgA6SRn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/azvnWkS278tnHS8GgA6SRn-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/azvnWkS278tnHS8GgA6SRn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Longo Borghini on the attack during the Trofeo Oro in Euro <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-2639dd24-f7ac-445a-8e41-a5af0ec0df9f\">The Italian champion, winner of the UAE Tour in February, had to sit out Milan-San Remo due to illness, but after a couple of weeks of recovery, Elisa Longo Borghini is expected to be another major contender for Dwars door Vlaanderen.<\/p>\n<p>Longo Borghini is ramping up for the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix, her major spring targets, so she will be peaking this week.<\/p>\n<p>Her display in last year&#8217;s Dwars door Vlaanderen showed that Longo Borghini is probably the best female rider on cobblestones, and she will be closely followed in the key moments of Wednesday&#8217;s race.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-florian-vermeersch-uae-team-emirates-xrg\"><span>Florian Vermeersch (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-2158f2f2-c799-4119-9edc-f7c55d35e39d\">\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\/DAchWE2JfDMLSBfdrLFSaA-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DAchWE2JfDMLSBfdrLFSaA-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DAchWE2JfDMLSBfdrLFSaA-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DAchWE2JfDMLSBfdrLFSaA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DAchWE2JfDMLSBfdrLFSaA-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DAchWE2JfDMLSBfdrLFSaA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Vermeersch in action at the E3 Saxo Classic <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-39e191e9-a801-4ad7-95e8-8a02c41687c8\">Florian Vermeersch was so close to chasing down Van der Poel in Friday&#8217;s E3 Saxo Classic, but one hesitation while he looked to his breakaway companions for one last pull spoiled his chances.<\/p>\n<p>Third in that race and Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Vermeersch is looking like a real contender in the Classics this year after finding his feet again with UAE Team Emirates.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-marianne-vos-visma-lease-a-bike\"><span>Marianne Vos (Visma-Lease a Bike)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-6b4e784d-8326-421e-b3b5-2eccdbe0b2a0\">\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\/wxrrNbeWPJC3HYn8iko7cM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wxrrNbeWPJC3HYn8iko7cM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wxrrNbeWPJC3HYn8iko7cM-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wxrrNbeWPJC3HYn8iko7cM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wxrrNbeWPJC3HYn8iko7cM-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wxrrNbeWPJC3HYn8iko7cM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Marianne Vos heads up Visma-Lease a Bike <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-98b7f781-0620-4f9e-a412-6b5c2390e70e\">The greatest cyclist of all time, Marianne Vos, is always going to be a favourite to win a Classic, and with a recent victory in Dwars door Vlaanderen still fresh, we expect her to be at the pointy end yet again.<\/p>\n<p>Now 38, Vos might be a shade less prolific than in past years, but a sixth in the Trofeo Alfredo Binda and seventh in Strade Bianche show she can&#8217;t be counted out yet.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-add5a433-e731-4233-8646-e4e6564f6da1\"><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled 2026 Spring Classics coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/more-than-a-tour-of-flanders-warm-up-analysing-the-contenders-at-dwars-door-vlaanderen\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rk3esFqRGQfMaCDXoZMm9W-2560-80.jpg&#8221;] Pro Cycling Racing Road More than a Tour of Flanders warm-up \u2013 Analysing the contenders at Dwars door Vlaanderen By Laura Weislo published 31 March 2026 Lotte Kopecky, Wout van Aert, Demi Vollering, and Jasper Philipsen among the major names taking part in Wednesday&#8217;s cobbled Classic When you purchase through links on [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,68],"class_list":["post-1858676","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\/1858676","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=1858676"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1858676\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1858676"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1858676"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1858676"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}