{"id":1860006,"date":"2026-04-01T13:51:49","date_gmt":"2026-04-01T10:51:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1860006"},"modified":"2026-04-01T13:51:49","modified_gmt":"2026-04-01T10:51:49","slug":"why-remco-evenepoel-is-right-to-make-his-tour-of-flanders-debut-now-and-how-he-could-challenge-pogacar-and-van-der-poel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1860006","title":{"rendered":"Why Remco Evenepoel is right to make his Tour of Flanders debut now, and how he could challenge Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bHLxGrWU2fCg4Mw43wZRES-1024-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRemco Evenepoel\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Why Remco Evenepoel is right to make his Tour of Flanders debut now, and how he could challenge Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nFeatures<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-01T13:51:49Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n1 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">How the Belgian superstar could change the nature of the race on Sunday against Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel<\/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\/bHLxGrWU2fCg4Mw43wZRES-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bHLxGrWU2fCg4Mw43wZRES-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bHLxGrWU2fCg4Mw43wZRES-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bHLxGrWU2fCg4Mw43wZRES-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bHLxGrWU2fCg4Mw43wZRES-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bHLxGrWU2fCg4Mw43wZRES-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bHLxGrWU2fCg4Mw43wZRES-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Remco Evenepoel ( Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) rides at Volta a Catalunya<\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white 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 sm:ml-1.5 font-base text-xs\">4<\/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-13986af3-14ba-40b6-99be-d03664fc4bcb\">Kept tightly under wraps, it took Remco Evenepoel almost 100 days to tell the world that he would be racing the Tour of Flanders for the first time, one of the most highly-anticipated debuts in professional cycling that felt like it was inevitable, but not in 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Back in December, when Evenepoel was spotted training with Gianni Vermeersch on the route of the Flemish Monument, his home nation&#8217;s most prestigious race, rumours had swirled that he was preparing for a maiden tilt at the Ronde van Vlaanderen.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-13986af3-14ba-40b6-99be-d03664fc4bcb-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">But Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe said no, and when it was put to management, be that Ralph Denk or Zak Dempster, the answer has consistently been that while he will race it one day for the German team, that will not happen in this current season. Vermeersch stayed quiet, too, telling local media that he was simply training near his home and testing equipment.<\/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\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-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\">Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe have the makings of a great Tour of Flanders team, but is Remco Evenepoel the missing piece for taking on Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel?<\/span><\/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\/kdyjvfBtQGcrdvvymtNZJd-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kdyjvfBtQGcrdvvymtNZJd-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\">Remco Evenepoel will ride the Tour of Flanders in shock debut<\/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\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-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\">Why Poga\u010dar and Van Aert&#8217;s teams aren&#8217;t sensing weakness for the Tour of Flanders despite Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s near-miss at E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">But as the rumour returned on the eve of Dwars door Vlaanderen, the morning after revealed that the team had all been telling white lies all along, as Evenepoel confirmed his participation and then posted a YouTube video in which, on December 27, he said to the camera: &#8220;I&#8217;ll be riding the Tour of Flanders this year.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">It begs several questions that don&#8217;t have simple answers: just why did they want to keep it a secret all this time? How could his participation change the race on Sunday? Does this explain why his form on the longer climbs has been lacking?<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The first has been addressed by Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe boss Denk on the team&#8217;s website, confirming that the drama created by the late revelation was part of their plan all along.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;The connection between Remco and the Tour of Flanders is deep and emotional. A plan like this does not come together overnight,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-SGDKRVTN9kb4kYuqyjqDDa\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-SGDKRVTN9kb4kYuqyjqDDa slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&#8220;We deliberately kept it under the radar to create a special moment for the fans \u2013 revealing it as a surprise on April 1. The fact that we were able to keep this internal for more than 100 days speaks to the cohesion and unity of this team.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>As much as it is a surprise for fans and the media, that also means it should come as a shock to the main contenders for De Ronde, the likes of Tadej Poga\u010dar, Mathieu van der Poel, Wout van Aert, and Mads Pedersen. But just how, if at all, can he challenge them?<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"the-potential-evenepoel-effect-3\">The potential Evenepoel effect<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-555a537e-27e4-4485-8f95-37631dc8e2d9\">I wrote earlier in the week that Evenepoel was the piece Red Bull were missing from becoming a great Tour of Flanders team, with the obvious factor being that they are lacking a superstar leader, who offers both clarity for the other starters and allows everyone to fully commit to the greater goal \u2013 something which UAE and Alpecin do incredibly well for Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel.<\/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\/aWvbNafWKFhdvNXYcMJPmh-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWvbNafWKFhdvNXYcMJPmh-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;He&#8217;d only start if he was there for a top result&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert welcomes Remco Evenepoel&#8217;s participation in Tour of Flanders<\/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\/zce5G3DYsHjGfsRMTdjQpF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zce5G3DYsHjGfsRMTdjQpF-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I told him for so many years to do it, and he didn&#8217;t&#8217; \u2013 Patrick Lefevere reacts to Remco Evenepoel&#8217;s Tour of Flanders debut, having failed to convince him at Soudal-QuickStep<\/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\/HSjXL58Hwiy6QBTVDBGbnP-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HSjXL58Hwiy6QBTVDBGbnP-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I would be surprised if he never rode the Tour of Flanders&#8217; &#8211; Remco Evenepoel&#8217;s choice to skip Ronde in 2026 could well change in future, team management say<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Evenepoel has long been a better one-day racer than stage racer; his palmar\u00e8s makes that clear: Olympic Champion, World Champion, two-time Li\u00e8ge-bastogne-Li\u00e8ge winner, three-time Clasic\u00e1 San Sebasti\u00e1n winner and defending champion at Brabantse Pijl.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-da2b6220-1bfa-4ce8-8347-996c96764777\">\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\/wXKfemYhD7D7egHWGHPPUK-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wXKfemYhD7D7egHWGHPPUK-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wXKfemYhD7D7egHWGHPPUK-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wXKfemYhD7D7egHWGHPPUK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wXKfemYhD7D7egHWGHPPUK-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wXKfemYhD7D7egHWGHPPUK-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\">Remco Evenepoel won the ITT at 2025 European Championships in the world champion&#8217;s rainbow stripes <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-50a1f748-fb6d-4d48-9a6b-417ec823b918\">Denk said that Evenepoel had 10 years to race the Tour of Flanders in his most recent denial of participation at the Volta a Catalunya, but his Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a title is now almost four years in the past. And his last WorldTour stage race victory came at the UAE Tour in 2023. The time is right to take on these one-day races where he could well thrive, and perhaps thrive more \u2013 as former boss Patrick Lefevere suggested \u2013 than in what he has been chasing as a Tour de France-focused rider these past few seasons.<\/p>\n<p>He has a unique skillset among the top riders in the peloton, as one of the best time trial riders we&#8217;ve ever seen, almost certainly the most aerodynamic, even on his road bike, and an incredibly punchy rider who is very hard to match on short climbs at his best, and a nightmare to try and bring back once he gets away.<\/p>\n<p>Yes, Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel can punch better than anyone, and have won the past four Tours of Flanders between them, but Evenpoel, in theory, has \u2013 aside from positioning \u2013 all the characteristics which should allow him to follow the biggest moves if he is indeed there to follow them when they kick off on Sunday.<\/p>\n<p>For me, he can certainly win De Ronde, but of course, expecting that on debut is unreasonable. Just look at how Poga\u010dar&#8217;s first appearance went \u2013 he was outfoxed by Van der Poel and managed to finish fourth in a two-man sprint, despite his excellence on the bergs.<\/p>\n<p>Evenepoel will take big lessons from Sunday no matter what comes of it, but as Van Aert correctly noted at the start in Roeselare of Dwars door Vlaanderen, &#8220;If he starts, I can assume that he is doing so with big goals in mind.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>He won&#8217;t want to just be dropped and watch as Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel scorch away to take the glory; he will want to win.<\/p>\n<p>That may be inconceivable in the face of the Slovenian, who has completely decimated the field at his last two Flanders appearances, but it could explain just why Evenepoel hasn&#8217;t been at his absolute best climbing shape in Catalunya and the UAE.<\/p>\n<p>If Flanders has been on his mind since December 27, perhaps this will prove to be a masterpiece of planning from Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, and Poga\u010dar will be pushed to the absolute limit by the home star who has been prepping for this very day all along.<\/p>\n<p>No Belgian man has won De Ronde since Philippe Gilbert in 2017, with Van Aert failing to deliver as their main hope. Evenepoel&#8217;s start will ignite a frenzy in Belgium and on the streets that head to Oudenaarde, but the Paterberg and Oude Kwaremont are no place to hide \u2013 it&#8217;s set to be an unmissable baptism of fire.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-91de3220-e0a2-4c56-b0bd-68b794c5bf52\"><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><em><strong>Find out more<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>.<\/strong><\/em><\/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>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-SGDKRVTN9kb4kYuqyjqDDa\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-SGDKRVTN9kb4kYuqyjqDDa slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">James Moultrie<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>James Moultrie is a gold-standard NCTJ journalist who joined\u00a0Cyclingnews\u00a0as a News Writer in 2023 after originally contributing as a freelancer for eight months, during which time he also wrote for Eurosport, Rouleur and Cycling Weekly. Prior to joining the team he reported on races such as Paris-Roubaix and the Giro d\u2019Italia Donne for Eurosport and has interviewed some of the sport\u2019s top riders in Chlo\u00e9 Dygert, Lizzie Deignan and Wout van Aert. Outside of cycling, he spends the majority of his time watching other sports \u2013 rugby, football, cricket, and American Football to name a few.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe have the makings of a great Tour of Flanders team, but is Remco Evenepoel the missing piece for taking on Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel?<\/span><\/div>\n<div 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\/kdyjvfBtQGcrdvvymtNZJd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kdyjvfBtQGcrdvvymtNZJd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kdyjvfBtQGcrdvvymtNZJd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kdyjvfBtQGcrdvvymtNZJd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kdyjvfBtQGcrdvvymtNZJd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Remco Evenepoel will ride the Tour of Flanders in shock debut<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Why Poga\u010dar and Van Aert&#8217;s teams aren&#8217;t sensing weakness for the Tour of Flanders despite Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s near-miss at E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWvbNafWKFhdvNXYcMJPmh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWvbNafWKFhdvNXYcMJPmh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWvbNafWKFhdvNXYcMJPmh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWvbNafWKFhdvNXYcMJPmh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWvbNafWKFhdvNXYcMJPmh-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;He&#8217;d only start if he was there for a top result&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert welcomes Remco Evenepoel&#8217;s participation in Tour of Flanders<\/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\/zce5G3DYsHjGfsRMTdjQpF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zce5G3DYsHjGfsRMTdjQpF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zce5G3DYsHjGfsRMTdjQpF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zce5G3DYsHjGfsRMTdjQpF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zce5G3DYsHjGfsRMTdjQpF-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 told him for so many years to do it, and he didn&#8217;t&#8217; \u2013 Patrick Lefevere reacts to Remco Evenepoel&#8217;s Tour of Flanders debut, having failed to convince him at Soudal-QuickStep<\/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\/HSjXL58Hwiy6QBTVDBGbnP-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HSjXL58Hwiy6QBTVDBGbnP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HSjXL58Hwiy6QBTVDBGbnP-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HSjXL58Hwiy6QBTVDBGbnP-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HSjXL58Hwiy6QBTVDBGbnP-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I would be surprised if he never rode the Tour of Flanders&#8217; &#8211; Remco Evenepoel&#8217;s choice to skip Ronde in 2026 could well change in future, team management say<\/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 Teams &amp; Riders<\/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\/RZPKZeofqLnbQCo582hApD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RZPKZeofqLnbQCo582hApD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RZPKZeofqLnbQCo582hApD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RZPKZeofqLnbQCo582hApD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RZPKZeofqLnbQCo582hApD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;He needs to call my girlfriend, because she&#8217;s preparing a fantastic dinner for Easter&#8217; \u2013 Despite dramatic Dwars fightback, Filippo Ganna says Paris-Roubaix remains his next race, not the Tour of Flanders<\/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\/j3eb8Rozw7gVHmDzZi8JTD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j3eb8Rozw7gVHmDzZi8JTD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j3eb8Rozw7gVHmDzZi8JTD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j3eb8Rozw7gVHmDzZi8JTD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j3eb8Rozw7gVHmDzZi8JTD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Two races, two big attacks, no win \u2013 What do Wout van Aert&#8217;s double close defeats mean for the Tour of Flanders?<\/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\/kdyjvfBtQGcrdvvymtNZJd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kdyjvfBtQGcrdvvymtNZJd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kdyjvfBtQGcrdvvymtNZJd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kdyjvfBtQGcrdvvymtNZJd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kdyjvfBtQGcrdvvymtNZJd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Remco Evenepoel will ride the Tour of Flanders in shock debut<\/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\/GMa4ASYgRv25ymMnYxb5Wo-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GMa4ASYgRv25ymMnYxb5Wo-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GMa4ASYgRv25ymMnYxb5Wo-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GMa4ASYgRv25ymMnYxb5Wo-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GMa4ASYgRv25ymMnYxb5Wo-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;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<\/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\/Q3J95fBiX8AU8aJKCfy8gT-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q3J95fBiX8AU8aJKCfy8gT-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q3J95fBiX8AU8aJKCfy8gT-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q3J95fBiX8AU8aJKCfy8gT-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q3J95fBiX8AU8aJKCfy8gT-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\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Instagram DMs, quiet Belgian side streets, and phone calls with parents \u2013 Inside the race to snap up cycling&#8217;s next top talents<\/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\/upAciNBEaLB5QXgnJ46ytR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/upAciNBEaLB5QXgnJ46ytR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/upAciNBEaLB5QXgnJ46ytR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/upAciNBEaLB5QXgnJ46ytR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/upAciNBEaLB5QXgnJ46ytR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Feel like Mike Tyson punched me in the back&#8217; \u2013 Ben Turner dusts himself off after bizarre somersault crash at In Flanders Fields<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Features<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q3J95fBiX8AU8aJKCfy8gT-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q3J95fBiX8AU8aJKCfy8gT-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q3J95fBiX8AU8aJKCfy8gT-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q3J95fBiX8AU8aJKCfy8gT-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q3J95fBiX8AU8aJKCfy8gT-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\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Instagram DMs, quiet Belgian side streets, and phone calls with parents \u2013 Inside the race to snap up cycling&#8217;s next top talents<\/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 class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MKWBaDLoZMm6zxaaaxGDTA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MKWBaDLoZMm6zxaaaxGDTA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MKWBaDLoZMm6zxaaaxGDTA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MKWBaDLoZMm6zxaaaxGDTA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MKWBaDLoZMm6zxaaaxGDTA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Soft pulls, subtle digs: The Tour of Flanders mind games have already begun \u2013 Analysis<\/span><\/div>\n<div 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\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe have the makings of a great Tour of Flanders team, but is Remco Evenepoel the missing piece for taking on Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel?<\/span><\/div>\n<div 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\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: The alternative way to beat the big hitters, and why Lorena Wiebes is a master<\/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\/RFsQPgVqh9mBM2sQpfTau8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFsQPgVqh9mBM2sQpfTau8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFsQPgVqh9mBM2sQpfTau8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFsQPgVqh9mBM2sQpfTau8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFsQPgVqh9mBM2sQpfTau8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;She&#8217;s a real go-getter&#8217; \u2013 Who is Fleur Moors, the rapidly rising star who has challenged Lorena Wiebes twice already this season?<\/span><\/div>\n<div 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\/kkBVa5xY7v7FGodaUXSuoc-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kkBVa5xY7v7FGodaUXSuoc-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kkBVa5xY7v7FGodaUXSuoc-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kkBVa5xY7v7FGodaUXSuoc-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kkBVa5xY7v7FGodaUXSuoc.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kkBVa5xY7v7FGodaUXSuoc.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kkBVa5xY7v7FGodaUXSuoc.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\">&#8216;I have mixed feelings&#8217; &#8211; Late-race gamble falls short for Demi Vollering at Dwars door Vlaanderen<\/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;For me it was perfect&#8217; \u2013 Marlen Reusser profits from Demi Vollering breakaway and post-injury strength to grab Dwars door Vlaanderen victory<\/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;I told him for so many years to do it, and he didn&#8217;t&#8217; \u2013 Patrick Lefevere reacts to Remco Evenepoel&#8217;s Tour of Flanders debut, having failed to convince him at Soudal-QuickStep<\/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\">Two races, two big attacks, no win \u2013 What do Wout van Aert&#8217;s double close defeats mean for the Tour of Flanders?<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;He needs to call my girlfriend, because she&#8217;s preparing a fantastic dinner for Easter&#8217; \u2013 Despite dramatic Dwars fightback, Filippo Ganna says Paris-Roubaix remains his next race, not the Tour of Flanders<\/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>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRemco Evenepoel\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Why Remco Evenepoel is right to make his Tour of Flanders debut now, and how he could challenge Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nFeatures<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-01T13:51:49Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n1 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">How the Belgian superstar could change the nature of the race on Sunday against Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel<\/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\/bHLxGrWU2fCg4Mw43wZRES-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bHLxGrWU2fCg4Mw43wZRES-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bHLxGrWU2fCg4Mw43wZRES-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bHLxGrWU2fCg4Mw43wZRES-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bHLxGrWU2fCg4Mw43wZRES-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bHLxGrWU2fCg4Mw43wZRES-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bHLxGrWU2fCg4Mw43wZRES-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Remco Evenepoel ( Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) rides at Volta a Catalunya<\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white 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 sm:ml-1.5 font-base text-xs\">4<\/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-13986af3-14ba-40b6-99be-d03664fc4bcb\">Kept tightly under wraps, it took Remco Evenepoel almost 100 days to tell the world that he would be racing the Tour of Flanders for the first time, one of the most highly-anticipated debuts in professional cycling that felt like it was inevitable, but not in 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Back in December, when Evenepoel was spotted training with Gianni Vermeersch on the route of the Flemish Monument, his home nation&#8217;s most prestigious race, rumours had swirled that he was preparing for a maiden tilt at the Ronde van Vlaanderen.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-13986af3-14ba-40b6-99be-d03664fc4bcb-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">But Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe said no, and when it was put to management, be that Ralph Denk or Zak Dempster, the answer has consistently been that while he will race it one day for the German team, that will not happen in this current season. Vermeersch stayed quiet, too, telling local media that he was simply training near his home and testing equipment.<\/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\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-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\">Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe have the makings of a great Tour of Flanders team, but is Remco Evenepoel the missing piece for taking on Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel?<\/span><\/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\/kdyjvfBtQGcrdvvymtNZJd-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kdyjvfBtQGcrdvvymtNZJd-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\">Remco Evenepoel will ride the Tour of Flanders in shock debut<\/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\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-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\">Why Poga\u010dar and Van Aert&#8217;s teams aren&#8217;t sensing weakness for the Tour of Flanders despite Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s near-miss at E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">But as the rumour returned on the eve of Dwars door Vlaanderen, the morning after revealed that the team had all been telling white lies all along, as Evenepoel confirmed his participation and then posted a YouTube video in which, on December 27, he said to the camera: &#8220;I&#8217;ll be riding the Tour of Flanders this year.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">It begs several questions that don&#8217;t have simple answers: just why did they want to keep it a secret all this time? How could his participation change the race on Sunday? Does this explain why his form on the longer climbs has been lacking?<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The first has been addressed by Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe boss Denk on the team&#8217;s website, confirming that the drama created by the late revelation was part of their plan all along.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;The connection between Remco and the Tour of Flanders is deep and emotional. A plan like this does not come together overnight,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-SGDKRVTN9kb4kYuqyjqDDa\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-SGDKRVTN9kb4kYuqyjqDDa slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&#8220;We deliberately kept it under the radar to create a special moment for the fans \u2013 revealing it as a surprise on April 1. The fact that we were able to keep this internal for more than 100 days speaks to the cohesion and unity of this team.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>As much as it is a surprise for fans and the media, that also means it should come as a shock to the main contenders for De Ronde, the likes of Tadej Poga\u010dar, Mathieu van der Poel, Wout van Aert, and Mads Pedersen. But just how, if at all, can he challenge them?<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"the-potential-evenepoel-effect-3\">The potential Evenepoel effect<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-555a537e-27e4-4485-8f95-37631dc8e2d9\">I wrote earlier in the week that Evenepoel was the piece Red Bull were missing from becoming a great Tour of Flanders team, with the obvious factor being that they are lacking a superstar leader, who offers both clarity for the other starters and allows everyone to fully commit to the greater goal \u2013 something which UAE and Alpecin do incredibly well for Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel.<\/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\/aWvbNafWKFhdvNXYcMJPmh-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWvbNafWKFhdvNXYcMJPmh-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;He&#8217;d only start if he was there for a top result&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert welcomes Remco Evenepoel&#8217;s participation in Tour of Flanders<\/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\/zce5G3DYsHjGfsRMTdjQpF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zce5G3DYsHjGfsRMTdjQpF-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I told him for so many years to do it, and he didn&#8217;t&#8217; \u2013 Patrick Lefevere reacts to Remco Evenepoel&#8217;s Tour of Flanders debut, having failed to convince him at Soudal-QuickStep<\/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\/HSjXL58Hwiy6QBTVDBGbnP-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HSjXL58Hwiy6QBTVDBGbnP-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I would be surprised if he never rode the Tour of Flanders&#8217; &#8211; Remco Evenepoel&#8217;s choice to skip Ronde in 2026 could well change in future, team management say<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Evenepoel has long been a better one-day racer than stage racer; his palmar\u00e8s makes that clear: Olympic Champion, World Champion, two-time Li\u00e8ge-bastogne-Li\u00e8ge winner, three-time Clasic\u00e1 San Sebasti\u00e1n winner and defending champion at Brabantse Pijl.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-da2b6220-1bfa-4ce8-8347-996c96764777\">\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\/wXKfemYhD7D7egHWGHPPUK-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wXKfemYhD7D7egHWGHPPUK-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wXKfemYhD7D7egHWGHPPUK-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wXKfemYhD7D7egHWGHPPUK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wXKfemYhD7D7egHWGHPPUK-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wXKfemYhD7D7egHWGHPPUK-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\">Remco Evenepoel won the ITT at 2025 European Championships in the world champion&#8217;s rainbow stripes <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-50a1f748-fb6d-4d48-9a6b-417ec823b918\">Denk said that Evenepoel had 10 years to race the Tour of Flanders in his most recent denial of participation at the Volta a Catalunya, but his Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a title is now almost four years in the past. And his last WorldTour stage race victory came at the UAE Tour in 2023. The time is right to take on these one-day races where he could well thrive, and perhaps thrive more \u2013 as former boss Patrick Lefevere suggested \u2013 than in what he has been chasing as a Tour de France-focused rider these past few seasons.<\/p>\n<p>He has a unique skillset among the top riders in the peloton, as one of the best time trial riders we&#8217;ve ever seen, almost certainly the most aerodynamic, even on his road bike, and an incredibly punchy rider who is very hard to match on short climbs at his best, and a nightmare to try and bring back once he gets away.<\/p>\n<p>Yes, Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel can punch better than anyone, and have won the past four Tours of Flanders between them, but Evenpoel, in theory, has \u2013 aside from positioning \u2013 all the characteristics which should allow him to follow the biggest moves if he is indeed there to follow them when they kick off on Sunday.<\/p>\n<p>For me, he can certainly win De Ronde, but of course, expecting that on debut is unreasonable. Just look at how Poga\u010dar&#8217;s first appearance went \u2013 he was outfoxed by Van der Poel and managed to finish fourth in a two-man sprint, despite his excellence on the bergs.<\/p>\n<p>Evenepoel will take big lessons from Sunday no matter what comes of it, but as Van Aert correctly noted at the start in Roeselare of Dwars door Vlaanderen, &#8220;If he starts, I can assume that he is doing so with big goals in mind.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>He won&#8217;t want to just be dropped and watch as Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel scorch away to take the glory; he will want to win.<\/p>\n<p>That may be inconceivable in the face of the Slovenian, who has completely decimated the field at his last two Flanders appearances, but it could explain just why Evenepoel hasn&#8217;t been at his absolute best climbing shape in Catalunya and the UAE.<\/p>\n<p>If Flanders has been on his mind since December 27, perhaps this will prove to be a masterpiece of planning from Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, and Poga\u010dar will be pushed to the absolute limit by the home star who has been prepping for this very day all along.<\/p>\n<p>No Belgian man has won De Ronde since Philippe Gilbert in 2017, with Van Aert failing to deliver as their main hope. Evenepoel&#8217;s start will ignite a frenzy in Belgium and on the streets that head to Oudenaarde, but the Paterberg and Oude Kwaremont are no place to hide \u2013 it&#8217;s set to be an unmissable baptism of fire.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-91de3220-e0a2-4c56-b0bd-68b794c5bf52\"><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><em><strong>Find out more<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>.<\/strong><\/em><\/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>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-SGDKRVTN9kb4kYuqyjqDDa\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-SGDKRVTN9kb4kYuqyjqDDa slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">James Moultrie<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>James Moultrie is a gold-standard NCTJ journalist who joined\u00a0Cyclingnews\u00a0as a News Writer in 2023 after originally contributing as a freelancer for eight months, during which time he also wrote for Eurosport, Rouleur and Cycling Weekly. Prior to joining the team he reported on races such as Paris-Roubaix and the Giro d\u2019Italia Donne for Eurosport and has interviewed some of the sport\u2019s top riders in Chlo\u00e9 Dygert, Lizzie Deignan and Wout van Aert. Outside of cycling, he spends the majority of his time watching other sports \u2013 rugby, football, cricket, and American Football to name a few.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe have the makings of a great Tour of Flanders team, but is Remco Evenepoel the missing piece for taking on Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel?<\/span><\/div>\n<div 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\/kdyjvfBtQGcrdvvymtNZJd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kdyjvfBtQGcrdvvymtNZJd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kdyjvfBtQGcrdvvymtNZJd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kdyjvfBtQGcrdvvymtNZJd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kdyjvfBtQGcrdvvymtNZJd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Remco Evenepoel will ride the Tour of Flanders in shock debut<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Why Poga\u010dar and Van Aert&#8217;s teams aren&#8217;t sensing weakness for the Tour of Flanders despite Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s near-miss at E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWvbNafWKFhdvNXYcMJPmh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWvbNafWKFhdvNXYcMJPmh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWvbNafWKFhdvNXYcMJPmh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWvbNafWKFhdvNXYcMJPmh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWvbNafWKFhdvNXYcMJPmh-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;He&#8217;d only start if he was there for a top result&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert welcomes Remco Evenepoel&#8217;s participation in Tour of Flanders<\/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\/zce5G3DYsHjGfsRMTdjQpF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zce5G3DYsHjGfsRMTdjQpF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zce5G3DYsHjGfsRMTdjQpF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zce5G3DYsHjGfsRMTdjQpF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zce5G3DYsHjGfsRMTdjQpF-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 told him for so many years to do it, and he didn&#8217;t&#8217; \u2013 Patrick Lefevere reacts to Remco Evenepoel&#8217;s Tour of Flanders debut, having failed to convince him at Soudal-QuickStep<\/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\/HSjXL58Hwiy6QBTVDBGbnP-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HSjXL58Hwiy6QBTVDBGbnP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HSjXL58Hwiy6QBTVDBGbnP-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HSjXL58Hwiy6QBTVDBGbnP-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HSjXL58Hwiy6QBTVDBGbnP-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I would be surprised if he never rode the Tour of Flanders&#8217; &#8211; Remco Evenepoel&#8217;s choice to skip Ronde in 2026 could well change in future, team management say<\/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 Teams &amp; Riders<\/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\/RZPKZeofqLnbQCo582hApD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RZPKZeofqLnbQCo582hApD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RZPKZeofqLnbQCo582hApD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RZPKZeofqLnbQCo582hApD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RZPKZeofqLnbQCo582hApD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;He needs to call my girlfriend, because she&#8217;s preparing a fantastic dinner for Easter&#8217; \u2013 Despite dramatic Dwars fightback, Filippo Ganna says Paris-Roubaix remains his next race, not the Tour of Flanders<\/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\/j3eb8Rozw7gVHmDzZi8JTD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j3eb8Rozw7gVHmDzZi8JTD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j3eb8Rozw7gVHmDzZi8JTD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j3eb8Rozw7gVHmDzZi8JTD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j3eb8Rozw7gVHmDzZi8JTD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Two races, two big attacks, no win \u2013 What do Wout van Aert&#8217;s double close defeats mean for the Tour of Flanders?<\/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\/kdyjvfBtQGcrdvvymtNZJd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kdyjvfBtQGcrdvvymtNZJd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kdyjvfBtQGcrdvvymtNZJd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kdyjvfBtQGcrdvvymtNZJd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kdyjvfBtQGcrdvvymtNZJd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Remco Evenepoel will ride the Tour of Flanders in shock debut<\/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\/GMa4ASYgRv25ymMnYxb5Wo-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GMa4ASYgRv25ymMnYxb5Wo-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GMa4ASYgRv25ymMnYxb5Wo-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GMa4ASYgRv25ymMnYxb5Wo-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GMa4ASYgRv25ymMnYxb5Wo-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;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<\/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\/Q3J95fBiX8AU8aJKCfy8gT-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q3J95fBiX8AU8aJKCfy8gT-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q3J95fBiX8AU8aJKCfy8gT-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q3J95fBiX8AU8aJKCfy8gT-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q3J95fBiX8AU8aJKCfy8gT-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\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Instagram DMs, quiet Belgian side streets, and phone calls with parents \u2013 Inside the race to snap up cycling&#8217;s next top talents<\/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\/upAciNBEaLB5QXgnJ46ytR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/upAciNBEaLB5QXgnJ46ytR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/upAciNBEaLB5QXgnJ46ytR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/upAciNBEaLB5QXgnJ46ytR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/upAciNBEaLB5QXgnJ46ytR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Feel like Mike Tyson punched me in the back&#8217; \u2013 Ben Turner dusts himself off after bizarre somersault crash at In Flanders Fields<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Features<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q3J95fBiX8AU8aJKCfy8gT-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q3J95fBiX8AU8aJKCfy8gT-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q3J95fBiX8AU8aJKCfy8gT-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q3J95fBiX8AU8aJKCfy8gT-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q3J95fBiX8AU8aJKCfy8gT-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\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Instagram DMs, quiet Belgian side streets, and phone calls with parents \u2013 Inside the race to snap up cycling&#8217;s next top talents<\/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 class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MKWBaDLoZMm6zxaaaxGDTA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MKWBaDLoZMm6zxaaaxGDTA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MKWBaDLoZMm6zxaaaxGDTA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MKWBaDLoZMm6zxaaaxGDTA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MKWBaDLoZMm6zxaaaxGDTA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Soft pulls, subtle digs: The Tour of Flanders mind games have already begun \u2013 Analysis<\/span><\/div>\n<div 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\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe have the makings of a great Tour of Flanders team, but is Remco Evenepoel the missing piece for taking on Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel?<\/span><\/div>\n<div 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\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: The alternative way to beat the big hitters, and why Lorena Wiebes is a master<\/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\/RFsQPgVqh9mBM2sQpfTau8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFsQPgVqh9mBM2sQpfTau8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFsQPgVqh9mBM2sQpfTau8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFsQPgVqh9mBM2sQpfTau8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFsQPgVqh9mBM2sQpfTau8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;She&#8217;s a real go-getter&#8217; \u2013 Who is Fleur Moors, the rapidly rising star who has challenged Lorena Wiebes twice already this season?<\/span><\/div>\n<div 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\/kkBVa5xY7v7FGodaUXSuoc-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kkBVa5xY7v7FGodaUXSuoc-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kkBVa5xY7v7FGodaUXSuoc-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kkBVa5xY7v7FGodaUXSuoc-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kkBVa5xY7v7FGodaUXSuoc.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kkBVa5xY7v7FGodaUXSuoc.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kkBVa5xY7v7FGodaUXSuoc.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\">&#8216;I have mixed feelings&#8217; &#8211; Late-race gamble falls short for Demi Vollering at Dwars door Vlaanderen<\/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;For me it was perfect&#8217; \u2013 Marlen Reusser profits from Demi Vollering breakaway and post-injury strength to grab Dwars door Vlaanderen victory<\/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;I told him for so many years to do it, and he didn&#8217;t&#8217; \u2013 Patrick Lefevere reacts to Remco Evenepoel&#8217;s Tour of Flanders debut, having failed to convince him at Soudal-QuickStep<\/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\">Two races, two big attacks, no win \u2013 What do Wout van Aert&#8217;s double close defeats mean for the Tour of Flanders?<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;He needs to call my girlfriend, because she&#8217;s preparing a fantastic dinner for Easter&#8217; \u2013 Despite dramatic Dwars fightback, Filippo Ganna says Paris-Roubaix remains his next race, not the Tour of Flanders<\/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>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRemco Evenepoel\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Why Remco Evenepoel is right to make his Tour of Flanders debut now, and how he could challenge Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nFeatures<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-01T13:51:49Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n1 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">How the Belgian superstar could change the nature of the race on Sunday against Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel<\/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 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 sm:ml-1.5 font-base text-xs\">4<\/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-13986af3-14ba-40b6-99be-d03664fc4bcb\">Kept tightly under wraps, it took Remco Evenepoel almost 100 days to tell the world that he would be racing the Tour of Flanders for the first time, one of the most highly-anticipated debuts in professional cycling that felt like it was inevitable, but not in 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Back in December, when Evenepoel was spotted training with Gianni Vermeersch on the route of the Flemish Monument, his home nation&#8217;s most prestigious race, rumours had swirled that he was preparing for a maiden tilt at the Ronde van Vlaanderen.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-13986af3-14ba-40b6-99be-d03664fc4bcb-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">But Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe said no, and when it was put to management, be that Ralph Denk or Zak Dempster, the answer has consistently been that while he will race it one day for the German team, that will not happen in this current season. Vermeersch stayed quiet, too, telling local media that he was simply training near his home and testing equipment.<\/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\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-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\">Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe have the makings of a great Tour of Flanders team, but is Remco Evenepoel the missing piece for taking on Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel?<\/span><\/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\/kdyjvfBtQGcrdvvymtNZJd-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kdyjvfBtQGcrdvvymtNZJd-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\">Remco Evenepoel will ride the Tour of Flanders in shock debut<\/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\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-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\">Why Poga\u010dar and Van Aert&#8217;s teams aren&#8217;t sensing weakness for the Tour of Flanders despite Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s near-miss at E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">But as the rumour returned on the eve of Dwars door Vlaanderen, the morning after revealed that the team had all been telling white lies all along, as Evenepoel confirmed his participation and then posted a YouTube video in which, on December 27, he said to the camera: &#8220;I&#8217;ll be riding the Tour of Flanders this year.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">It begs several questions that don&#8217;t have simple answers: just why did they want to keep it a secret all this time? How could his participation change the race on Sunday? Does this explain why his form on the longer climbs has been lacking?<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The first has been addressed by Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe boss Denk on the team&#8217;s website, confirming that the drama created by the late revelation was part of their plan all along.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;The connection between Remco and the Tour of Flanders is deep and emotional. A plan like this does not come together overnight,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-SGDKRVTN9kb4kYuqyjqDDa\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-SGDKRVTN9kb4kYuqyjqDDa slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&#8220;We deliberately kept it under the radar to create a special moment for the fans \u2013 revealing it as a surprise on April 1. The fact that we were able to keep this internal for more than 100 days speaks to the cohesion and unity of this team.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>As much as it is a surprise for fans and the media, that also means it should come as a shock to the main contenders for De Ronde, the likes of Tadej Poga\u010dar, Mathieu van der Poel, Wout van Aert, and Mads Pedersen. But just how, if at all, can he challenge them?<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"the-potential-evenepoel-effect-3\">The potential Evenepoel effect<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-555a537e-27e4-4485-8f95-37631dc8e2d9\">I wrote earlier in the week that Evenepoel was the piece Red Bull were missing from becoming a great Tour of Flanders team, with the obvious factor being that they are lacking a superstar leader, who offers both clarity for the other starters and allows everyone to fully commit to the greater goal \u2013 something which UAE and Alpecin do incredibly well for Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel.<\/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\/aWvbNafWKFhdvNXYcMJPmh-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWvbNafWKFhdvNXYcMJPmh-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;He&#8217;d only start if he was there for a top result&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert welcomes Remco Evenepoel&#8217;s participation in Tour of Flanders<\/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\/zce5G3DYsHjGfsRMTdjQpF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zce5G3DYsHjGfsRMTdjQpF-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I told him for so many years to do it, and he didn&#8217;t&#8217; \u2013 Patrick Lefevere reacts to Remco Evenepoel&#8217;s Tour of Flanders debut, having failed to convince him at Soudal-QuickStep<\/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\/HSjXL58Hwiy6QBTVDBGbnP-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HSjXL58Hwiy6QBTVDBGbnP-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I would be surprised if he never rode the Tour of Flanders&#8217; &#8211; Remco Evenepoel&#8217;s choice to skip Ronde in 2026 could well change in future, team management say<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Evenepoel has long been a better one-day racer than stage racer; his palmar\u00e8s makes that clear: Olympic Champion, World Champion, two-time Li\u00e8ge-bastogne-Li\u00e8ge winner, three-time Clasic\u00e1 San Sebasti\u00e1n winner and defending champion at Brabantse Pijl.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-da2b6220-1bfa-4ce8-8347-996c96764777\">\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\/wXKfemYhD7D7egHWGHPPUK-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wXKfemYhD7D7egHWGHPPUK-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wXKfemYhD7D7egHWGHPPUK-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wXKfemYhD7D7egHWGHPPUK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wXKfemYhD7D7egHWGHPPUK-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wXKfemYhD7D7egHWGHPPUK-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\">Remco Evenepoel won the ITT at 2025 European Championships in the world champion&#8217;s rainbow stripes <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-50a1f748-fb6d-4d48-9a6b-417ec823b918\">Denk said that Evenepoel had 10 years to race the Tour of Flanders in his most recent denial of participation at the Volta a Catalunya, but his Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a title is now almost four years in the past. And his last WorldTour stage race victory came at the UAE Tour in 2023. The time is right to take on these one-day races where he could well thrive, and perhaps thrive more \u2013 as former boss Patrick Lefevere suggested \u2013 than in what he has been chasing as a Tour de France-focused rider these past few seasons.<\/p>\n<p>He has a unique skillset among the top riders in the peloton, as one of the best time trial riders we&#8217;ve ever seen, almost certainly the most aerodynamic, even on his road bike, and an incredibly punchy rider who is very hard to match on short climbs at his best, and a nightmare to try and bring back once he gets away.<\/p>\n<p>Yes, Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel can punch better than anyone, and have won the past four Tours of Flanders between them, but Evenpoel, in theory, has \u2013 aside from positioning \u2013 all the characteristics which should allow him to follow the biggest moves if he is indeed there to follow them when they kick off on Sunday.<\/p>\n<p>For me, he can certainly win De Ronde, but of course, expecting that on debut is unreasonable. Just look at how Poga\u010dar&#8217;s first appearance went \u2013 he was outfoxed by Van der Poel and managed to finish fourth in a two-man sprint, despite his excellence on the bergs.<\/p>\n<p>Evenepoel will take big lessons from Sunday no matter what comes of it, but as Van Aert correctly noted at the start in Roeselare of Dwars door Vlaanderen, &#8220;If he starts, I can assume that he is doing so with big goals in mind.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>He won&#8217;t want to just be dropped and watch as Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel scorch away to take the glory; he will want to win.<\/p>\n<p>That may be inconceivable in the face of the Slovenian, who has completely decimated the field at his last two Flanders appearances, but it could explain just why Evenepoel hasn&#8217;t been at his absolute best climbing shape in Catalunya and the UAE.<\/p>\n<p>If Flanders has been on his mind since December 27, perhaps this will prove to be a masterpiece of planning from Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, and Poga\u010dar will be pushed to the absolute limit by the home star who has been prepping for this very day all along.<\/p>\n<p>No Belgian man has won De Ronde since Philippe Gilbert in 2017, with Van Aert failing to deliver as their main hope. Evenepoel&#8217;s start will ignite a frenzy in Belgium and on the streets that head to Oudenaarde, but the Paterberg and Oude Kwaremont are no place to hide \u2013 it&#8217;s set to be an unmissable baptism of fire.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-91de3220-e0a2-4c56-b0bd-68b794c5bf52\"><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><em><strong>Find out more<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/after-smoke-and-mirrors-for-three-months-remco-evenepoel-has-a-date-with-destiny-at-his-tour-of-flanders-debut\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bHLxGrWU2fCg4Mw43wZRES-1024-80.jpg&#8221;] Pro Cycling Teams &amp; Riders Remco Evenepoel Why Remco Evenepoel is right to make his Tour of Flanders debut now, and how he could challenge Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel Features By James Moultrie published 1 April 2026 How the Belgian superstar could change the nature of the race on Sunday against [&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-1860006","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\/1860006","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=1860006"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1860006\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1860006"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1860006"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1860006"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}