{"id":1861032,"date":"2026-04-01T15:03:46","date_gmt":"2026-04-01T12:03:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1861032"},"modified":"2026-04-01T15:03:46","modified_gmt":"2026-04-01T12:03:46","slug":"itd-have-been-nicer-if-the-finish-was-150-metres-earlier-wout-van-aert-rues-heartbreaking-near-miss-in-dwars-door-vlaanderen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1861032","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;It&#8217;d have been nicer if the finish was 150 metres earlier&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert rues heartbreaking near miss in Dwars door Vlaanderen"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/43r7CCJvkR4CRMPwgc3o9C-1024-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nDwars door Vlaanderen\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;It&#8217;d have been nicer if the finish was 150 metres earlier&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert rues heartbreaking near miss in Dwars door Vlaanderen<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-01T15:03:46Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n1 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">First Classic win for Belgian in three years remained just out of reach after Filippo Ganna caught Visma-Lease a Bike pro within sight of line<\/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\/43r7CCJvkR4CRMPwgc3o9C-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/43r7CCJvkR4CRMPwgc3o9C-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/43r7CCJvkR4CRMPwgc3o9C-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/43r7CCJvkR4CRMPwgc3o9C-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/43r7CCJvkR4CRMPwgc3o9C-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/43r7CCJvkR4CRMPwgc3o9C-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/43r7CCJvkR4CRMPwgc3o9C-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">2026 Dwars door Vlaanderen: Wout van Aert en route to a near-miss for the ages<\/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\">0<\/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-07ffbc46-849c-426c-a639-2f0d6db79ee7\">So near and yet so very far. Wout van Aert&#8217;s chances of his first Classics win since 2023 and his first ever in Dwars door Vlaanderen evaporated agonisingly close to the line in Waregem at the hands of Filippo Ganna (Ineos Grenadiers).<\/p>\n<p>After strong rides with third place in Milan-San Remo and a real shot at victory alongside fellow breakaway Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech) during In Flanders Fields last weekend, Van Aert had done everything right in Dwars door Vlaanderen finally to claim the win.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-07ffbc46-849c-426c-a639-2f0d6db79ee7-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Visibly the strongest rider in the race and able to stay ahead with Niklas Larsen (Unibet Rose Rockets) and Romain Gregoire (Groupama-FDJ) despite the speeding peloton, Van Aert finally took off alone 10 kilometres from the line.<\/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\/P3xp8Gzxjk5dShaASfG4am-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P3xp8Gzxjk5dShaASfG4am-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\">Dwars door Vlaanderen: Filippo Ganna catches and passes Wout van Aert in closing metres to score dramatic last gasp victory<\/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\/VaduoC5KAaRR94gw6GxkVM-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VaduoC5KAaRR94gw6GxkVM-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;Not the smartest thing to do&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Wout van Aert rues another missed opportunity at Tirreno-Adriatico<\/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\/j3eb8Rozw7gVHmDzZi8JTD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j3eb8Rozw7gVHmDzZi8JTD-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\">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><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">It almost worked, only for Ganna to roar past his right-hand side with less than 100 metres to go, with Van Aert taking the runner-up spot just a few bike lengths behind. All this in the same finish where last year he and two other Visma riders somehow lost to Neilson Powless (EF Education-EasyPost). Of Van Aert&#8217;s 49 second places in his career to date, this was arguably the most heartbreaking of them all.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;Obviously, it&#8217;d have been nicer if the finish was 150 metres earlier, I tried everything I had,&#8221; Van Aert said later in a TV interview. &#8220;I was really dying in the end, and if somebody passed me, then that&#8217;s racing.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Asked to take viewers through the last 40 kilometres, Van Aert said he had attacked on the Eikenberg, &#8220;and when I got there, I had really good companions there with Gr\u00e9goire and Larsen. We cooperated well.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;But I could feel the pace was slowly decreasing in the end so I had to try and attack in search of victory. Until the very last moment I thought it would be maybe just enough to make it.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-emc6y7UPyvMbX4jhpeMHRD\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-emc6y7UPyvMbX4jhpeMHRD 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 class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I almost never looked back, I just focussed on my own effort, but after the last corners, suddenly Ganna was there.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">He only knew for sure that Ganna would pass him, he said, because he tried not to look back.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;Suddenly I saw a wheel right next to me and then I knew that I would get nothing back.<\/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\/P3xp8Gzxjk5dShaASfG4am-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P3xp8Gzxjk5dShaASfG4am-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\">As It Happened &#8211; Dwars door Vlaanderen Men ends with a finish line catch  <\/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\/SKkMGBtSCAA23AaBz9KDyX-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKkMGBtSCAA23AaBz9KDyX-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;We&#8217;ll certainly not make that same mistake again&#8217; \u2013 Can Wout van Aert and Visma take revenge at Dwars door Vlaanderen a year on from three-against-one tactical blunder?<\/span><\/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\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;It was clear that Mathieu was not pulling full gas&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert foiled by &#8216;defensive&#8217; ride from Van der Poel in promising In Flanders Fields attack<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;It was a good race, it was a bit of a strange race in the middle part, it got launched quite early but there was some parts in the middle bit when we didn&#8217;t really push on, let&#8217;s say.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;So a lot of guys could come back and it was quite a while before we could make a proper selection. After the Eikenberg I did a good final, I believe.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>On the plus side, Van Aert is clearly coming into the Tour of Flanders in top condition, even if he will have rivals of the calibre of Van der Poel, Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) and \u2013 as of today&#8217;s announcement \u2013 Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) to face.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">But as near-misses go, and with the memory of how Van der Poel just managed to fend off the opposition at E3 Saxo Classic in a very similar scenario fresh in everybody&#8217;s mind too, Van Aert&#8217;s defeat at Waregem will likely remain in a league of its own for quite some time.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ae7308b6-b4e1-46b1-bc08-6a1ef5b6fcff\"><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled 2026 Spring Classics coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-emc6y7UPyvMbX4jhpeMHRD\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-emc6y7UPyvMbX4jhpeMHRD 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\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.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\">Alasdair Fotheringham<\/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>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Alasdair Fotheringham has been reporting on cycling since 1991. He has covered every Tour de France since 1992 bar one, as well as numerous other bike races of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the Olympic Games in 2008 to the now sadly defunct Subida a Urkiola hill climb in Spain. As well as working for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, he has also written for <em>The Independent<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>The Guardian<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>ProCycling<\/em>, <em>The Express<\/em> and <em>Reuters<\/em>.<\/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\/P3xp8Gzxjk5dShaASfG4am-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P3xp8Gzxjk5dShaASfG4am-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P3xp8Gzxjk5dShaASfG4am-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P3xp8Gzxjk5dShaASfG4am-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P3xp8Gzxjk5dShaASfG4am-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\">Dwars door Vlaanderen: Filippo Ganna catches and passes Wout van Aert in closing metres to score dramatic last gasp victory<\/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\/VaduoC5KAaRR94gw6GxkVM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VaduoC5KAaRR94gw6GxkVM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VaduoC5KAaRR94gw6GxkVM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VaduoC5KAaRR94gw6GxkVM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VaduoC5KAaRR94gw6GxkVM-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;Not the smartest thing to do&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Wout van Aert rues another missed opportunity at Tirreno-Adriatico<\/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\/P3xp8Gzxjk5dShaASfG4am-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P3xp8Gzxjk5dShaASfG4am-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P3xp8Gzxjk5dShaASfG4am-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P3xp8Gzxjk5dShaASfG4am-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P3xp8Gzxjk5dShaASfG4am-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\">As It Happened &#8211; Dwars door Vlaanderen Men ends with a finish line catch  <\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKkMGBtSCAA23AaBz9KDyX-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKkMGBtSCAA23AaBz9KDyX-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKkMGBtSCAA23AaBz9KDyX-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKkMGBtSCAA23AaBz9KDyX-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKkMGBtSCAA23AaBz9KDyX-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We&#8217;ll certainly not make that same mistake again&#8217; \u2013 Can Wout van Aert and Visma take revenge at Dwars door Vlaanderen a year on from three-against-one tactical blunder?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It was clear that Mathieu was not pulling full gas&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert foiled by &#8216;defensive&#8217; ride from Van der Poel in promising In Flanders Fields attack<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ik3zkfcMqVF82P3Tgv3UoJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ik3zkfcMqVF82P3Tgv3UoJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ik3zkfcMqVF82P3Tgv3UoJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ik3zkfcMqVF82P3Tgv3UoJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ik3zkfcMqVF82P3Tgv3UoJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I just don&#8217;t feel the best&#8217; \u2013 Lingering illness continues to disrupt Elisa Longo Borghini with time running out to recover fully for 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\/rvJ5YSwVaD8FcdVZnz3TcD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rvJ5YSwVaD8FcdVZnz3TcD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rvJ5YSwVaD8FcdVZnz3TcD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rvJ5YSwVaD8FcdVZnz3TcD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rvJ5YSwVaD8FcdVZnz3TcD-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\">Mads Pedersen definitely on the up but his sprint is  &#8216;the part missing from the injury&#8217; ahead of 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\/DUyVFyZQHFfw4JrZh8xkQL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DUyVFyZQHFfw4JrZh8xkQL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DUyVFyZQHFfw4JrZh8xkQL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DUyVFyZQHFfw4JrZh8xkQL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DUyVFyZQHFfw4JrZh8xkQL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;For me it was perfect&#8217; \u2013 Marlen Reusser profits from Demi Vollering breakaway and post-injury strength to grab Dwars door Vlaanderen victory<\/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\/kkBVa5xY7v7FGodaUXSuoc-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kkBVa5xY7v7FGodaUXSuoc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kkBVa5xY7v7FGodaUXSuoc-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kkBVa5xY7v7FGodaUXSuoc-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kkBVa5xY7v7FGodaUXSuoc-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I have mixed feelings&#8217; &#8211; Late-race gamble falls short for Demi Vollering at Dwars door Vlaanderen<\/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\/63L3htuUa26CQRAaaaUESB-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/63L3htuUa26CQRAaaaUESB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/63L3htuUa26CQRAaaaUESB-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/63L3htuUa26CQRAaaaUESB-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/63L3htuUa26CQRAaaaUESB-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Dwars door Vlaanderen Women: Marlen Reusser edges out Demi Vollering in thrilling photo-finish sprint to claim victory<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cmut5khmG6QR5j4KtZaZSD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cmut5khmG6QR5j4KtZaZSD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cmut5khmG6QR5j4KtZaZSD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cmut5khmG6QR5j4KtZaZSD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cmut5khmG6QR5j4KtZaZSD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Safety<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I was wrapped into a thorn field and they couldn&#8217;t find me&#8217; \u2013 Marlen Reusser recounts her experience of being lost for an hour after a crash, as she advocates for GPS trackers<\/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\/ik3zkfcMqVF82P3Tgv3UoJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ik3zkfcMqVF82P3Tgv3UoJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ik3zkfcMqVF82P3Tgv3UoJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ik3zkfcMqVF82P3Tgv3UoJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ik3zkfcMqVF82P3Tgv3UoJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I just don&#8217;t feel the best&#8217; \u2013 Lingering illness continues to disrupt Elisa Longo Borghini with time running out to recover fully for 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\/xWfeX2yNpSsweaciMeFruR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xWfeX2yNpSsweaciMeFruR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xWfeX2yNpSsweaciMeFruR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xWfeX2yNpSsweaciMeFruR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xWfeX2yNpSsweaciMeFruR-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\">Sticky situation for Filippo Ganna resolved with 200 CHF fine after taking victory at Dwars door Vlaanderen<\/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\/rvJ5YSwVaD8FcdVZnz3TcD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rvJ5YSwVaD8FcdVZnz3TcD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rvJ5YSwVaD8FcdVZnz3TcD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rvJ5YSwVaD8FcdVZnz3TcD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rvJ5YSwVaD8FcdVZnz3TcD-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\">Mads Pedersen definitely on the up but his sprint is  &#8216;the part missing from the injury&#8217; ahead of 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\/DUyVFyZQHFfw4JrZh8xkQL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DUyVFyZQHFfw4JrZh8xkQL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DUyVFyZQHFfw4JrZh8xkQL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DUyVFyZQHFfw4JrZh8xkQL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DUyVFyZQHFfw4JrZh8xkQL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;For me it was perfect&#8217; \u2013 Marlen Reusser profits from Demi Vollering breakaway and post-injury strength to grab Dwars door Vlaanderen victory<\/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>\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\/cmut5khmG6QR5j4KtZaZSD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cmut5khmG6QR5j4KtZaZSD-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cmut5khmG6QR5j4KtZaZSD-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cmut5khmG6QR5j4KtZaZSD-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cmut5khmG6QR5j4KtZaZSD.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cmut5khmG6QR5j4KtZaZSD.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cmut5khmG6QR5j4KtZaZSD.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 was wrapped into a thorn field and they couldn&#8217;t find me&#8217; \u2013 Marlen Reusser recounts her experience of being lost for an hour after a crash, as she advocates for GPS trackers<\/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\">Action camera jargon buster: What do all the specs and complex terminology mean?<\/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\">Sticky situation for Filippo Ganna resolved with 200 CHF fine after taking victory 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\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;I just don&#8217;t feel the best&#8217; \u2013 Lingering illness continues to disrupt Elisa Longo Borghini with time running out to recover fully for 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\">Mads Pedersen definitely on the up but his sprint is  &#8216;the part missing from the injury&#8217; ahead of 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>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nDwars door Vlaanderen\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;It&#8217;d have been nicer if the finish was 150 metres earlier&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert rues heartbreaking near miss in Dwars door Vlaanderen<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-01T15:03:46Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n1 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">First Classic win for Belgian in three years remained just out of reach after Filippo Ganna caught Visma-Lease a Bike pro within sight of line<\/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\/43r7CCJvkR4CRMPwgc3o9C-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/43r7CCJvkR4CRMPwgc3o9C-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/43r7CCJvkR4CRMPwgc3o9C-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/43r7CCJvkR4CRMPwgc3o9C-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/43r7CCJvkR4CRMPwgc3o9C-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/43r7CCJvkR4CRMPwgc3o9C-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/43r7CCJvkR4CRMPwgc3o9C-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">2026 Dwars door Vlaanderen: Wout van Aert en route to a near-miss for the ages<\/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\">0<\/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-07ffbc46-849c-426c-a639-2f0d6db79ee7\">So near and yet so very far. Wout van Aert&#8217;s chances of his first Classics win since 2023 and his first ever in Dwars door Vlaanderen evaporated agonisingly close to the line in Waregem at the hands of Filippo Ganna (Ineos Grenadiers).<\/p>\n<p>After strong rides with third place in Milan-San Remo and a real shot at victory alongside fellow breakaway Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech) during In Flanders Fields last weekend, Van Aert had done everything right in Dwars door Vlaanderen finally to claim the win.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-07ffbc46-849c-426c-a639-2f0d6db79ee7-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Visibly the strongest rider in the race and able to stay ahead with Niklas Larsen (Unibet Rose Rockets) and Romain Gregoire (Groupama-FDJ) despite the speeding peloton, Van Aert finally took off alone 10 kilometres from the line.<\/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\/P3xp8Gzxjk5dShaASfG4am-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P3xp8Gzxjk5dShaASfG4am-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\">Dwars door Vlaanderen: Filippo Ganna catches and passes Wout van Aert in closing metres to score dramatic last gasp victory<\/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\/VaduoC5KAaRR94gw6GxkVM-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VaduoC5KAaRR94gw6GxkVM-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;Not the smartest thing to do&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Wout van Aert rues another missed opportunity at Tirreno-Adriatico<\/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\/j3eb8Rozw7gVHmDzZi8JTD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j3eb8Rozw7gVHmDzZi8JTD-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\">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><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">It almost worked, only for Ganna to roar past his right-hand side with less than 100 metres to go, with Van Aert taking the runner-up spot just a few bike lengths behind. All this in the same finish where last year he and two other Visma riders somehow lost to Neilson Powless (EF Education-EasyPost). Of Van Aert&#8217;s 49 second places in his career to date, this was arguably the most heartbreaking of them all.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;Obviously, it&#8217;d have been nicer if the finish was 150 metres earlier, I tried everything I had,&#8221; Van Aert said later in a TV interview. &#8220;I was really dying in the end, and if somebody passed me, then that&#8217;s racing.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Asked to take viewers through the last 40 kilometres, Van Aert said he had attacked on the Eikenberg, &#8220;and when I got there, I had really good companions there with Gr\u00e9goire and Larsen. We cooperated well.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;But I could feel the pace was slowly decreasing in the end so I had to try and attack in search of victory. Until the very last moment I thought it would be maybe just enough to make it.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-emc6y7UPyvMbX4jhpeMHRD\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-emc6y7UPyvMbX4jhpeMHRD 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 class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I almost never looked back, I just focussed on my own effort, but after the last corners, suddenly Ganna was there.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">He only knew for sure that Ganna would pass him, he said, because he tried not to look back.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;Suddenly I saw a wheel right next to me and then I knew that I would get nothing back.<\/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\/P3xp8Gzxjk5dShaASfG4am-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P3xp8Gzxjk5dShaASfG4am-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\">As It Happened &#8211; Dwars door Vlaanderen Men ends with a finish line catch  <\/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\/SKkMGBtSCAA23AaBz9KDyX-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKkMGBtSCAA23AaBz9KDyX-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;We&#8217;ll certainly not make that same mistake again&#8217; \u2013 Can Wout van Aert and Visma take revenge at Dwars door Vlaanderen a year on from three-against-one tactical blunder?<\/span><\/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\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;It was clear that Mathieu was not pulling full gas&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert foiled by &#8216;defensive&#8217; ride from Van der Poel in promising In Flanders Fields attack<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;It was a good race, it was a bit of a strange race in the middle part, it got launched quite early but there was some parts in the middle bit when we didn&#8217;t really push on, let&#8217;s say.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;So a lot of guys could come back and it was quite a while before we could make a proper selection. After the Eikenberg I did a good final, I believe.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>On the plus side, Van Aert is clearly coming into the Tour of Flanders in top condition, even if he will have rivals of the calibre of Van der Poel, Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) and \u2013 as of today&#8217;s announcement \u2013 Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) to face.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">But as near-misses go, and with the memory of how Van der Poel just managed to fend off the opposition at E3 Saxo Classic in a very similar scenario fresh in everybody&#8217;s mind too, Van Aert&#8217;s defeat at Waregem will likely remain in a league of its own for quite some time.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ae7308b6-b4e1-46b1-bc08-6a1ef5b6fcff\"><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled 2026 Spring Classics coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-emc6y7UPyvMbX4jhpeMHRD\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-emc6y7UPyvMbX4jhpeMHRD 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\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.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\">Alasdair Fotheringham<\/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>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Alasdair Fotheringham has been reporting on cycling since 1991. He has covered every Tour de France since 1992 bar one, as well as numerous other bike races of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the Olympic Games in 2008 to the now sadly defunct Subida a Urkiola hill climb in Spain. As well as working for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, he has also written for <em>The Independent<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>The Guardian<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>ProCycling<\/em>, <em>The Express<\/em> and <em>Reuters<\/em>.<\/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\/P3xp8Gzxjk5dShaASfG4am-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P3xp8Gzxjk5dShaASfG4am-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P3xp8Gzxjk5dShaASfG4am-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P3xp8Gzxjk5dShaASfG4am-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P3xp8Gzxjk5dShaASfG4am-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\">Dwars door Vlaanderen: Filippo Ganna catches and passes Wout van Aert in closing metres to score dramatic last gasp victory<\/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\/VaduoC5KAaRR94gw6GxkVM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VaduoC5KAaRR94gw6GxkVM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VaduoC5KAaRR94gw6GxkVM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VaduoC5KAaRR94gw6GxkVM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VaduoC5KAaRR94gw6GxkVM-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;Not the smartest thing to do&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Wout van Aert rues another missed opportunity at Tirreno-Adriatico<\/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\/P3xp8Gzxjk5dShaASfG4am-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P3xp8Gzxjk5dShaASfG4am-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P3xp8Gzxjk5dShaASfG4am-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P3xp8Gzxjk5dShaASfG4am-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P3xp8Gzxjk5dShaASfG4am-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\">As It Happened &#8211; Dwars door Vlaanderen Men ends with a finish line catch  <\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKkMGBtSCAA23AaBz9KDyX-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKkMGBtSCAA23AaBz9KDyX-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKkMGBtSCAA23AaBz9KDyX-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKkMGBtSCAA23AaBz9KDyX-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKkMGBtSCAA23AaBz9KDyX-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We&#8217;ll certainly not make that same mistake again&#8217; \u2013 Can Wout van Aert and Visma take revenge at Dwars door Vlaanderen a year on from three-against-one tactical blunder?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It was clear that Mathieu was not pulling full gas&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert foiled by &#8216;defensive&#8217; ride from Van der Poel in promising In Flanders Fields attack<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ik3zkfcMqVF82P3Tgv3UoJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ik3zkfcMqVF82P3Tgv3UoJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ik3zkfcMqVF82P3Tgv3UoJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ik3zkfcMqVF82P3Tgv3UoJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ik3zkfcMqVF82P3Tgv3UoJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I just don&#8217;t feel the best&#8217; \u2013 Lingering illness continues to disrupt Elisa Longo Borghini with time running out to recover fully for 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\/rvJ5YSwVaD8FcdVZnz3TcD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rvJ5YSwVaD8FcdVZnz3TcD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rvJ5YSwVaD8FcdVZnz3TcD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rvJ5YSwVaD8FcdVZnz3TcD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rvJ5YSwVaD8FcdVZnz3TcD-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\">Mads Pedersen definitely on the up but his sprint is  &#8216;the part missing from the injury&#8217; ahead of 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\/DUyVFyZQHFfw4JrZh8xkQL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DUyVFyZQHFfw4JrZh8xkQL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DUyVFyZQHFfw4JrZh8xkQL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DUyVFyZQHFfw4JrZh8xkQL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DUyVFyZQHFfw4JrZh8xkQL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;For me it was perfect&#8217; \u2013 Marlen Reusser profits from Demi Vollering breakaway and post-injury strength to grab Dwars door Vlaanderen victory<\/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\/kkBVa5xY7v7FGodaUXSuoc-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kkBVa5xY7v7FGodaUXSuoc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kkBVa5xY7v7FGodaUXSuoc-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kkBVa5xY7v7FGodaUXSuoc-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kkBVa5xY7v7FGodaUXSuoc-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I have mixed feelings&#8217; &#8211; Late-race gamble falls short for Demi Vollering at Dwars door Vlaanderen<\/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\/63L3htuUa26CQRAaaaUESB-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/63L3htuUa26CQRAaaaUESB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/63L3htuUa26CQRAaaaUESB-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/63L3htuUa26CQRAaaaUESB-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/63L3htuUa26CQRAaaaUESB-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Dwars door Vlaanderen Women: Marlen Reusser edges out Demi Vollering in thrilling photo-finish sprint to claim victory<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cmut5khmG6QR5j4KtZaZSD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cmut5khmG6QR5j4KtZaZSD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cmut5khmG6QR5j4KtZaZSD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cmut5khmG6QR5j4KtZaZSD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cmut5khmG6QR5j4KtZaZSD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Safety<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I was wrapped into a thorn field and they couldn&#8217;t find me&#8217; \u2013 Marlen Reusser recounts her experience of being lost for an hour after a crash, as she advocates for GPS trackers<\/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\/ik3zkfcMqVF82P3Tgv3UoJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ik3zkfcMqVF82P3Tgv3UoJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ik3zkfcMqVF82P3Tgv3UoJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ik3zkfcMqVF82P3Tgv3UoJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ik3zkfcMqVF82P3Tgv3UoJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I just don&#8217;t feel the best&#8217; \u2013 Lingering illness continues to disrupt Elisa Longo Borghini with time running out to recover fully for 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\/xWfeX2yNpSsweaciMeFruR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xWfeX2yNpSsweaciMeFruR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xWfeX2yNpSsweaciMeFruR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xWfeX2yNpSsweaciMeFruR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xWfeX2yNpSsweaciMeFruR-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\">Sticky situation for Filippo Ganna resolved with 200 CHF fine after taking victory at Dwars door Vlaanderen<\/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\/rvJ5YSwVaD8FcdVZnz3TcD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rvJ5YSwVaD8FcdVZnz3TcD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rvJ5YSwVaD8FcdVZnz3TcD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rvJ5YSwVaD8FcdVZnz3TcD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rvJ5YSwVaD8FcdVZnz3TcD-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\">Mads Pedersen definitely on the up but his sprint is  &#8216;the part missing from the injury&#8217; ahead of 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\/DUyVFyZQHFfw4JrZh8xkQL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DUyVFyZQHFfw4JrZh8xkQL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DUyVFyZQHFfw4JrZh8xkQL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DUyVFyZQHFfw4JrZh8xkQL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DUyVFyZQHFfw4JrZh8xkQL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;For me it was perfect&#8217; \u2013 Marlen Reusser profits from Demi Vollering breakaway and post-injury strength to grab Dwars door Vlaanderen victory<\/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>\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\/cmut5khmG6QR5j4KtZaZSD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cmut5khmG6QR5j4KtZaZSD-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cmut5khmG6QR5j4KtZaZSD-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cmut5khmG6QR5j4KtZaZSD-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cmut5khmG6QR5j4KtZaZSD.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cmut5khmG6QR5j4KtZaZSD.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cmut5khmG6QR5j4KtZaZSD.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 was wrapped into a thorn field and they couldn&#8217;t find me&#8217; \u2013 Marlen Reusser recounts her experience of being lost for an hour after a crash, as she advocates for GPS trackers<\/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\">Action camera jargon buster: What do all the specs and complex terminology mean?<\/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\">Sticky situation for Filippo Ganna resolved with 200 CHF fine after taking victory 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\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;I just don&#8217;t feel the best&#8217; \u2013 Lingering illness continues to disrupt Elisa Longo Borghini with time running out to recover fully for 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\">Mads Pedersen definitely on the up but his sprint is  &#8216;the part missing from the injury&#8217; ahead of 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>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nDwars door Vlaanderen\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;It&#8217;d have been nicer if the finish was 150 metres earlier&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert rues heartbreaking near miss in Dwars door Vlaanderen<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-01T15:03:46Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n1 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">First Classic win for Belgian in three years remained just out of reach after Filippo Ganna caught Visma-Lease a Bike pro within sight of line<\/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\">0<\/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-07ffbc46-849c-426c-a639-2f0d6db79ee7\">So near and yet so very far. Wout van Aert&#8217;s chances of his first Classics win since 2023 and his first ever in Dwars door Vlaanderen evaporated agonisingly close to the line in Waregem at the hands of Filippo Ganna (Ineos Grenadiers).<\/p>\n<p>After strong rides with third place in Milan-San Remo and a real shot at victory alongside fellow breakaway Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech) during In Flanders Fields last weekend, Van Aert had done everything right in Dwars door Vlaanderen finally to claim the win.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-07ffbc46-849c-426c-a639-2f0d6db79ee7-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Visibly the strongest rider in the race and able to stay ahead with Niklas Larsen (Unibet Rose Rockets) and Romain Gregoire (Groupama-FDJ) despite the speeding peloton, Van Aert finally took off alone 10 kilometres from the line.<\/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\/P3xp8Gzxjk5dShaASfG4am-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P3xp8Gzxjk5dShaASfG4am-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\">Dwars door Vlaanderen: Filippo Ganna catches and passes Wout van Aert in closing metres to score dramatic last gasp victory<\/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\/VaduoC5KAaRR94gw6GxkVM-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VaduoC5KAaRR94gw6GxkVM-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;Not the smartest thing to do&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Wout van Aert rues another missed opportunity at Tirreno-Adriatico<\/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\/j3eb8Rozw7gVHmDzZi8JTD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j3eb8Rozw7gVHmDzZi8JTD-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\">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><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">It almost worked, only for Ganna to roar past his right-hand side with less than 100 metres to go, with Van Aert taking the runner-up spot just a few bike lengths behind. All this in the same finish where last year he and two other Visma riders somehow lost to Neilson Powless (EF Education-EasyPost). Of Van Aert&#8217;s 49 second places in his career to date, this was arguably the most heartbreaking of them all.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;Obviously, it&#8217;d have been nicer if the finish was 150 metres earlier, I tried everything I had,&#8221; Van Aert said later in a TV interview. &#8220;I was really dying in the end, and if somebody passed me, then that&#8217;s racing.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Asked to take viewers through the last 40 kilometres, Van Aert said he had attacked on the Eikenberg, &#8220;and when I got there, I had really good companions there with Gr\u00e9goire and Larsen. We cooperated well.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;But I could feel the pace was slowly decreasing in the end so I had to try and attack in search of victory. Until the very last moment I thought it would be maybe just enough to make it.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-emc6y7UPyvMbX4jhpeMHRD\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-emc6y7UPyvMbX4jhpeMHRD 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 class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I almost never looked back, I just focussed on my own effort, but after the last corners, suddenly Ganna was there.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">He only knew for sure that Ganna would pass him, he said, because he tried not to look back.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;Suddenly I saw a wheel right next to me and then I knew that I would get nothing back.<\/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\/P3xp8Gzxjk5dShaASfG4am-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P3xp8Gzxjk5dShaASfG4am-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\">As It Happened &#8211; Dwars door Vlaanderen Men ends with a finish line catch  <\/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\/SKkMGBtSCAA23AaBz9KDyX-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKkMGBtSCAA23AaBz9KDyX-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;We&#8217;ll certainly not make that same mistake again&#8217; \u2013 Can Wout van Aert and Visma take revenge at Dwars door Vlaanderen a year on from three-against-one tactical blunder?<\/span><\/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\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;It was clear that Mathieu was not pulling full gas&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert foiled by &#8216;defensive&#8217; ride from Van der Poel in promising In Flanders Fields attack<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;It was a good race, it was a bit of a strange race in the middle part, it got launched quite early but there was some parts in the middle bit when we didn&#8217;t really push on, let&#8217;s say.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;So a lot of guys could come back and it was quite a while before we could make a proper selection. After the Eikenberg I did a good final, I believe.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>On the plus side, Van Aert is clearly coming into the Tour of Flanders in top condition, even if he will have rivals of the calibre of Van der Poel, Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) and \u2013 as of today&#8217;s announcement \u2013 Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) to face.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">But as near-misses go, and with the memory of how Van der Poel just managed to fend off the opposition at E3 Saxo Classic in a very similar scenario fresh in everybody&#8217;s mind too, Van Aert&#8217;s defeat at Waregem will likely remain in a league of its own for quite some time.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ae7308b6-b4e1-46b1-bc08-6a1ef5b6fcff\"><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled 2026 Spring Classics coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/itd-have-been-nicer-if-the-finish-was-150-metres-earlier-wout-van-aert-rues-heartbreaking-near-miss-in-dwars-door-vlaanderen\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/43r7CCJvkR4CRMPwgc3o9C-1024-80.jpg&#8221;] Pro Cycling Racing Road Dwars door Vlaanderen &#8216;It&#8217;d have been nicer if the finish was 150 metres earlier&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert rues heartbreaking near miss in Dwars door Vlaanderen News By Alasdair Fotheringham published 1 April 2026 First Classic win for Belgian in three years remained just out of reach after [&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-1861032","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\/1861032","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=1861032"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1861032\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1861032"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1861032"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1861032"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}