{"id":1863748,"date":"2026-04-02T11:40:15","date_gmt":"2026-04-02T08:40:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1863748"},"modified":"2026-04-02T11:40:15","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T08:40:15","slug":"even-easier-than-a-playstation-peter-sagan-says-tadej-pogacars-dominance-is-amazing-but-boring-in-a-certain-way","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1863748","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;Even easier than a PlayStation&#8217; \u2013 Peter Sagan says Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s dominance is amazing but &#8216;boring in a certain way&#8217;"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tAGoLioBdtJ5ZavcSjULKD-1024-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;Even easier than a PlayStation&#8217; \u2013 Peter Sagan says Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s dominance is amazing but &#8216;boring in a certain way&#8217;<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nDani Ostanek <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-02T11:40:15Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n2 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">&#8216;Unless they saw off his legs before Sunday, who is going to be able to beat him?&#8217; says 2016 Flanders winner<\/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\/tAGoLioBdtJ5ZavcSjULKD-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tAGoLioBdtJ5ZavcSjULKD-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tAGoLioBdtJ5ZavcSjULKD-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tAGoLioBdtJ5ZavcSjULKD-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tAGoLioBdtJ5ZavcSjULKD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tAGoLioBdtJ5ZavcSjULKD-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tAGoLioBdtJ5ZavcSjULKD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Peter Sagan on the top step of the podium at the 2016 Tour of Flanders<\/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\">5<\/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-ad2b70b0-bfb3-469b-8a24-c75eedbe6d78\">Peter Sagan has said that &#8220;the WorldTour is too small&#8221; for Tadej Poga\u010dar, with the Slovenian&#8217;s dominance at almost every race he takes part in &#8221; making cycling boring in a certain way.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Retired racer Sagan, who won the Tour of Flanders 10 years ago and enjoyed a spell at the top of the sport as the best rider in the world, ran the rule over the current holder of that title in an interview with <em>Het Nieuwsblad<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ad2b70b0-bfb3-469b-8a24-c75eedbe6d78-2\">The Slovakian named Poga\u010dar as the top favourite to win his second Monument of the season in Flanders on Sunday, which would be his third win at De Ronde and his 12th Monument in total \u2013 a tally that would leave him clear of Roger De Vlaeminck and only behind Eddy Merckx.<\/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\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">The winning was never the boring part \u2013 When Tadej Poga\u010dar does it like he did at Milan-San Remo, I could watch him win every week<\/span><\/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\/zRbKJDoFVvx5jRC7rdxqeH-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zRbKJDoFVvx5jRC7rdxqeH-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;He&#8217;s a big machine&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar forced to share Strade Bianche glory with new rival Paul Seixas<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9fvn3D2Hf5TTs9fTiD84Vf-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9fvn3D2Hf5TTs9fTiD84Vf-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;If he wins I don&#8217;t have a problem with that&#8217; \u2013 Strade Bianche joint record holder Fabian Cancellara has no objections if Tadej Poga\u010dar conquers fourth title on Saturday<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;Unless they saw off his legs before Sunday, who is going to be able to beat him?&#8221; Sagan asked.<\/p>\n<p>He called Poga\u010dar &#8220;amazing&#8221;, while acknowledging that his dominance could put people off.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Above all, he should race the way he wants. And hey, for the sport, Poga\u010dar is amazing,&#8221; Sagan said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;They just should let him race in a separate category. The WorldTour is too small for him. Because of that, he makes cycling boring in a certain way. You can&#8217;t put it any other way.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Poga\u010dar ticked off Milan-San Remo at the fifth time of asking last month, adding a fourth Monument to his list of triumphs.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The World Champion came back from a crash to beat Tom Pidcock in a two-man sprint for the line, with Sagan saying that the fall was the only reason there was any drama in the race.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;There is only one reason why Milan-San Remo was interesting this year: because he crashed and we suddenly got a beautiful battle,&#8221; he said.<\/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\/zAAf2cy6Vdo8jfjbvVofiH-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zAAf2cy6Vdo8jfjbvVofiH-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I heard some rumours&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar says he wasn&#8217;t too surprised by Remco Evenepoel making shock Tour of Flanders debut<\/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\/54YBwPgaUbNAJzxXd6nGZ3-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/54YBwPgaUbNAJzxXd6nGZ3-150-80.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 makes no sense to do that&#8217; \u2013 Eddy Merckx hails Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s unconventional journey to Milan-San Remo victory but argues that comparisons remain futile<\/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\/ut5sNvCNcbCA9zyqjAKVPc-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ut5sNvCNcbCA9zyqjAKVPc-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;It&#8217;s only a matter of time before he wins Milan-San Remo&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel braces himself for first face-off with Tadej Poga\u010dar in 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>&#8220;Even I never thought he would still attack on the Cipressa after his crash. But Poga\u010dar is crazy enough to do even that.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;They sometimes say that racing isn&#8217;t a PlayStation. Well, for him, it is. Even easier than a PlayStation. Only \u2013 as beautiful as that was to watch at Milan-San Remo, it is just as boring on other days.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-96d36503-4edf-4c60-b8d2-0424cd077200\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gMBhUYE4CeM3tZDsbZx8ND-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gMBhUYE4CeM3tZDsbZx8ND-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gMBhUYE4CeM3tZDsbZx8ND-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gMBhUYE4CeM3tZDsbZx8ND-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gMBhUYE4CeM3tZDsbZx8ND-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gMBhUYE4CeM3tZDsbZx8ND-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Sagan racing solo to victory in Oudenaarde a decade ago <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-b6e3fa2a-c821-4311-a546-bc5a21f452e3\">Sagan, who called time on his career two years ago, can look back on a successful spell in the peloton with 121 wins to his name.<\/p>\n<p>Alongside his pair of cobbled Monuments and three rainbow jerseys, his career highlights include a record seven Tour de France green jerseys, 18 Grand Tour stages, nine other major Classics, and 18 stages of the Tour de Suisse.<\/p>\n<p>To date, Poga\u010dar has 110 career victories, and he&#8217;s the favourite to make it 111 against Mathieu van der Poel, Wout van Aert, and Remco Evenepoel on Sunday. Of course, he wins differently to Sagan.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Tadej Poga\u010dar rides away 120km from the finish,&#8221; Sagan joked, when asked about his own solo ride off the Paterberg to win Flanders a decade ago.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Times have changed. I was much smarter. I did like winning races, but I didn&#8217;t like suffering. If I could choose between an attack from afar or staying in the peloton for another 50km and then attacking, I chose the latter. That was easier. Less pain.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Sagan also had some advice to pass on to Poga\u010dar. Not in the racing sense, but off the bike \u2013 from one &#8216;best rider in the world&#8217; to another.<\/p>\n<p>He called his final three years of racing &#8220;a nightmare&#8221;, watching his son growing up from afar and &#8220;spending more time with other people than with him. That got into my head.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Sagan said that Poga\u010dar should &#8220;live your life and your career the way you want&#8221; amid pressure and outside demands.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ve already talked to him about that once. Of course, he has won much more than I have, but the life he is leading now is the life I was leading ten years ago,&#8221; Sagan said.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;And honestly: I\u2019d rather him than me. I was a pro for 14 years, I\u2019ve had my share of fame \u2013 and I still have a bit of it. I don\u2019t need it anymore. That is why I had always said I would stop at 30.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;In the end, I kept it up until I was 33. I can only give Tadej one piece of advice: live your life and your career the way you want. Which isn\u2019t easy when you\u2019re in the middle of it. The pressure weighing on you, the many people wanting to use or, even abuse, you: it is difficult to deal with that and to keep realising what is important to you.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a9d391cf-0cf0-4d4d-82b4-df71cce92e1d\"><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled 2026 Spring Classics coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders.<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>Find out more<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<p>Peter Sagan<\/p>\n<p>Tadej Pogacar<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-xpuNvrTWuyHSYLSzLpCYZK\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-xpuNvrTWuyHSYLSzLpCYZK 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\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.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\">Dani Ostanek<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Senior News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Dani Ostanek is Senior News Writer at Cyclingnews, having joined in 2017 as a freelance contributor, later being hired full-time. Her favourite races include Strade Bianche, the Tour de France Femmes, Paris-Roubaix, and Tro-Bro L\u00e9on.<\/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\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The winning was never the boring part \u2013 When Tadej Poga\u010dar does it like he did at Milan-San Remo, I could watch him win every week<\/span><\/div>\n<div 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\/zRbKJDoFVvx5jRC7rdxqeH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zRbKJDoFVvx5jRC7rdxqeH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zRbKJDoFVvx5jRC7rdxqeH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zRbKJDoFVvx5jRC7rdxqeH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zRbKJDoFVvx5jRC7rdxqeH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;He&#8217;s a big machine&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar forced to share Strade Bianche glory with new rival Paul Seixas<\/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\/9fvn3D2Hf5TTs9fTiD84Vf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9fvn3D2Hf5TTs9fTiD84Vf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9fvn3D2Hf5TTs9fTiD84Vf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9fvn3D2Hf5TTs9fTiD84Vf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9fvn3D2Hf5TTs9fTiD84Vf-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;If he wins I don&#8217;t have a problem with that&#8217; \u2013 Strade Bianche joint record holder Fabian Cancellara has no objections if Tadej Poga\u010dar conquers fourth title on Saturday<\/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\/zAAf2cy6Vdo8jfjbvVofiH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zAAf2cy6Vdo8jfjbvVofiH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zAAf2cy6Vdo8jfjbvVofiH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zAAf2cy6Vdo8jfjbvVofiH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zAAf2cy6Vdo8jfjbvVofiH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I heard some rumours&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar says he wasn&#8217;t too surprised by Remco Evenepoel making shock Tour of Flanders debut<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/54YBwPgaUbNAJzxXd6nGZ3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/54YBwPgaUbNAJzxXd6nGZ3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/54YBwPgaUbNAJzxXd6nGZ3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/54YBwPgaUbNAJzxXd6nGZ3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/54YBwPgaUbNAJzxXd6nGZ3-320-80.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 makes no sense to do that&#8217; \u2013 Eddy Merckx hails Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s unconventional journey to Milan-San Remo victory but argues that comparisons remain futile<\/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\/ut5sNvCNcbCA9zyqjAKVPc-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ut5sNvCNcbCA9zyqjAKVPc-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ut5sNvCNcbCA9zyqjAKVPc-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ut5sNvCNcbCA9zyqjAKVPc-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ut5sNvCNcbCA9zyqjAKVPc-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s only a matter of time before he wins Milan-San Remo&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel braces himself for first face-off with Tadej Poga\u010dar in 2026<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E5dqAv8QTj8CEBHYY4GxpA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E5dqAv8QTj8CEBHYY4GxpA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E5dqAv8QTj8CEBHYY4GxpA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E5dqAv8QTj8CEBHYY4GxpA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E5dqAv8QTj8CEBHYY4GxpA-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 a disadvantage for me&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel welcomes addition of Remco Evenepoel to Tour of Flanders but warns against underestimating debutant<\/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\/zAAf2cy6Vdo8jfjbvVofiH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zAAf2cy6Vdo8jfjbvVofiH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zAAf2cy6Vdo8jfjbvVofiH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zAAf2cy6Vdo8jfjbvVofiH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zAAf2cy6Vdo8jfjbvVofiH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I heard some rumours&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar says he wasn&#8217;t too surprised by Remco Evenepoel making shock Tour of Flanders debut<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ayddoth29Ve9o892HfMnZg-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ayddoth29Ve9o892HfMnZg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ayddoth29Ve9o892HfMnZg-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ayddoth29Ve9o892HfMnZg-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ayddoth29Ve9o892HfMnZg-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\">All about Remco: Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe field notably experienced squad to back rookie Evenepoel in Sunday&#8217;s 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\/bMn7Jy57ghfh6TvFCMS4Si-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bMn7Jy57ghfh6TvFCMS4Si-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bMn7Jy57ghfh6TvFCMS4Si-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bMn7Jy57ghfh6TvFCMS4Si-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bMn7Jy57ghfh6TvFCMS4Si-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;It wasn&#8217;t the plan&#8217; \u2013 Richard Carapaz undergoes surgical procedure this week, affirms recovery will not distract from Giro d&#8217;Italia in just five weeks<\/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\/aG7rtHcqry8hwsprDx3Bk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aG7rtHcqry8hwsprDx3Bk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aG7rtHcqry8hwsprDx3Bk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aG7rtHcqry8hwsprDx3Bk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aG7rtHcqry8hwsprDx3Bk-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\">Caja Rural-Seguros RGA rider hospitalised in serious condition following training crash<\/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\/LsHmBtnTxiYK3jFBQJLi7S-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LsHmBtnTxiYK3jFBQJLi7S-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LsHmBtnTxiYK3jFBQJLi7S-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LsHmBtnTxiYK3jFBQJLi7S-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LsHmBtnTxiYK3jFBQJLi7S-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;We lost three experienced riders, and replaced them with really young riders&#8217; \u2013 Can Lidl-Trek&#8217;s changed Classics core do enough for Mads Pedersen at 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>\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\/E5dqAv8QTj8CEBHYY4GxpA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E5dqAv8QTj8CEBHYY4GxpA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E5dqAv8QTj8CEBHYY4GxpA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E5dqAv8QTj8CEBHYY4GxpA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E5dqAv8QTj8CEBHYY4GxpA-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 a disadvantage for me&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel welcomes addition of Remco Evenepoel to Tour of Flanders but warns against underestimating debutant<\/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\/ShqKmTsbMpfvYvzH7i3A8C-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ShqKmTsbMpfvYvzH7i3A8C-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ShqKmTsbMpfvYvzH7i3A8C-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ShqKmTsbMpfvYvzH7i3A8C-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ShqKmTsbMpfvYvzH7i3A8C-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 shook me for a while&#8217; &#8211; Florian Vermeersch opens up about online abuse he received after helping chase down Wout van Aert 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\/Vh34BooamCivwXpsDSrfAZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vh34BooamCivwXpsDSrfAZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vh34BooamCivwXpsDSrfAZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vh34BooamCivwXpsDSrfAZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vh34BooamCivwXpsDSrfAZ-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 can give others some pressure&#8217; \u2013 Why Lorena Wiebes could be the most influential rider on the Tour of Flanders start line<\/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\/rgsBNinvxShtJQJLdgF5TN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rgsBNinvxShtJQJLdgF5TN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rgsBNinvxShtJQJLdgF5TN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rgsBNinvxShtJQJLdgF5TN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rgsBNinvxShtJQJLdgF5TN-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\">With no Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney, Canyon-SRAM look to Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt and Chlo\u00e9 Dygert for Tour of Flanders success<\/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\/zAAf2cy6Vdo8jfjbvVofiH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zAAf2cy6Vdo8jfjbvVofiH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zAAf2cy6Vdo8jfjbvVofiH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zAAf2cy6Vdo8jfjbvVofiH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zAAf2cy6Vdo8jfjbvVofiH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I heard some rumours&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar says he wasn&#8217;t too surprised by Remco Evenepoel making shock Tour of Flanders debut<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rQUmTL7KBfwegCtHuo9pzG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rQUmTL7KBfwegCtHuo9pzG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rQUmTL7KBfwegCtHuo9pzG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rQUmTL7KBfwegCtHuo9pzG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rQUmTL7KBfwegCtHuo9pzG-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&#8217;m just at the level I want to be&#8217; \u2013 Lotte Kopecky says she &#8216;doesn&#8217;t really care&#8217; whether rivals view her as Tour of Flanders frontrunner<\/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\/E5dqAv8QTj8CEBHYY4GxpA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E5dqAv8QTj8CEBHYY4GxpA-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E5dqAv8QTj8CEBHYY4GxpA-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E5dqAv8QTj8CEBHYY4GxpA-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E5dqAv8QTj8CEBHYY4GxpA.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E5dqAv8QTj8CEBHYY4GxpA.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E5dqAv8QTj8CEBHYY4GxpA.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;Not a disadvantage for me&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel welcomes addition of Remco Evenepoel to Tour of Flanders but warns against underestimating debutant<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;It shook me for a while&#8217; &#8211; Florian Vermeersch opens up about online abuse he received after helping chase down Wout van Aert 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\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">With no Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney, Canyon-SRAM look to Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt and Chlo\u00e9 Dygert for Tour of Flanders success<\/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 can give others some pressure&#8217; \u2013 Why Lorena Wiebes could be the most influential rider on the Tour of Flanders start line<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;I heard some rumours&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar says he wasn&#8217;t too surprised by Remco Evenepoel making shock Tour of Flanders debut<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;Even easier than a PlayStation&#8217; \u2013 Peter Sagan says Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s dominance is amazing but &#8216;boring in a certain way&#8217;<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nDani Ostanek <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-02T11:40:15Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n2 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">&#8216;Unless they saw off his legs before Sunday, who is going to be able to beat him?&#8217; says 2016 Flanders winner<\/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\/tAGoLioBdtJ5ZavcSjULKD-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tAGoLioBdtJ5ZavcSjULKD-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tAGoLioBdtJ5ZavcSjULKD-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tAGoLioBdtJ5ZavcSjULKD-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tAGoLioBdtJ5ZavcSjULKD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tAGoLioBdtJ5ZavcSjULKD-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tAGoLioBdtJ5ZavcSjULKD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Peter Sagan on the top step of the podium at the 2016 Tour of Flanders<\/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\">5<\/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-ad2b70b0-bfb3-469b-8a24-c75eedbe6d78\">Peter Sagan has said that &#8220;the WorldTour is too small&#8221; for Tadej Poga\u010dar, with the Slovenian&#8217;s dominance at almost every race he takes part in &#8221; making cycling boring in a certain way.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Retired racer Sagan, who won the Tour of Flanders 10 years ago and enjoyed a spell at the top of the sport as the best rider in the world, ran the rule over the current holder of that title in an interview with <em>Het Nieuwsblad<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ad2b70b0-bfb3-469b-8a24-c75eedbe6d78-2\">The Slovakian named Poga\u010dar as the top favourite to win his second Monument of the season in Flanders on Sunday, which would be his third win at De Ronde and his 12th Monument in total \u2013 a tally that would leave him clear of Roger De Vlaeminck and only behind Eddy Merckx.<\/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\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">The winning was never the boring part \u2013 When Tadej Poga\u010dar does it like he did at Milan-San Remo, I could watch him win every week<\/span><\/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\/zRbKJDoFVvx5jRC7rdxqeH-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zRbKJDoFVvx5jRC7rdxqeH-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;He&#8217;s a big machine&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar forced to share Strade Bianche glory with new rival Paul Seixas<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9fvn3D2Hf5TTs9fTiD84Vf-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9fvn3D2Hf5TTs9fTiD84Vf-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;If he wins I don&#8217;t have a problem with that&#8217; \u2013 Strade Bianche joint record holder Fabian Cancellara has no objections if Tadej Poga\u010dar conquers fourth title on Saturday<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;Unless they saw off his legs before Sunday, who is going to be able to beat him?&#8221; Sagan asked.<\/p>\n<p>He called Poga\u010dar &#8220;amazing&#8221;, while acknowledging that his dominance could put people off.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Above all, he should race the way he wants. And hey, for the sport, Poga\u010dar is amazing,&#8221; Sagan said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;They just should let him race in a separate category. The WorldTour is too small for him. Because of that, he makes cycling boring in a certain way. You can&#8217;t put it any other way.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Poga\u010dar ticked off Milan-San Remo at the fifth time of asking last month, adding a fourth Monument to his list of triumphs.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The World Champion came back from a crash to beat Tom Pidcock in a two-man sprint for the line, with Sagan saying that the fall was the only reason there was any drama in the race.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;There is only one reason why Milan-San Remo was interesting this year: because he crashed and we suddenly got a beautiful battle,&#8221; he said.<\/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\/zAAf2cy6Vdo8jfjbvVofiH-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zAAf2cy6Vdo8jfjbvVofiH-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I heard some rumours&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar says he wasn&#8217;t too surprised by Remco Evenepoel making shock Tour of Flanders debut<\/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\/54YBwPgaUbNAJzxXd6nGZ3-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/54YBwPgaUbNAJzxXd6nGZ3-150-80.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 makes no sense to do that&#8217; \u2013 Eddy Merckx hails Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s unconventional journey to Milan-San Remo victory but argues that comparisons remain futile<\/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\/ut5sNvCNcbCA9zyqjAKVPc-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ut5sNvCNcbCA9zyqjAKVPc-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;It&#8217;s only a matter of time before he wins Milan-San Remo&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel braces himself for first face-off with Tadej Poga\u010dar in 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>&#8220;Even I never thought he would still attack on the Cipressa after his crash. But Poga\u010dar is crazy enough to do even that.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;They sometimes say that racing isn&#8217;t a PlayStation. Well, for him, it is. Even easier than a PlayStation. Only \u2013 as beautiful as that was to watch at Milan-San Remo, it is just as boring on other days.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-96d36503-4edf-4c60-b8d2-0424cd077200\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gMBhUYE4CeM3tZDsbZx8ND-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gMBhUYE4CeM3tZDsbZx8ND-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gMBhUYE4CeM3tZDsbZx8ND-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gMBhUYE4CeM3tZDsbZx8ND-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gMBhUYE4CeM3tZDsbZx8ND-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gMBhUYE4CeM3tZDsbZx8ND-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Sagan racing solo to victory in Oudenaarde a decade ago <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-b6e3fa2a-c821-4311-a546-bc5a21f452e3\">Sagan, who called time on his career two years ago, can look back on a successful spell in the peloton with 121 wins to his name.<\/p>\n<p>Alongside his pair of cobbled Monuments and three rainbow jerseys, his career highlights include a record seven Tour de France green jerseys, 18 Grand Tour stages, nine other major Classics, and 18 stages of the Tour de Suisse.<\/p>\n<p>To date, Poga\u010dar has 110 career victories, and he&#8217;s the favourite to make it 111 against Mathieu van der Poel, Wout van Aert, and Remco Evenepoel on Sunday. Of course, he wins differently to Sagan.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Tadej Poga\u010dar rides away 120km from the finish,&#8221; Sagan joked, when asked about his own solo ride off the Paterberg to win Flanders a decade ago.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Times have changed. I was much smarter. I did like winning races, but I didn&#8217;t like suffering. If I could choose between an attack from afar or staying in the peloton for another 50km and then attacking, I chose the latter. That was easier. Less pain.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Sagan also had some advice to pass on to Poga\u010dar. Not in the racing sense, but off the bike \u2013 from one &#8216;best rider in the world&#8217; to another.<\/p>\n<p>He called his final three years of racing &#8220;a nightmare&#8221;, watching his son growing up from afar and &#8220;spending more time with other people than with him. That got into my head.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Sagan said that Poga\u010dar should &#8220;live your life and your career the way you want&#8221; amid pressure and outside demands.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ve already talked to him about that once. Of course, he has won much more than I have, but the life he is leading now is the life I was leading ten years ago,&#8221; Sagan said.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;And honestly: I\u2019d rather him than me. I was a pro for 14 years, I\u2019ve had my share of fame \u2013 and I still have a bit of it. I don\u2019t need it anymore. That is why I had always said I would stop at 30.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;In the end, I kept it up until I was 33. I can only give Tadej one piece of advice: live your life and your career the way you want. Which isn\u2019t easy when you\u2019re in the middle of it. The pressure weighing on you, the many people wanting to use or, even abuse, you: it is difficult to deal with that and to keep realising what is important to you.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a9d391cf-0cf0-4d4d-82b4-df71cce92e1d\"><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled 2026 Spring Classics coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders.<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>Find out more<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<p>Peter Sagan<\/p>\n<p>Tadej Pogacar<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-xpuNvrTWuyHSYLSzLpCYZK\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-xpuNvrTWuyHSYLSzLpCYZK 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\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.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\">Dani Ostanek<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Senior News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Dani Ostanek is Senior News Writer at Cyclingnews, having joined in 2017 as a freelance contributor, later being hired full-time. Her favourite races include Strade Bianche, the Tour de France Femmes, Paris-Roubaix, and Tro-Bro L\u00e9on.<\/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\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The winning was never the boring part \u2013 When Tadej Poga\u010dar does it like he did at Milan-San Remo, I could watch him win every week<\/span><\/div>\n<div 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\/zRbKJDoFVvx5jRC7rdxqeH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zRbKJDoFVvx5jRC7rdxqeH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zRbKJDoFVvx5jRC7rdxqeH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zRbKJDoFVvx5jRC7rdxqeH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zRbKJDoFVvx5jRC7rdxqeH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;He&#8217;s a big machine&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar forced to share Strade Bianche glory with new rival Paul Seixas<\/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\/9fvn3D2Hf5TTs9fTiD84Vf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9fvn3D2Hf5TTs9fTiD84Vf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9fvn3D2Hf5TTs9fTiD84Vf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9fvn3D2Hf5TTs9fTiD84Vf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9fvn3D2Hf5TTs9fTiD84Vf-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;If he wins I don&#8217;t have a problem with that&#8217; \u2013 Strade Bianche joint record holder Fabian Cancellara has no objections if Tadej Poga\u010dar conquers fourth title on Saturday<\/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\/zAAf2cy6Vdo8jfjbvVofiH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zAAf2cy6Vdo8jfjbvVofiH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zAAf2cy6Vdo8jfjbvVofiH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zAAf2cy6Vdo8jfjbvVofiH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zAAf2cy6Vdo8jfjbvVofiH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I heard some rumours&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar says he wasn&#8217;t too surprised by Remco Evenepoel making shock Tour of Flanders debut<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/54YBwPgaUbNAJzxXd6nGZ3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/54YBwPgaUbNAJzxXd6nGZ3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/54YBwPgaUbNAJzxXd6nGZ3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/54YBwPgaUbNAJzxXd6nGZ3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/54YBwPgaUbNAJzxXd6nGZ3-320-80.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 makes no sense to do that&#8217; \u2013 Eddy Merckx hails Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s unconventional journey to Milan-San Remo victory but argues that comparisons remain futile<\/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\/ut5sNvCNcbCA9zyqjAKVPc-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ut5sNvCNcbCA9zyqjAKVPc-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ut5sNvCNcbCA9zyqjAKVPc-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ut5sNvCNcbCA9zyqjAKVPc-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ut5sNvCNcbCA9zyqjAKVPc-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s only a matter of time before he wins Milan-San Remo&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel braces himself for first face-off with Tadej Poga\u010dar in 2026<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E5dqAv8QTj8CEBHYY4GxpA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E5dqAv8QTj8CEBHYY4GxpA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E5dqAv8QTj8CEBHYY4GxpA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E5dqAv8QTj8CEBHYY4GxpA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E5dqAv8QTj8CEBHYY4GxpA-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 a disadvantage for me&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel welcomes addition of Remco Evenepoel to Tour of Flanders but warns against underestimating debutant<\/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\/zAAf2cy6Vdo8jfjbvVofiH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zAAf2cy6Vdo8jfjbvVofiH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zAAf2cy6Vdo8jfjbvVofiH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zAAf2cy6Vdo8jfjbvVofiH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zAAf2cy6Vdo8jfjbvVofiH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I heard some rumours&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar says he wasn&#8217;t too surprised by Remco Evenepoel making shock Tour of Flanders debut<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ayddoth29Ve9o892HfMnZg-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ayddoth29Ve9o892HfMnZg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ayddoth29Ve9o892HfMnZg-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ayddoth29Ve9o892HfMnZg-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ayddoth29Ve9o892HfMnZg-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\">All about Remco: Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe field notably experienced squad to back rookie Evenepoel in Sunday&#8217;s 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\/bMn7Jy57ghfh6TvFCMS4Si-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bMn7Jy57ghfh6TvFCMS4Si-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bMn7Jy57ghfh6TvFCMS4Si-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bMn7Jy57ghfh6TvFCMS4Si-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bMn7Jy57ghfh6TvFCMS4Si-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;It wasn&#8217;t the plan&#8217; \u2013 Richard Carapaz undergoes surgical procedure this week, affirms recovery will not distract from Giro d&#8217;Italia in just five weeks<\/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\/aG7rtHcqry8hwsprDx3Bk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aG7rtHcqry8hwsprDx3Bk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aG7rtHcqry8hwsprDx3Bk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aG7rtHcqry8hwsprDx3Bk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aG7rtHcqry8hwsprDx3Bk-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\">Caja Rural-Seguros RGA rider hospitalised in serious condition following training crash<\/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\/LsHmBtnTxiYK3jFBQJLi7S-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LsHmBtnTxiYK3jFBQJLi7S-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LsHmBtnTxiYK3jFBQJLi7S-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LsHmBtnTxiYK3jFBQJLi7S-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LsHmBtnTxiYK3jFBQJLi7S-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;We lost three experienced riders, and replaced them with really young riders&#8217; \u2013 Can Lidl-Trek&#8217;s changed Classics core do enough for Mads Pedersen at 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>\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\/E5dqAv8QTj8CEBHYY4GxpA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E5dqAv8QTj8CEBHYY4GxpA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E5dqAv8QTj8CEBHYY4GxpA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E5dqAv8QTj8CEBHYY4GxpA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E5dqAv8QTj8CEBHYY4GxpA-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 a disadvantage for me&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel welcomes addition of Remco Evenepoel to Tour of Flanders but warns against underestimating debutant<\/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\/ShqKmTsbMpfvYvzH7i3A8C-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ShqKmTsbMpfvYvzH7i3A8C-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ShqKmTsbMpfvYvzH7i3A8C-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ShqKmTsbMpfvYvzH7i3A8C-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ShqKmTsbMpfvYvzH7i3A8C-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 shook me for a while&#8217; &#8211; Florian Vermeersch opens up about online abuse he received after helping chase down Wout van Aert 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\/Vh34BooamCivwXpsDSrfAZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vh34BooamCivwXpsDSrfAZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vh34BooamCivwXpsDSrfAZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vh34BooamCivwXpsDSrfAZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vh34BooamCivwXpsDSrfAZ-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 can give others some pressure&#8217; \u2013 Why Lorena Wiebes could be the most influential rider on the Tour of Flanders start line<\/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\/rgsBNinvxShtJQJLdgF5TN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rgsBNinvxShtJQJLdgF5TN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rgsBNinvxShtJQJLdgF5TN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rgsBNinvxShtJQJLdgF5TN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rgsBNinvxShtJQJLdgF5TN-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\">With no Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney, Canyon-SRAM look to Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt and Chlo\u00e9 Dygert for Tour of Flanders success<\/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\/zAAf2cy6Vdo8jfjbvVofiH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zAAf2cy6Vdo8jfjbvVofiH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zAAf2cy6Vdo8jfjbvVofiH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zAAf2cy6Vdo8jfjbvVofiH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zAAf2cy6Vdo8jfjbvVofiH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I heard some rumours&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar says he wasn&#8217;t too surprised by Remco Evenepoel making shock Tour of Flanders debut<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rQUmTL7KBfwegCtHuo9pzG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rQUmTL7KBfwegCtHuo9pzG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rQUmTL7KBfwegCtHuo9pzG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rQUmTL7KBfwegCtHuo9pzG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rQUmTL7KBfwegCtHuo9pzG-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&#8217;m just at the level I want to be&#8217; \u2013 Lotte Kopecky says she &#8216;doesn&#8217;t really care&#8217; whether rivals view her as Tour of Flanders frontrunner<\/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\/E5dqAv8QTj8CEBHYY4GxpA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E5dqAv8QTj8CEBHYY4GxpA-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E5dqAv8QTj8CEBHYY4GxpA-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E5dqAv8QTj8CEBHYY4GxpA-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E5dqAv8QTj8CEBHYY4GxpA.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E5dqAv8QTj8CEBHYY4GxpA.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E5dqAv8QTj8CEBHYY4GxpA.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;Not a disadvantage for me&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel welcomes addition of Remco Evenepoel to Tour of Flanders but warns against underestimating debutant<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;It shook me for a while&#8217; &#8211; Florian Vermeersch opens up about online abuse he received after helping chase down Wout van Aert 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\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">With no Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney, Canyon-SRAM look to Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt and Chlo\u00e9 Dygert for Tour of Flanders success<\/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 can give others some pressure&#8217; \u2013 Why Lorena Wiebes could be the most influential rider on the Tour of Flanders start line<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;I heard some rumours&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar says he wasn&#8217;t too surprised by Remco Evenepoel making shock Tour of Flanders debut<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;Even easier than a PlayStation&#8217; \u2013 Peter Sagan says Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s dominance is amazing but &#8216;boring in a certain way&#8217;<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nDani Ostanek <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-02T11:40:15Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n2 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">&#8216;Unless they saw off his legs before Sunday, who is going to be able to beat him?&#8217; says 2016 Flanders winner<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. 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Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-ad2b70b0-bfb3-469b-8a24-c75eedbe6d78\">Peter Sagan has said that &#8220;the WorldTour is too small&#8221; for Tadej Poga\u010dar, with the Slovenian&#8217;s dominance at almost every race he takes part in &#8221; making cycling boring in a certain way.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Retired racer Sagan, who won the Tour of Flanders 10 years ago and enjoyed a spell at the top of the sport as the best rider in the world, ran the rule over the current holder of that title in an interview with <em>Het Nieuwsblad<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ad2b70b0-bfb3-469b-8a24-c75eedbe6d78-2\">The Slovakian named Poga\u010dar as the top favourite to win his second Monument of the season in Flanders on Sunday, which would be his third win at De Ronde and his 12th Monument in total \u2013 a tally that would leave him clear of Roger De Vlaeminck and only behind Eddy Merckx.<\/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\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">The winning was never the boring part \u2013 When Tadej Poga\u010dar does it like he did at Milan-San Remo, I could watch him win every week<\/span><\/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\/zRbKJDoFVvx5jRC7rdxqeH-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zRbKJDoFVvx5jRC7rdxqeH-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;He&#8217;s a big machine&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar forced to share Strade Bianche glory with new rival Paul Seixas<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9fvn3D2Hf5TTs9fTiD84Vf-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9fvn3D2Hf5TTs9fTiD84Vf-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;If he wins I don&#8217;t have a problem with that&#8217; \u2013 Strade Bianche joint record holder Fabian Cancellara has no objections if Tadej Poga\u010dar conquers fourth title on Saturday<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;Unless they saw off his legs before Sunday, who is going to be able to beat him?&#8221; Sagan asked.<\/p>\n<p>He called Poga\u010dar &#8220;amazing&#8221;, while acknowledging that his dominance could put people off.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Above all, he should race the way he wants. And hey, for the sport, Poga\u010dar is amazing,&#8221; Sagan said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;They just should let him race in a separate category. The WorldTour is too small for him. Because of that, he makes cycling boring in a certain way. You can&#8217;t put it any other way.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Poga\u010dar ticked off Milan-San Remo at the fifth time of asking last month, adding a fourth Monument to his list of triumphs.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The World Champion came back from a crash to beat Tom Pidcock in a two-man sprint for the line, with Sagan saying that the fall was the only reason there was any drama in the race.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;There is only one reason why Milan-San Remo was interesting this year: because he crashed and we suddenly got a beautiful battle,&#8221; he said.<\/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\/zAAf2cy6Vdo8jfjbvVofiH-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zAAf2cy6Vdo8jfjbvVofiH-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I heard some rumours&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar says he wasn&#8217;t too surprised by Remco Evenepoel making shock Tour of Flanders debut<\/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\/54YBwPgaUbNAJzxXd6nGZ3-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/54YBwPgaUbNAJzxXd6nGZ3-150-80.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 makes no sense to do that&#8217; \u2013 Eddy Merckx hails Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s unconventional journey to Milan-San Remo victory but argues that comparisons remain futile<\/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\/ut5sNvCNcbCA9zyqjAKVPc-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ut5sNvCNcbCA9zyqjAKVPc-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;It&#8217;s only a matter of time before he wins Milan-San Remo&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel braces himself for first face-off with Tadej Poga\u010dar in 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>&#8220;Even I never thought he would still attack on the Cipressa after his crash. But Poga\u010dar is crazy enough to do even that.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;They sometimes say that racing isn&#8217;t a PlayStation. Well, for him, it is. Even easier than a PlayStation. Only \u2013 as beautiful as that was to watch at Milan-San Remo, it is just as boring on other days.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-96d36503-4edf-4c60-b8d2-0424cd077200\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gMBhUYE4CeM3tZDsbZx8ND-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gMBhUYE4CeM3tZDsbZx8ND-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gMBhUYE4CeM3tZDsbZx8ND-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gMBhUYE4CeM3tZDsbZx8ND-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gMBhUYE4CeM3tZDsbZx8ND-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gMBhUYE4CeM3tZDsbZx8ND-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Sagan racing solo to victory in Oudenaarde a decade ago <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-b6e3fa2a-c821-4311-a546-bc5a21f452e3\">Sagan, who called time on his career two years ago, can look back on a successful spell in the peloton with 121 wins to his name.<\/p>\n<p>Alongside his pair of cobbled Monuments and three rainbow jerseys, his career highlights include a record seven Tour de France green jerseys, 18 Grand Tour stages, nine other major Classics, and 18 stages of the Tour de Suisse.<\/p>\n<p>To date, Poga\u010dar has 110 career victories, and he&#8217;s the favourite to make it 111 against Mathieu van der Poel, Wout van Aert, and Remco Evenepoel on Sunday. Of course, he wins differently to Sagan.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Tadej Poga\u010dar rides away 120km from the finish,&#8221; Sagan joked, when asked about his own solo ride off the Paterberg to win Flanders a decade ago.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Times have changed. I was much smarter. I did like winning races, but I didn&#8217;t like suffering. If I could choose between an attack from afar or staying in the peloton for another 50km and then attacking, I chose the latter. That was easier. Less pain.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Sagan also had some advice to pass on to Poga\u010dar. Not in the racing sense, but off the bike \u2013 from one &#8216;best rider in the world&#8217; to another.<\/p>\n<p>He called his final three years of racing &#8220;a nightmare&#8221;, watching his son growing up from afar and &#8220;spending more time with other people than with him. That got into my head.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Sagan said that Poga\u010dar should &#8220;live your life and your career the way you want&#8221; amid pressure and outside demands.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ve already talked to him about that once. Of course, he has won much more than I have, but the life he is leading now is the life I was leading ten years ago,&#8221; Sagan said.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;And honestly: I\u2019d rather him than me. I was a pro for 14 years, I\u2019ve had my share of fame \u2013 and I still have a bit of it. I don\u2019t need it anymore. That is why I had always said I would stop at 30.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;In the end, I kept it up until I was 33. I can only give Tadej one piece of advice: live your life and your career the way you want. Which isn\u2019t easy when you\u2019re in the middle of it. The pressure weighing on you, the many people wanting to use or, even abuse, you: it is difficult to deal with that and to keep realising what is important to you.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a9d391cf-0cf0-4d4d-82b4-df71cce92e1d\"><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled 2026 Spring Classics coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders.<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>Find out more<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/even-easier-than-a-playstation-peter-sagan-says-tadej-pogacars-dominance-is-amazing-but-boring-in-a-certain-way\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tAGoLioBdtJ5ZavcSjULKD-1024-80.jpg&#8221;] Pro Cycling Teams &amp; Riders &#8216;Even easier than a PlayStation&#8217; \u2013 Peter Sagan says Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s dominance is amazing but &#8216;boring in a certain way&#8217; News By Dani Ostanek published 2 April 2026 &#8216;Unless they saw off his legs before Sunday, who is going to be able to beat him?&#8217; says 2016 [&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-1863748","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\/1863748","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=1863748"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1863748\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1863748"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1863748"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1863748"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}