{"id":1865965,"date":"2026-04-03T16:37:07","date_gmt":"2026-04-03T13:37:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1865965"},"modified":"2026-04-03T16:37:07","modified_gmt":"2026-04-03T13:37:07","slug":"i-dont-consider-myself-in-the-big-four-wout-van-aert-older-and-wiser-but-avoids-talking-himself-up-for-major-tour-of-flanders-battle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1865965","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;I don&#8217;t consider myself in the big four&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert &#8216;older and wiser&#8217; but avoids talking himself up for major Tour of Flanders battle"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XhGRg6QYs96jjNoMzCiAud-1024-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nVisma-Lease a Bike\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWout van Aert\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I don&#8217;t consider myself in the big four&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert &#8216;older and wiser&#8217; but avoids talking himself up for major Tour of Flanders battle<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nMatilda Price <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-03T16:37:07Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n3 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Belgian says rivals like Mathieu van der Poel and Tadej Poga\u010dar will &#8216;have something more than all the others&#8217; on Sunday<\/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\/XhGRg6QYs96jjNoMzCiAud-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XhGRg6QYs96jjNoMzCiAud-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XhGRg6QYs96jjNoMzCiAud-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XhGRg6QYs96jjNoMzCiAud-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XhGRg6QYs96jjNoMzCiAud-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XhGRg6QYs96jjNoMzCiAud-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XhGRg6QYs96jjNoMzCiAud-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Wout van Aert leads a bunch of riders over a cobbled climb during In Flanders Fields<\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"!m-0\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 sm:ml-1.5 font-base text-xs\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div role=\"dialog\" class=\"hidden fixed inset-0 z-[999999999999999999] bg-[#33333370] flex items-center justify-center p-6 newsletter-modal\" data-batch-endpoint=\"https:\/\/newsletter-subscribe.futureplc.com\/v2\/submission\/submit_batch\" data-batch-source=\"302\" data-component-name=\"Newsletter:Modal\">\n<div class=\"bg-neutral-100 rounded-xl shadow-xl w-full lg:w-2\/3 xl:w-1\/2 p-6 relative max-h-[95vh] overflow-y-auto\">\n<div id=\"newsletter-capture-modal\">\n<div class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0 bg-inherit font-ui-heading\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base font-article-copy\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<div data-component-name=\"Newsletter:NewsletterForm\">\n<hr class=\"modal_hr mt-3 mb-4 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"modal_footer block text-left opacity-80 text-[.8em] leading-[1.3em] mt-2 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline font-article-copy\">\nBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-dea92fd9-d356-43c0-a44f-7d494bbdd0e7\">Visma-Lease a Bike&#8217;s Wout van Aert says he won&#8217;t be considering himself as one of the so-called &#8216;big four&#8217; when he starts the Tour of Flanders this weekend, and knows that his main rivals are still a level above him as he chases victory in his home Monument.<\/p>\n<p>The Belgian was practically pre-destined to be a Classics rider, but in recent years he&#8217;s been usurped on home turf by the likes of Tadej Poga\u010dar and Mathieu van der Poel, and for all that he&#8217;s confident about himself, he was also realistic about his rivals going into Sunday&#8217;s race.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-dea92fd9-d356-43c0-a44f-7d494bbdd0e7-2\">There was one moment that almost told you all you need to know about how Van Aert \u2013 and the rest of the world \u2013 views himself when it comes to his status against the sport&#8217;s greats.<\/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\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Why Poga\u010dar and Van Aert&#8217;s teams aren&#8217;t sensing weakness for the Tour of Flanders despite Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s near-miss at E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/li>\n<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\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-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\">Van der Poel, Van Aert lead challenge against Poga\u010dar, but can debutant Evenepoel spoil the party in rare matchup? \u2013 Analysing the favourites for the men&#8217;s Tour of Flanders<\/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\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-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 want to put up a fight&#8217;  &#8211; Wout van Aert in upbeat mood for In Flanders Fields<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>A journalist had just asked him about his rivals&#8217; data-based flexes in the run up to Flanders &#8211; Poga\u010dar&#8217;s Cipressa record and Van der Poel&#8217;s 90-minute power at E3 &#8211; and whether Van Aert wanted to throw his own numerical brag into the ring.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;It will definitely not be as impressive as these guys,&#8221; he responded. To his left, his Sports Director Grischa Niermann chipped in to try and hype up his rider: &#8220;Wout took the KoM on the Eikenberg on Wednesday!&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;But they were not there, so\u2026&#8221; Van Aert trailed off. Even his successes, he judges in the context of his rivals.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I think it will not change something if I would [share some numbers or an achievement],&#8221; he went on to add. &#8220;But to be more serious, the guys you&#8217;re talking about, of course for me they remain the big favourites and they have something more than all the others at the start line, that&#8217;s for sure.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-cnHduNZvLE8qvdavSizY69\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-cnHduNZvLE8qvdavSizY69 slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>It&#8217;s hard to argue with Van Aert&#8217;s point, given Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar will start on Sunday as winners of the last 10 Monuments and with four Flanders victories between them, but Van Aert&#8217;s view on his place is certainly more deference than anything else. He doesn&#8217;t try to assert himself or talk himself up. Is this a sign of being more relaxed than previous year?<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I don&#8217;t know. Maybe that&#8217;s a good question for the people around me,&#8221; he answered. &#8220;But sure I&#8217;m maybe more relaxed than a few years ago. I&#8217;m more enjoying the process now and all the things that come with it. Some I accept easier, and some I appreciate more. So it might be true. Probably both, you get a bit older, you get a bit wiser, and you know a bit better what to expect, all these things help.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;It&#8217;s of course a stressful period, but it&#8217;s also one of the best weeks of the year to be here in the middle of a lot of attention but also in the middle of the biggest scene we have maybe in cycling. I think as a Belgian riding these Classics is one of the best things you can do, and it&#8217;s every year again goosebumps with the recon today and stuff like that, it&#8217;s really cool to do.&#8221;<\/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\/j3eb8Rozw7gVHmDzZi8JTD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j3eb8Rozw7gVHmDzZi8JTD-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Two races, two big attacks, no win \u2013 What do Wout van Aert&#8217;s double close defeats mean for the Tour of Flanders?<\/span><\/li>\n<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\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe have the makings of a great Tour of Flanders team, but is Remco Evenepoel the missing piece for taking on Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel?<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#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\/E5dqAv8QTj8CEBHYY4GxpA-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E5dqAv8QTj8CEBHYY4GxpA-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;Not 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><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-8e9c22d1-bca0-46e4-af65-de5aae66707a\">\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\/8z7YnUBsCW6aq7zTfmw9mh-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8z7YnUBsCW6aq7zTfmw9mh-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8z7YnUBsCW6aq7zTfmw9mh-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8z7YnUBsCW6aq7zTfmw9mh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8z7YnUBsCW6aq7zTfmw9mh-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8z7YnUBsCW6aq7zTfmw9mh-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\">Van Aert during recon on Friday <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-d68f50d0-6192-4727-837d-cbb80ddc3ad9\">Those things that Van Aert speaks of having to accept or deal with are numerous. Stressful races, criticism online and in the media, injury or illness setbacks. The Belgian has perhaps faced more of all of these than his rivals, including this year. A broken ankle threatened to disrupt his spring, but ultimately he has arrived at Holy Week in exactly the form he wanted.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;This is where I worked for. I had a few setbacks but we always kept calm and we knew there was enough time to be on a good level. Without the setbacks I would have loved to be already starting my road campaign, I hoped to be better already in Strade Bianche for example, and I think now you can see that maybe I needed these races to make the last steps that I want.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>The Belgian Classics haven&#8217;t always treated Van Aert well, and he comes to Flanders off the back of close defeats at both E3 and Dwars door Vlaanderen, but he and his team have been focusing all week on the positives rather than the negatives.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I think the last two races were good. I raced how I loved to race, aggressively, with good finales, so I can be happy with that,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;For sure [my form] is better than my first appearance in 2018, but other than that I think a lot of times I started the Tour of Flanders with good legs. I also didn&#8217;t start two times when I had really good legs the week before, so I&#8217;m really pleased with how I&#8217;m feeling now.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"the-evenepoel-factor-3\">The Evenepoel factor<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-d6d81584-dc87-4825-9228-54a5bf0f7bc7\">Like every big rider, Van Aert was also asked about the presence and impact of his compatriot Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe), whose late announcement that he would make his Flanders debut has coloured the lead-up to the race.<\/p>\n<p>Much has been made of Evenepoel&#8217;s participation, with the Belgian plainly stating that he&#8217;s here to try and win, but the race will also feature all four of Poga\u010dar, Van der Poel, Van Aert and Evenepoel. That&#8217;s never happened in a one-day race outside of a World Championships.<\/p>\n<p>Van Aert was quick to not place himself in any kind of &#8216;big anything&#8217; with those riders, but again welcomed Evenepoel&#8217;s participation.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;First of all, I wouldn&#8217;t consider myself in this big four,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;But I think Remco being on the start definitely changed something. I don&#8217;t have to explain to you guys how good he is and what a special athlete he is. The chance that he has an influence on how the race unfolds is bigger than that he doesn&#8217;t have an influence. I expect him to be there and to be strong.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-fd110b1a-2f5a-4e7a-bc8a-9ed26982b0b9\">\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\/mpYJwPESFpZ2wBsf42Bp3o-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mpYJwPESFpZ2wBsf42Bp3o-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mpYJwPESFpZ2wBsf42Bp3o-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mpYJwPESFpZ2wBsf42Bp3o-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mpYJwPESFpZ2wBsf42Bp3o-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mpYJwPESFpZ2wBsf42Bp3o-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\">Van Aert and Evenepoel together last spring <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-8aaa649a-4f00-4366-9b12-8c00c96c9659\">For Van Aert, Evenepoel could even bring an advantage, another person to help chase down Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar when they inevitably attack, but also a threat in his own right.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I think he will be a huge competitor, he&#8217;s one of the best one-day racers we have in the peloton. I think it&#8217;s very brave to try his chance,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;If he will be an ally, that will depend on a lot of factors. If he&#8217;s there in the final, if I am there, what&#8217;s the race situation, but what I like about him is that for sure he&#8217;s a real racer. I consider myself as the same type of rider, so that can work well together.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"the-perfect-situation-is-that-wout-wins-solo-3\">&#8216;The perfect situation is that Wout wins solo&#8217;<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-e70490da-a95a-4ff5-9dd4-017b35bb123a\">Van Aert was questioned more about how him and Evenepoel might play it on Sunday, but understandably kept his ambitions and ideas close to his chest.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We can analyse afterwards and you guys will probably also do that, but it&#8217;s a bit pointless now to go over all these different kinds of scenarios before that might happen,&#8221; he said. &#8220;A lot of other things will happen because it&#8217;s the Tour of Flanders and it will be chaotic and it will be like always, you cannot really predict how it can unfold.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m definitely not going to say here now what I would do. That would be very stupid.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>With his sports director sitting next to him, perhaps Niermann the strategist could give a better insight into the team&#8217;s plan.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We have a good team at the start line, Wout clearly showed the last races that he&#8217;s one of the strongest riders in the bunch, but also especially Christophe and Per, they showed some good races and some nice results, so ideally we get to a situation where we can play more than one card,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;But I think the Tour of Flanders, especially the deep final, the last 50 kilometres, most of the time is very honest, and the best riders will come out on top. Then we see what the situation will be but Wout will definitely be there.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>And the way he envisages Van Aert winning?<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The perfect situation is that Wout wins solo,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Easy.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled <\/strong><\/em><em><strong>2026 Spring Classics<\/strong><\/em><em><strong> coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-cnHduNZvLE8qvdavSizY69\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-cnHduNZvLE8qvdavSizY69 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__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Matilda Price<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Assistant Features Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Matilda is an NCTJ-qualified journalist based in the UK who joined <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>in March 2025. Prior to that, she worked as the Racing News Editor at <em>GCN<\/em>, and extensively as a freelancer contributing to <em>Cyclingnews, Cycling Weekly, Velo, Rouleur, Escape Collective, Red Bull <\/em>and more. She has reported on the ground at all of the biggest events on the calendar, including the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Tours de France, the Giro d&#8217;Italia, the Vuelta a Espana, the Spring Classics and the World Championships. She has particular experience and expertise in women&#8217;s cycling, and women&#8217;s sport in general. She is a graduate of modern languages and sports journalism.<\/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\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Van der Poel, Van Aert lead challenge against Poga\u010dar, but can debutant Evenepoel spoil the party in rare matchup? \u2013 Analysing the favourites for the men&#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\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Why Poga\u010dar and Van Aert&#8217;s teams aren&#8217;t sensing weakness for the Tour of Flanders despite Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s near-miss at E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I want to put up a fight&#8217;  &#8211; Wout van Aert in upbeat mood for In Flanders Fields<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j3eb8Rozw7gVHmDzZi8JTD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j3eb8Rozw7gVHmDzZi8JTD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j3eb8Rozw7gVHmDzZi8JTD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j3eb8Rozw7gVHmDzZi8JTD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j3eb8Rozw7gVHmDzZi8JTD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Two races, two big attacks, no win \u2013 What do Wout van Aert&#8217;s double close defeats mean for the Tour of Flanders?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe have the makings of a great Tour of Flanders team, but is Remco Evenepoel the missing piece for taking on Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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>\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\/fp4qtqtFM9svCURqdLYDUj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fp4qtqtFM9svCURqdLYDUj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fp4qtqtFM9svCURqdLYDUj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fp4qtqtFM9svCURqdLYDUj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fp4qtqtFM9svCURqdLYDUj-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\u2019m not going to wait for an attack&#8217; \u2013 Jasper Stuyven hopes to put Soudal-QuickStep\u2019s classics campaign back on course 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 class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EpeEMUPeVXkyiWBiWyugWE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EpeEMUPeVXkyiWBiWyugWE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EpeEMUPeVXkyiWBiWyugWE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EpeEMUPeVXkyiWBiWyugWE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EpeEMUPeVXkyiWBiWyugWE-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 deliberately got rid of my social media for two weeks&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel addresses drama of surprise Tour of Flanders debut and says he wouldn&#8217;t be starting if victory wasn&#8217;t possible<\/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\/7Xru9NhP2wTF7U5QgLwzG3-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7Xru9NhP2wTF7U5QgLwzG3-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7Xru9NhP2wTF7U5QgLwzG3-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7Xru9NhP2wTF7U5QgLwzG3-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7Xru9NhP2wTF7U5QgLwzG3-320-80.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;He can attack in the most random places&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar ponders potential tactical headache of Remco Evenepoel at 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\/zzaqmvTzx7ED7rRvucteAe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zzaqmvTzx7ED7rRvucteAe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zzaqmvTzx7ED7rRvucteAe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zzaqmvTzx7ED7rRvucteAe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zzaqmvTzx7ED7rRvucteAe-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;At the half-way point, I was four minutes behind&#8217; &#8211; Unbound Gravel winner Cameron Jones surpasses Keegan Swenson&#8217;s record time at The White Rim<\/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\/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>\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\/HHPHX8i8rfnTbH9RPda9M5-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HHPHX8i8rfnTbH9RPda9M5-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HHPHX8i8rfnTbH9RPda9M5-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HHPHX8i8rfnTbH9RPda9M5-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HHPHX8i8rfnTbH9RPda9M5-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A big change to the team&#8217; \u2013 How Franziska Koch became a vital domestique for Demi Vollering and one of the best signings of the season<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fp4qtqtFM9svCURqdLYDUj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fp4qtqtFM9svCURqdLYDUj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fp4qtqtFM9svCURqdLYDUj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fp4qtqtFM9svCURqdLYDUj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fp4qtqtFM9svCURqdLYDUj-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\u2019m not going to wait for an attack&#8217; \u2013 Jasper Stuyven hopes to put Soudal-QuickStep\u2019s classics campaign back on course 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 class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EpeEMUPeVXkyiWBiWyugWE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EpeEMUPeVXkyiWBiWyugWE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EpeEMUPeVXkyiWBiWyugWE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EpeEMUPeVXkyiWBiWyugWE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EpeEMUPeVXkyiWBiWyugWE-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 deliberately got rid of my social media for two weeks&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel addresses drama of surprise Tour of Flanders debut and says he wouldn&#8217;t be starting if victory wasn&#8217;t possible<\/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\/7Xru9NhP2wTF7U5QgLwzG3-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7Xru9NhP2wTF7U5QgLwzG3-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7Xru9NhP2wTF7U5QgLwzG3-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7Xru9NhP2wTF7U5QgLwzG3-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7Xru9NhP2wTF7U5QgLwzG3-320-80.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;He can attack in the most random places&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar ponders potential tactical headache of Remco Evenepoel at 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\/zzaqmvTzx7ED7rRvucteAe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zzaqmvTzx7ED7rRvucteAe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zzaqmvTzx7ED7rRvucteAe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zzaqmvTzx7ED7rRvucteAe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zzaqmvTzx7ED7rRvucteAe-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;At the half-way point, I was four minutes behind&#8217; &#8211; Unbound Gravel winner Cameron Jones surpasses Keegan Swenson&#8217;s record time at The White Rim<\/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\/w3FiB6T4ivzDnQn4Mhc586-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w3FiB6T4ivzDnQn4Mhc586-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w3FiB6T4ivzDnQn4Mhc586-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w3FiB6T4ivzDnQn4Mhc586-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w3FiB6T4ivzDnQn4Mhc586-320-80.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\">Former Tour of Flanders winner Marianne Vos not racing Sunday to direct focus on family after father&#8217;s death<\/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\/UMyFh97unPqxQfqWZ7fKSo-320-80.png.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UMyFh97unPqxQfqWZ7fKSo-640-80.png.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UMyFh97unPqxQfqWZ7fKSo-720-80.png.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UMyFh97unPqxQfqWZ7fKSo-1280-80.png.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UMyFh97unPqxQfqWZ7fKSo.png\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UMyFh97unPqxQfqWZ7fKSo.png\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UMyFh97unPqxQfqWZ7fKSo.png\" 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\">How to watch Tour of Flanders 2026 \u2013 Live streams, TV channels for Ronde van Vlaanderen<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">GP Miguel Indurain: Ion Izagirre drops Quinn Simmons to claim his third edition in the last year of his pro career<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div 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class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;High trees catch a lot of wind&#8217; \u2013 From intense media scrutiny to social media abuse, the Classics bring out the pressure of expectation in Belgium<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nVisma-Lease a Bike\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWout van Aert\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I don&#8217;t consider myself in the big four&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert &#8216;older and wiser&#8217; but avoids talking himself up for major Tour of Flanders battle<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nMatilda Price <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-03T16:37:07Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n3 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Belgian says rivals like Mathieu van der Poel and Tadej Poga\u010dar will &#8216;have something more than all the others&#8217; on Sunday<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" 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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\/XhGRg6QYs96jjNoMzCiAud-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XhGRg6QYs96jjNoMzCiAud-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XhGRg6QYs96jjNoMzCiAud-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XhGRg6QYs96jjNoMzCiAud-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XhGRg6QYs96jjNoMzCiAud-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XhGRg6QYs96jjNoMzCiAud-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XhGRg6QYs96jjNoMzCiAud-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Wout van Aert leads a bunch of riders over a cobbled climb during In Flanders Fields<\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"!m-0\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 sm:ml-1.5 font-base text-xs\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div role=\"dialog\" class=\"hidden fixed inset-0 z-[999999999999999999] bg-[#33333370] flex items-center justify-center p-6 newsletter-modal\" data-batch-endpoint=\"https:\/\/newsletter-subscribe.futureplc.com\/v2\/submission\/submit_batch\" data-batch-source=\"302\" data-component-name=\"Newsletter:Modal\">\n<div class=\"bg-neutral-100 rounded-xl shadow-xl w-full lg:w-2\/3 xl:w-1\/2 p-6 relative max-h-[95vh] overflow-y-auto\">\n<div id=\"newsletter-capture-modal\">\n<div class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0 bg-inherit font-ui-heading\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base font-article-copy\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<div data-component-name=\"Newsletter:NewsletterForm\">\n<hr class=\"modal_hr mt-3 mb-4 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"modal_footer block text-left opacity-80 text-[.8em] leading-[1.3em] mt-2 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline font-article-copy\">\nBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-dea92fd9-d356-43c0-a44f-7d494bbdd0e7\">Visma-Lease a Bike&#8217;s Wout van Aert says he won&#8217;t be considering himself as one of the so-called &#8216;big four&#8217; when he starts the Tour of Flanders this weekend, and knows that his main rivals are still a level above him as he chases victory in his home Monument.<\/p>\n<p>The Belgian was practically pre-destined to be a Classics rider, but in recent years he&#8217;s been usurped on home turf by the likes of Tadej Poga\u010dar and Mathieu van der Poel, and for all that he&#8217;s confident about himself, he was also realistic about his rivals going into Sunday&#8217;s race.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-dea92fd9-d356-43c0-a44f-7d494bbdd0e7-2\">There was one moment that almost told you all you need to know about how Van Aert \u2013 and the rest of the world \u2013 views himself when it comes to his status against the sport&#8217;s greats.<\/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\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Why Poga\u010dar and Van Aert&#8217;s teams aren&#8217;t sensing weakness for the Tour of Flanders despite Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s near-miss at E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/li>\n<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\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-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\">Van der Poel, Van Aert lead challenge against Poga\u010dar, but can debutant Evenepoel spoil the party in rare matchup? \u2013 Analysing the favourites for the men&#8217;s Tour of Flanders<\/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\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-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 want to put up a fight&#8217;  &#8211; Wout van Aert in upbeat mood for In Flanders Fields<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>A journalist had just asked him about his rivals&#8217; data-based flexes in the run up to Flanders &#8211; Poga\u010dar&#8217;s Cipressa record and Van der Poel&#8217;s 90-minute power at E3 &#8211; and whether Van Aert wanted to throw his own numerical brag into the ring.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;It will definitely not be as impressive as these guys,&#8221; he responded. To his left, his Sports Director Grischa Niermann chipped in to try and hype up his rider: &#8220;Wout took the KoM on the Eikenberg on Wednesday!&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;But they were not there, so\u2026&#8221; Van Aert trailed off. Even his successes, he judges in the context of his rivals.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I think it will not change something if I would [share some numbers or an achievement],&#8221; he went on to add. &#8220;But to be more serious, the guys you&#8217;re talking about, of course for me they remain the big favourites and they have something more than all the others at the start line, that&#8217;s for sure.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-cnHduNZvLE8qvdavSizY69\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-cnHduNZvLE8qvdavSizY69 slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>It&#8217;s hard to argue with Van Aert&#8217;s point, given Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar will start on Sunday as winners of the last 10 Monuments and with four Flanders victories between them, but Van Aert&#8217;s view on his place is certainly more deference than anything else. He doesn&#8217;t try to assert himself or talk himself up. Is this a sign of being more relaxed than previous year?<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I don&#8217;t know. Maybe that&#8217;s a good question for the people around me,&#8221; he answered. &#8220;But sure I&#8217;m maybe more relaxed than a few years ago. I&#8217;m more enjoying the process now and all the things that come with it. Some I accept easier, and some I appreciate more. So it might be true. Probably both, you get a bit older, you get a bit wiser, and you know a bit better what to expect, all these things help.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;It&#8217;s of course a stressful period, but it&#8217;s also one of the best weeks of the year to be here in the middle of a lot of attention but also in the middle of the biggest scene we have maybe in cycling. I think as a Belgian riding these Classics is one of the best things you can do, and it&#8217;s every year again goosebumps with the recon today and stuff like that, it&#8217;s really cool to do.&#8221;<\/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\/j3eb8Rozw7gVHmDzZi8JTD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j3eb8Rozw7gVHmDzZi8JTD-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Two races, two big attacks, no win \u2013 What do Wout van Aert&#8217;s double close defeats mean for the Tour of Flanders?<\/span><\/li>\n<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\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe have the makings of a great Tour of Flanders team, but is Remco Evenepoel the missing piece for taking on Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel?<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#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\/E5dqAv8QTj8CEBHYY4GxpA-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E5dqAv8QTj8CEBHYY4GxpA-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;Not 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><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-8e9c22d1-bca0-46e4-af65-de5aae66707a\">\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\/8z7YnUBsCW6aq7zTfmw9mh-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8z7YnUBsCW6aq7zTfmw9mh-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8z7YnUBsCW6aq7zTfmw9mh-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8z7YnUBsCW6aq7zTfmw9mh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8z7YnUBsCW6aq7zTfmw9mh-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8z7YnUBsCW6aq7zTfmw9mh-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\">Van Aert during recon on Friday <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-d68f50d0-6192-4727-837d-cbb80ddc3ad9\">Those things that Van Aert speaks of having to accept or deal with are numerous. Stressful races, criticism online and in the media, injury or illness setbacks. The Belgian has perhaps faced more of all of these than his rivals, including this year. A broken ankle threatened to disrupt his spring, but ultimately he has arrived at Holy Week in exactly the form he wanted.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;This is where I worked for. I had a few setbacks but we always kept calm and we knew there was enough time to be on a good level. Without the setbacks I would have loved to be already starting my road campaign, I hoped to be better already in Strade Bianche for example, and I think now you can see that maybe I needed these races to make the last steps that I want.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>The Belgian Classics haven&#8217;t always treated Van Aert well, and he comes to Flanders off the back of close defeats at both E3 and Dwars door Vlaanderen, but he and his team have been focusing all week on the positives rather than the negatives.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I think the last two races were good. I raced how I loved to race, aggressively, with good finales, so I can be happy with that,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;For sure [my form] is better than my first appearance in 2018, but other than that I think a lot of times I started the Tour of Flanders with good legs. I also didn&#8217;t start two times when I had really good legs the week before, so I&#8217;m really pleased with how I&#8217;m feeling now.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"the-evenepoel-factor-3\">The Evenepoel factor<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-d6d81584-dc87-4825-9228-54a5bf0f7bc7\">Like every big rider, Van Aert was also asked about the presence and impact of his compatriot Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe), whose late announcement that he would make his Flanders debut has coloured the lead-up to the race.<\/p>\n<p>Much has been made of Evenepoel&#8217;s participation, with the Belgian plainly stating that he&#8217;s here to try and win, but the race will also feature all four of Poga\u010dar, Van der Poel, Van Aert and Evenepoel. That&#8217;s never happened in a one-day race outside of a World Championships.<\/p>\n<p>Van Aert was quick to not place himself in any kind of &#8216;big anything&#8217; with those riders, but again welcomed Evenepoel&#8217;s participation.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;First of all, I wouldn&#8217;t consider myself in this big four,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;But I think Remco being on the start definitely changed something. I don&#8217;t have to explain to you guys how good he is and what a special athlete he is. The chance that he has an influence on how the race unfolds is bigger than that he doesn&#8217;t have an influence. I expect him to be there and to be strong.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-fd110b1a-2f5a-4e7a-bc8a-9ed26982b0b9\">\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\/mpYJwPESFpZ2wBsf42Bp3o-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mpYJwPESFpZ2wBsf42Bp3o-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mpYJwPESFpZ2wBsf42Bp3o-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mpYJwPESFpZ2wBsf42Bp3o-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mpYJwPESFpZ2wBsf42Bp3o-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mpYJwPESFpZ2wBsf42Bp3o-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\">Van Aert and Evenepoel together last spring <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-8aaa649a-4f00-4366-9b12-8c00c96c9659\">For Van Aert, Evenepoel could even bring an advantage, another person to help chase down Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar when they inevitably attack, but also a threat in his own right.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I think he will be a huge competitor, he&#8217;s one of the best one-day racers we have in the peloton. I think it&#8217;s very brave to try his chance,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;If he will be an ally, that will depend on a lot of factors. If he&#8217;s there in the final, if I am there, what&#8217;s the race situation, but what I like about him is that for sure he&#8217;s a real racer. I consider myself as the same type of rider, so that can work well together.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"the-perfect-situation-is-that-wout-wins-solo-3\">&#8216;The perfect situation is that Wout wins solo&#8217;<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-e70490da-a95a-4ff5-9dd4-017b35bb123a\">Van Aert was questioned more about how him and Evenepoel might play it on Sunday, but understandably kept his ambitions and ideas close to his chest.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We can analyse afterwards and you guys will probably also do that, but it&#8217;s a bit pointless now to go over all these different kinds of scenarios before that might happen,&#8221; he said. &#8220;A lot of other things will happen because it&#8217;s the Tour of Flanders and it will be chaotic and it will be like always, you cannot really predict how it can unfold.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m definitely not going to say here now what I would do. That would be very stupid.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>With his sports director sitting next to him, perhaps Niermann the strategist could give a better insight into the team&#8217;s plan.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We have a good team at the start line, Wout clearly showed the last races that he&#8217;s one of the strongest riders in the bunch, but also especially Christophe and Per, they showed some good races and some nice results, so ideally we get to a situation where we can play more than one card,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;But I think the Tour of Flanders, especially the deep final, the last 50 kilometres, most of the time is very honest, and the best riders will come out on top. Then we see what the situation will be but Wout will definitely be there.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>And the way he envisages Van Aert winning?<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The perfect situation is that Wout wins solo,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Easy.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled <\/strong><\/em><em><strong>2026 Spring Classics<\/strong><\/em><em><strong> coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-cnHduNZvLE8qvdavSizY69\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-cnHduNZvLE8qvdavSizY69 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__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Matilda Price<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Assistant Features Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Matilda is an NCTJ-qualified journalist based in the UK who joined <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>in March 2025. Prior to that, she worked as the Racing News Editor at <em>GCN<\/em>, and extensively as a freelancer contributing to <em>Cyclingnews, Cycling Weekly, Velo, Rouleur, Escape Collective, Red Bull <\/em>and more. She has reported on the ground at all of the biggest events on the calendar, including the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Tours de France, the Giro d&#8217;Italia, the Vuelta a Espana, the Spring Classics and the World Championships. She has particular experience and expertise in women&#8217;s cycling, and women&#8217;s sport in general. She is a graduate of modern languages and sports journalism.<\/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\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Van der Poel, Van Aert lead challenge against Poga\u010dar, but can debutant Evenepoel spoil the party in rare matchup? \u2013 Analysing the favourites for the men&#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\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Why Poga\u010dar and Van Aert&#8217;s teams aren&#8217;t sensing weakness for the Tour of Flanders despite Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s near-miss at E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I want to put up a fight&#8217;  &#8211; Wout van Aert in upbeat mood for In Flanders Fields<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j3eb8Rozw7gVHmDzZi8JTD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j3eb8Rozw7gVHmDzZi8JTD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j3eb8Rozw7gVHmDzZi8JTD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j3eb8Rozw7gVHmDzZi8JTD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j3eb8Rozw7gVHmDzZi8JTD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Two races, two big attacks, no win \u2013 What do Wout van Aert&#8217;s double close defeats mean for the Tour of Flanders?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe have the makings of a great Tour of Flanders team, but is Remco Evenepoel the missing piece for taking on Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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>\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\/fp4qtqtFM9svCURqdLYDUj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fp4qtqtFM9svCURqdLYDUj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fp4qtqtFM9svCURqdLYDUj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fp4qtqtFM9svCURqdLYDUj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fp4qtqtFM9svCURqdLYDUj-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\u2019m not going to wait for an attack&#8217; \u2013 Jasper Stuyven hopes to put Soudal-QuickStep\u2019s classics campaign back on course 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 class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EpeEMUPeVXkyiWBiWyugWE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EpeEMUPeVXkyiWBiWyugWE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EpeEMUPeVXkyiWBiWyugWE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EpeEMUPeVXkyiWBiWyugWE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EpeEMUPeVXkyiWBiWyugWE-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 deliberately got rid of my social media for two weeks&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel addresses drama of surprise Tour of Flanders debut and says he wouldn&#8217;t be starting if victory wasn&#8217;t possible<\/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\/7Xru9NhP2wTF7U5QgLwzG3-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7Xru9NhP2wTF7U5QgLwzG3-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7Xru9NhP2wTF7U5QgLwzG3-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7Xru9NhP2wTF7U5QgLwzG3-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7Xru9NhP2wTF7U5QgLwzG3-320-80.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;He can attack in the most random places&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar ponders potential tactical headache of Remco Evenepoel at 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\/zzaqmvTzx7ED7rRvucteAe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zzaqmvTzx7ED7rRvucteAe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zzaqmvTzx7ED7rRvucteAe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zzaqmvTzx7ED7rRvucteAe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zzaqmvTzx7ED7rRvucteAe-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;At the half-way point, I was four minutes behind&#8217; &#8211; Unbound Gravel winner Cameron Jones surpasses Keegan Swenson&#8217;s record time at The White Rim<\/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\/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>\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\/HHPHX8i8rfnTbH9RPda9M5-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HHPHX8i8rfnTbH9RPda9M5-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HHPHX8i8rfnTbH9RPda9M5-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HHPHX8i8rfnTbH9RPda9M5-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HHPHX8i8rfnTbH9RPda9M5-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A big change to the team&#8217; \u2013 How Franziska Koch became a vital domestique for Demi Vollering and one of the best signings of the season<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fp4qtqtFM9svCURqdLYDUj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fp4qtqtFM9svCURqdLYDUj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fp4qtqtFM9svCURqdLYDUj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fp4qtqtFM9svCURqdLYDUj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fp4qtqtFM9svCURqdLYDUj-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\u2019m not going to wait for an attack&#8217; \u2013 Jasper Stuyven hopes to put Soudal-QuickStep\u2019s classics campaign back on course 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 class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EpeEMUPeVXkyiWBiWyugWE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EpeEMUPeVXkyiWBiWyugWE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EpeEMUPeVXkyiWBiWyugWE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EpeEMUPeVXkyiWBiWyugWE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EpeEMUPeVXkyiWBiWyugWE-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 deliberately got rid of my social media for two weeks&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel addresses drama of surprise Tour of Flanders debut and says he wouldn&#8217;t be starting if victory wasn&#8217;t possible<\/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\/7Xru9NhP2wTF7U5QgLwzG3-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7Xru9NhP2wTF7U5QgLwzG3-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7Xru9NhP2wTF7U5QgLwzG3-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7Xru9NhP2wTF7U5QgLwzG3-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7Xru9NhP2wTF7U5QgLwzG3-320-80.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;He can attack in the most random places&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar ponders potential tactical headache of Remco Evenepoel at 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\/zzaqmvTzx7ED7rRvucteAe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zzaqmvTzx7ED7rRvucteAe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zzaqmvTzx7ED7rRvucteAe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zzaqmvTzx7ED7rRvucteAe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zzaqmvTzx7ED7rRvucteAe-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;At the half-way point, I was four minutes behind&#8217; &#8211; Unbound Gravel winner Cameron Jones surpasses Keegan Swenson&#8217;s record time at The White Rim<\/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\/w3FiB6T4ivzDnQn4Mhc586-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w3FiB6T4ivzDnQn4Mhc586-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w3FiB6T4ivzDnQn4Mhc586-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w3FiB6T4ivzDnQn4Mhc586-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w3FiB6T4ivzDnQn4Mhc586-320-80.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\">Former Tour of Flanders winner Marianne Vos not racing Sunday to direct focus on family after father&#8217;s death<\/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\/UMyFh97unPqxQfqWZ7fKSo-320-80.png.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UMyFh97unPqxQfqWZ7fKSo-640-80.png.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UMyFh97unPqxQfqWZ7fKSo-720-80.png.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UMyFh97unPqxQfqWZ7fKSo-1280-80.png.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UMyFh97unPqxQfqWZ7fKSo.png\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UMyFh97unPqxQfqWZ7fKSo.png\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UMyFh97unPqxQfqWZ7fKSo.png\" 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\">How to watch Tour of Flanders 2026 \u2013 Live streams, TV channels for Ronde van Vlaanderen<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">GP Miguel Indurain: Ion Izagirre drops Quinn Simmons to claim his third edition in the last year of his pro career<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div 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class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;High trees catch a lot of wind&#8217; \u2013 From intense media scrutiny to social media abuse, the Classics bring out the pressure of expectation in Belgium<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nVisma-Lease a Bike\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWout van Aert\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I don&#8217;t consider myself in the big four&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert &#8216;older and wiser&#8217; but avoids talking himself up for major Tour of Flanders battle<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nMatilda Price <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-03T16:37:07Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n3 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Belgian says rivals like Mathieu van der Poel and Tadej Poga\u010dar will &#8216;have something more than all the others&#8217; on Sunday<\/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-dea92fd9-d356-43c0-a44f-7d494bbdd0e7\">Visma-Lease a Bike&#8217;s Wout van Aert says he won&#8217;t be considering himself as one of the so-called &#8216;big four&#8217; when he starts the Tour of Flanders this weekend, and knows that his main rivals are still a level above him as he chases victory in his home Monument.<\/p>\n<p>The Belgian was practically pre-destined to be a Classics rider, but in recent years he&#8217;s been usurped on home turf by the likes of Tadej Poga\u010dar and Mathieu van der Poel, and for all that he&#8217;s confident about himself, he was also realistic about his rivals going into Sunday&#8217;s race.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-dea92fd9-d356-43c0-a44f-7d494bbdd0e7-2\">There was one moment that almost told you all you need to know about how Van Aert \u2013 and the rest of the world \u2013 views himself when it comes to his status against the sport&#8217;s greats.<\/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\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Why Poga\u010dar and Van Aert&#8217;s teams aren&#8217;t sensing weakness for the Tour of Flanders despite Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s near-miss at E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/li>\n<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\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-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\">Van der Poel, Van Aert lead challenge against Poga\u010dar, but can debutant Evenepoel spoil the party in rare matchup? \u2013 Analysing the favourites for the men&#8217;s Tour of Flanders<\/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\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-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 want to put up a fight&#8217;  &#8211; Wout van Aert in upbeat mood for In Flanders Fields<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>A journalist had just asked him about his rivals&#8217; data-based flexes in the run up to Flanders &#8211; Poga\u010dar&#8217;s Cipressa record and Van der Poel&#8217;s 90-minute power at E3 &#8211; and whether Van Aert wanted to throw his own numerical brag into the ring.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;It will definitely not be as impressive as these guys,&#8221; he responded. To his left, his Sports Director Grischa Niermann chipped in to try and hype up his rider: &#8220;Wout took the KoM on the Eikenberg on Wednesday!&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;But they were not there, so\u2026&#8221; Van Aert trailed off. Even his successes, he judges in the context of his rivals.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I think it will not change something if I would [share some numbers or an achievement],&#8221; he went on to add. &#8220;But to be more serious, the guys you&#8217;re talking about, of course for me they remain the big favourites and they have something more than all the others at the start line, that&#8217;s for sure.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-cnHduNZvLE8qvdavSizY69\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-cnHduNZvLE8qvdavSizY69 slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>It&#8217;s hard to argue with Van Aert&#8217;s point, given Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar will start on Sunday as winners of the last 10 Monuments and with four Flanders victories between them, but Van Aert&#8217;s view on his place is certainly more deference than anything else. He doesn&#8217;t try to assert himself or talk himself up. Is this a sign of being more relaxed than previous year?<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I don&#8217;t know. Maybe that&#8217;s a good question for the people around me,&#8221; he answered. &#8220;But sure I&#8217;m maybe more relaxed than a few years ago. I&#8217;m more enjoying the process now and all the things that come with it. Some I accept easier, and some I appreciate more. So it might be true. Probably both, you get a bit older, you get a bit wiser, and you know a bit better what to expect, all these things help.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;It&#8217;s of course a stressful period, but it&#8217;s also one of the best weeks of the year to be here in the middle of a lot of attention but also in the middle of the biggest scene we have maybe in cycling. I think as a Belgian riding these Classics is one of the best things you can do, and it&#8217;s every year again goosebumps with the recon today and stuff like that, it&#8217;s really cool to do.&#8221;<\/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\/j3eb8Rozw7gVHmDzZi8JTD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j3eb8Rozw7gVHmDzZi8JTD-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Two races, two big attacks, no win \u2013 What do Wout van Aert&#8217;s double close defeats mean for the Tour of Flanders?<\/span><\/li>\n<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\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe have the makings of a great Tour of Flanders team, but is Remco Evenepoel the missing piece for taking on Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel?<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#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\/E5dqAv8QTj8CEBHYY4GxpA-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E5dqAv8QTj8CEBHYY4GxpA-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;Not 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><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-8e9c22d1-bca0-46e4-af65-de5aae66707a\">\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\/8z7YnUBsCW6aq7zTfmw9mh-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8z7YnUBsCW6aq7zTfmw9mh-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8z7YnUBsCW6aq7zTfmw9mh-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8z7YnUBsCW6aq7zTfmw9mh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8z7YnUBsCW6aq7zTfmw9mh-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8z7YnUBsCW6aq7zTfmw9mh-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\">Van Aert during recon on Friday <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-d68f50d0-6192-4727-837d-cbb80ddc3ad9\">Those things that Van Aert speaks of having to accept or deal with are numerous. Stressful races, criticism online and in the media, injury or illness setbacks. The Belgian has perhaps faced more of all of these than his rivals, including this year. A broken ankle threatened to disrupt his spring, but ultimately he has arrived at Holy Week in exactly the form he wanted.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;This is where I worked for. I had a few setbacks but we always kept calm and we knew there was enough time to be on a good level. Without the setbacks I would have loved to be already starting my road campaign, I hoped to be better already in Strade Bianche for example, and I think now you can see that maybe I needed these races to make the last steps that I want.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>The Belgian Classics haven&#8217;t always treated Van Aert well, and he comes to Flanders off the back of close defeats at both E3 and Dwars door Vlaanderen, but he and his team have been focusing all week on the positives rather than the negatives.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I think the last two races were good. I raced how I loved to race, aggressively, with good finales, so I can be happy with that,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;For sure [my form] is better than my first appearance in 2018, but other than that I think a lot of times I started the Tour of Flanders with good legs. I also didn&#8217;t start two times when I had really good legs the week before, so I&#8217;m really pleased with how I&#8217;m feeling now.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"the-evenepoel-factor-3\">The Evenepoel factor<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-d6d81584-dc87-4825-9228-54a5bf0f7bc7\">Like every big rider, Van Aert was also asked about the presence and impact of his compatriot Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe), whose late announcement that he would make his Flanders debut has coloured the lead-up to the race.<\/p>\n<p>Much has been made of Evenepoel&#8217;s participation, with the Belgian plainly stating that he&#8217;s here to try and win, but the race will also feature all four of Poga\u010dar, Van der Poel, Van Aert and Evenepoel. That&#8217;s never happened in a one-day race outside of a World Championships.<\/p>\n<p>Van Aert was quick to not place himself in any kind of &#8216;big anything&#8217; with those riders, but again welcomed Evenepoel&#8217;s participation.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;First of all, I wouldn&#8217;t consider myself in this big four,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;But I think Remco being on the start definitely changed something. I don&#8217;t have to explain to you guys how good he is and what a special athlete he is. The chance that he has an influence on how the race unfolds is bigger than that he doesn&#8217;t have an influence. I expect him to be there and to be strong.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-fd110b1a-2f5a-4e7a-bc8a-9ed26982b0b9\">\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\/mpYJwPESFpZ2wBsf42Bp3o-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mpYJwPESFpZ2wBsf42Bp3o-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mpYJwPESFpZ2wBsf42Bp3o-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mpYJwPESFpZ2wBsf42Bp3o-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mpYJwPESFpZ2wBsf42Bp3o-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mpYJwPESFpZ2wBsf42Bp3o-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\">Van Aert and Evenepoel together last spring <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-8aaa649a-4f00-4366-9b12-8c00c96c9659\">For Van Aert, Evenepoel could even bring an advantage, another person to help chase down Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar when they inevitably attack, but also a threat in his own right.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I think he will be a huge competitor, he&#8217;s one of the best one-day racers we have in the peloton. I think it&#8217;s very brave to try his chance,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;If he will be an ally, that will depend on a lot of factors. If he&#8217;s there in the final, if I am there, what&#8217;s the race situation, but what I like about him is that for sure he&#8217;s a real racer. I consider myself as the same type of rider, so that can work well together.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"the-perfect-situation-is-that-wout-wins-solo-3\">&#8216;The perfect situation is that Wout wins solo&#8217;<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-e70490da-a95a-4ff5-9dd4-017b35bb123a\">Van Aert was questioned more about how him and Evenepoel might play it on Sunday, but understandably kept his ambitions and ideas close to his chest.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We can analyse afterwards and you guys will probably also do that, but it&#8217;s a bit pointless now to go over all these different kinds of scenarios before that might happen,&#8221; he said. &#8220;A lot of other things will happen because it&#8217;s the Tour of Flanders and it will be chaotic and it will be like always, you cannot really predict how it can unfold.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m definitely not going to say here now what I would do. That would be very stupid.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>With his sports director sitting next to him, perhaps Niermann the strategist could give a better insight into the team&#8217;s plan.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We have a good team at the start line, Wout clearly showed the last races that he&#8217;s one of the strongest riders in the bunch, but also especially Christophe and Per, they showed some good races and some nice results, so ideally we get to a situation where we can play more than one card,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;But I think the Tour of Flanders, especially the deep final, the last 50 kilometres, most of the time is very honest, and the best riders will come out on top. Then we see what the situation will be but Wout will definitely be there.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>And the way he envisages Van Aert winning?<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The perfect situation is that Wout wins solo,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Easy.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled <\/strong><\/em><em><strong>2026 Spring Classics<\/strong><\/em><em><strong> coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/i-dont-consider-myself-in-the-big-four-wout-van-aert-older-and-wiser-but-avoids-talking-himself-up-for-major-tour-of-flanders-battle\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XhGRg6QYs96jjNoMzCiAud-1024-80.jpg&#8221;] Pro Cycling Teams &amp; Riders Visma-Lease a Bike Wout van Aert &#8216;I don&#8217;t consider myself in the big four&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert &#8216;older and wiser&#8217; but avoids talking himself up for major Tour of Flanders battle News By Matilda Price published 3 April 2026 Belgian says rivals like Mathieu van der [&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-1865965","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\/1865965","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=1865965"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1865965\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1865965"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1865965"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1865965"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}