{"id":1866162,"date":"2026-04-04T09:15:46","date_gmt":"2026-04-04T06:15:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1866162"},"modified":"2026-04-04T09:15:46","modified_gmt":"2026-04-04T06:15:46","slug":"what-can-remco-evenepoel-learn-from-pogacar-nibali-and-valverde-5-memorable-tour-of-flanders-debuts-from-big-name-cobbles-newbies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1866162","title":{"rendered":"What can Remco Evenepoel learn from Poga\u010dar, Nibali, and Valverde? 5 memorable Tour of Flanders debuts from big-name cobbles newbies"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yN5KaYUdxVizZ7fQmeidq6-1920-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour of Flanders\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>What can Remco Evenepoel learn from Poga\u010dar, Nibali, and Valverde? 5 memorable Tour of Flanders debuts from big-name cobbles newbies<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nFeatures<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nPatrick Fletcher <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-04T09:15:46Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n4 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">These riders all made a splash on unfamiliar terrain<\/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\/yN5KaYUdxVizZ7fQmeidq6-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yN5KaYUdxVizZ7fQmeidq6-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yN5KaYUdxVizZ7fQmeidq6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yN5KaYUdxVizZ7fQmeidq6-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yN5KaYUdxVizZ7fQmeidq6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yN5KaYUdxVizZ7fQmeidq6-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yN5KaYUdxVizZ7fQmeidq6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo\" class=\"contents\" data-only-inline=\"1\">\n<div class=\"visible flex flex-row flex-nowrap sticky max-lg:-ml-5 top-[60px] sm:top-0 z-[9994] w-screen lg:w-full h-[50px] bg-white p-0 mb-5 border-neutral-200 border border-solid\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Variants:Inline\" data-analytics-id=\"sticky-nav\" id=\"sticky-nav--inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"sticky-nav\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-row w-full h-full overflow-x-scroll overflow-y-hidden tracking-normal overscroll-x-contain\" id=\"sticky-nav__scroll-container\"><span class=\"pl-4 my-auto text-base font-semibold font-article-heading lg:pl-3 lg:text-sm whitespace-nowrap uppercase\">Jump to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-row w-auto border-y-0\">\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\nborder-b-[3px] border-b-[var(--jumpto-underline-color)] border-solid font-semibold \" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Poga\u010dar<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Alaphilippe<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Jungels<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Valverde<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Nibali<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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 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id=\"elk-c68a0454-ff8e-48ad-b104-a1b7b35d7a60\">When Remco Evenepoel hits the cobbles of the Tour of Flanders on Sunday, he will be making the same route behind enemy lines trodden by a number of high-profile riders in recent years.<\/p>\n<p>In an age of increasing all-rounderism, there is less of a shock factor at seeing riders stray from their usual lanes, and that&#8217;s especially so in the case of Evenepoel, who is a Grand Tour champion but has achieved most of his success through one-day exploits.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c68a0454-ff8e-48ad-b104-a1b7b35d7a60-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The thing is, they&#8217;ve always been in much hillier, much less chaotic, and much less bumpy races. The cobbled Classics still remain a unique beast, and Evenepoel&#8217;s secretive addition to the start list will have fans &#8211; especially in his native Belgium &#8211; licking their lips.<\/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\/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-[#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\/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-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bHLxGrWU2fCg4Mw43wZRES-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bHLxGrWU2fCg4Mw43wZRES-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 Remco Evenepoel is right to make his Tour of Flanders debut now, and how he could challenge Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">But what about the other riders who have scaled the heights of the sport, and then decided to test themselves on the cobbles of Flanders&#8217; Finest?<\/p>\n<p>The pre-race favourite, Tadej Poga\u010dar, is a prime example. Alejandro Valverde and Vincenzo Nibali are two more Grand Tour winners who made solitary but memorable appearances at De Ronde. And Julian Alaphilippe and Bob Jungels are two more all-rounders whose lightning first forays onto the cobbles could inspire Evenepoel.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Here, we take a look back at their Tour of Flanders debuts.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-tadej-pogacar-makes-his-mistakes\"><span>Tadej Poga\u010dar makes his mistakes<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-be2fa8d1-0166-40df-8a8e-94f980e3257f\">\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\/ntSBy9NrxPymwCn6ohcB5N-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ntSBy9NrxPymwCn6ohcB5N-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ntSBy9NrxPymwCn6ohcB5N-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ntSBy9NrxPymwCn6ohcB5N-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ntSBy9NrxPymwCn6ohcB5N-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ntSBy9NrxPymwCn6ohcB5N-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\">Poga\u010dar remonstrates after feeling he was boxed-in in the sprint, but he and Van der Poel should never have been caught <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-61007597-b106-41e7-a283-0245cbee30fa\">Where else to start other than with Tadej Poga\u010dar, the heavy favourite to lift the Tour of Flanders trophy for a third time on Sunday afternoon?<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-Lvthx5Q9PM8GVpUAstN9Lo\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-Lvthx5Q9PM8GVpUAstN9Lo 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>Poga\u010dar made his Flanders debut in 2022, and he arguably should have won it, but more on that shortly. Poga\u010dar was at this point 23 years old and already a double Tour de France winner and a double Monument winner, taking his first titles at Li\u00e8ge and Lombardia the previous year. His visit to the cobbles of Flanders, which included a prelude at Dwars door Vlaanderen was spoken about in the context of the cobbles that would be on the menu at the 2022 Tour de France, but it soon became clear this was a rider who wanted to win every type of Classic conceivable.<\/p>\n<p>His ride at Dwars was a bit of a wake-up call. Out of position when the decisive move formed on Berg Ten Houte with 70km remaining, he missed the chance to play any real role in the race, feeding that old Flandrien line of needing to learn the roads and the rhythms on Flanders. On the big day itself, he made no such mistake, grabbing the race by the scruff of the neck on the second ascent of the Oude Kwaremont and then dropping everyone but Mathieu van der Poel on the final ascent. He was always likely to come off second best in a sprint with the Dutchman, but he somehow contrived to finish fourth, as he slowed the pace to such an extent that two chasers swooped up and over in the dying metres. It was scant reward for the extraordinary way he had dictated the race on debut, especially against a rider of the cobbled calibre of Van der Poel.<\/p>\n<p>Poga\u010dar has become a master iron-outer of mistakes, and he returned 12 months later to ride in very much the same style, but this time making sure he was alone over the final Kwaremont. After a 2024 hiatus to focus on the Giro d\u2019Italia, that same blueprint was repeated last year with his second Ronde title.<\/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\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-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\">Tadej Poga\u010dar has changed E3 Saxo Classic&#8217;s status but it remains the best Flanders form guide \u2013 A closer look at the contenders for Friday&#8217;s race<\/span><\/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\/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-[#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\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-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\">Reflections from the men&#8217;s Milan-San Remo \u2013 Poga\u010dar overcomes the chaos, prefers focaccia to a 2027 return, McNulty&#8217;s work, and praise for Van der Poel and Pedersen<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>What\u2019s interesting to note is that even Poga\u010dar \u2013 on course to become the greatest cyclist of all time \u2013 needed some time, and some mistakes. In that respect it\u2019s interesting that Evenepoel, despite saying he has been targeting this race since December, opted for no cobbled race in preparation for this.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-julian-alaphilippe-dnfs-but-delivers-an-unforgettable-debut\"><span>Julian Alaphilippe DNFs but delivers an unforgettable debut<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-9a8d1069-6713-42cd-a7f9-208c28bdc574\">\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\/K4d7EJGuTy3iiFrYx3itqW-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K4d7EJGuTy3iiFrYx3itqW-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K4d7EJGuTy3iiFrYx3itqW-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K4d7EJGuTy3iiFrYx3itqW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K4d7EJGuTy3iiFrYx3itqW-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K4d7EJGuTy3iiFrYx3itqW-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\">Alaphilippe goes flying in <em>that<\/em> motorbike incident <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-c58007af-af68-493d-bd74-767daae1d326\">If Evenepoel\u2019s looking for inspiration, he could do worse than to have a word with his former teammate, and fellow former world champion Julian Alaphilippe.<\/p>\n<p>The Frenchman was a regular to the podium of the hillier Classics in the early years of his career, but when he won both Strade Bianche and Milan-San Remo in 2019, his horizons and his appetite broadened significantly. The Covid-19 pandemic would throw the 2020 season into disarray but when the dust settled, Flanders fell three weeks after the World Championships in Imola, where Alaphilippe danced away to the first of his back-to-back rainbow jerseys.<\/p>\n<p>He\u2019d won a stage of the Tour, won Worlds, threw away Li\u00e8ge, and won Brabantse Pijl; he was in flying form and he flew into the finale alongside the two pre-race favourites, the cobble specialists Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert. We all remember what happened next. Bang. A brush with a motorbike, a somersault, and a gaping sense of \u2018what might have been\u2019. The sprint between Van der Poel and Van Aert, old cyclocross rivals, was dramatic enough, but we were robbed of what could have been one of the all-time great finales.<\/p>\n<p>Alaphilippe was no passenger. Indeed, he had attacked on the Koppenberg and then gone clear on the Steenbeekdries, essentially creating that winning move. With the Oude Kwaremont and Paterberg still to come, he had every chance of winning the race, not least with the opportunity to play the frosty rivals off against each other.<\/p>\n<p>Alaphilippe didn\u2019t have the same impact the following year, and his career deteriorated after that, but that one DNF in 2020 remains one of the most memorable Tour of Flanders debuts in history.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-bob-jungels-shows-the-breadth-of-his-talents\"><span>Bob Jungels shows the breadth of his talents<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-8fb1d5fe-c4f1-478c-ad8c-0122d571c0f2\">\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\/hFU23xKjJxmEtv7Mj7MMab-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hFU23xKjJxmEtv7Mj7MMab-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hFU23xKjJxmEtv7Mj7MMab-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hFU23xKjJxmEtv7Mj7MMab-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hFU23xKjJxmEtv7Mj7MMab-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hFU23xKjJxmEtv7Mj7MMab-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-c3d38b9b-844d-456f-af73-558e9303f295\">While we\u2019re on the subject of QuickStep Ardennes leaders turned cobble hunters, Bob Jungels finished 16th in his first Tour of Flanders in 2019. That might not seem like the most notable result on paper but the Luxembourg rider\u2019s presence in the main group of 16 Classics specialists behind solo winner Alberto Bettiol was still a highly creditable result.<\/p>\n<p>And yet, there\u2019s a sense that it could have been so much more. In fact, Jungels\u2019 Flanders debut was somewhat underwhelming in the context of his Spring campaign up to that point.<\/p>\n<p>Zoom out, and Jungels was a 26-year-old Swiss Army Knife of a rider. He was a stage racer, with two Giro d\u2019Italia top 10s, he was an hilly Classics specialist, with a Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge victory, he was a time trial talent with a TTT world title, and he was even a lead-out man, part of trains powering the likes of Marcel Kittel.<\/p>\n<p>When he rocked up to his first cobbled Classic at Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne in early 2019, and soloed off with the victory, it turned out he could do the rough and tumble of northern Belgium just as well as anything else. In fact, when he proceeded to place fifth at E3 (behind a winning teammate) and third at Dwars, he almost looked like QuickStep\u2019s best hope for the Ronde. This was, remember, back when QuickStep still ruled the Flemish spring.<\/p>\n<p>Kasper Asgreen was also in the squad that day and if you\u2019re looking for an even better debut then look no further than the Dane\u2019s runner-up finish, but in terms of rider profile it\u2019s Jungels who will give Evenepoel hope he can hit the cobbles running.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-alejandro-valverde-bags-a-top-10\"><span>Alejandro Valverde bags a top 10 <\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a1a7943e-e73b-412a-9514-338d0b00a7fb\">\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\/dAt9MecTXMW6DUPJihLFWe-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dAt9MecTXMW6DUPJihLFWe-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dAt9MecTXMW6DUPJihLFWe-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dAt9MecTXMW6DUPJihLFWe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dAt9MecTXMW6DUPJihLFWe-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dAt9MecTXMW6DUPJihLFWe-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-5ff1769d-35bb-4af6-b349-7dd8a1c49b63\">I\u2019ve never seen someone look so out of place as Alejandro Valverde did in Waregem after the 2018 Dwars Door Vlaanderen. The Spaniard was already a serial Belgian Classics winner with four titles at Li\u00e8ge and five at La Fl\u00e8che Wallonne, but the contrast between Flanders and Wallonia is stark, and he looked shell-shocked after a day of torrential rain and full-gas racing. I&#8217;m amazed he agreed to get off the bus and speak to us.<\/p>\n<p>Not that he fared badly. In fact, he made the first big selection, pinged in some attacks, and came home in 11th place in the second group. Still, it was enough to put him off riding Flanders itself. At that point, he was purportedly only here to gain cobbles experience ahead of the pav\u00e9 stage of the Tour de France, but Belgium rippled with rumours he\u2019d grace De Ronde with his presence, though the grim weather looked set to continue and apparently played its part in his decision to swerve.<\/p>\n<p>Valverde did, however, return the following Spring to race the Tour of Flanders, wearing the world champion\u2019s jersey. It\u2019s scarcely believable now, given the youngsters who dominate the sport, but he was 38 years old. Anyway, Valverde rode to 8th place on the day, in that same edition won by Bettiol mentioned above. Valverde even went clear in a chase group over the final Paterberg with cobbles hitters Mathieu van der Poel, Greg Van Avermaet, and Oliver Naesen. That move was shut down and Valverde sprinted to 8th from a larger group, but it was nevertheless an eye-catching debut.<\/p>\n<p>You could tell how Valverde grew in confidence through the race. Positioning was an issue earlier on but as the field whittled down, he was up to the fore and racing on the front foot.<\/p>\n<p>Ahead of the race, Valverde had said: \u201cOn Sunday I&#8217;ll either tell you I came here too late, or that it&#8217;s not a race for me.\u201d It turned out to be more of the latter \u2013 he\u2019d never return to the Ronde.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-vincenzo-nibali-creates-the-winning-move\"><span>Vincenzo Nibali creates the winning move<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-904d5c36-270d-41c0-a57f-03855e02a0fe\">\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\/EJa83b9hVDYbpE6wRH2bdm-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EJa83b9hVDYbpE6wRH2bdm-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EJa83b9hVDYbpE6wRH2bdm-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EJa83b9hVDYbpE6wRH2bdm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EJa83b9hVDYbpE6wRH2bdm-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EJa83b9hVDYbpE6wRH2bdm-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\">Nibali, in a position that is now banned, draws out the race favourite <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-1bd37c3b-7e63-4192-bcb7-1719c267600c\">Another Grand Tour winner and hilly Classics rider hitting the cobbles late in his career, Vincenzo Nibali could only manage 24th place in his debut Ronde but still left the impression that he should have paid more visits to Flanders earlier in his career.<\/p>\n<p>Nibali was 33, and already winner of all three Grand Tours, when he rocked up in Antwerp for the 2018 Tour of Flanders. As with Valverde, there was the pretence of warming up for the cobbles of the 2018 Tour but there was always more to it than that. Just a month prior he\u2019d won Milan-San Remo in typically deft fashion and that victory in a Monument not overtly suited to his characteristics surely spurred him on to try Flanders, a race he had never managed to find time for given his Grand Tour commitments. What&#8217;s more, given the way he&#8217;d dominated the Roubaix cobbles en route to his 2014 Tour de France win, did anyone think he really needed practice?<\/p>\n<p>Nibali was 24th on the line in Oudenaarde, but had a much greater impact than that result would suggest. He not only rolled with the punches and made the early selections, but issued some punches of his own. He even effectively created the winning move. Attacking between the Kruisberg and the Hotond with just over 20km to go, Nibali was soon followed and joined by the eventual winner, Niki Terpstra. It didn\u2019t last long. Terpstra, so strong that Spring, flexed his muscles on his home turf and unceremoniously dropped Nibali on the tarmac drag of the Hotond before blitzing past the breakaway riders to win alone.<\/p>\n<p>Nibali faded on the Kwaremont and Paterberg but left with memories that wouldn\u2019t fade so easily.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt was a very difficult race but also a very beautiful one,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Those are the two adjectives I&#8217;d use to describe it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7d1e716d-57d5-4ba6-8cc3-f9e35b5dd1ce\"><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled 2026 Spring Classics coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-Lvthx5Q9PM8GVpUAstN9Lo\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-Lvthx5Q9PM8GVpUAstN9Lo slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Patrick Fletcher<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Deputy Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Patrick is an NCTJ-accredited journalist with a bachelor\u2019s degree in modern languages (French and Spanish) and a decade\u2019s experience in digital sports media, largely within the world of cycling. He re-joined Cyclingnews as Deputy Editor in February 2026, having previously spent eight years on staff between 2015 and 2023. In between, he was Deputy Editor at GCN and spent 18 months working across the sports portfolio at Future before returning to the cycling press pack. Patrick works across Cyclingnews\u2019 wide-ranging output, assisting the Editor in global content strategy, with a particular focus on shaping CN&#8217;s news operation.<\/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\/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\/bHLxGrWU2fCg4Mw43wZRES-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bHLxGrWU2fCg4Mw43wZRES-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bHLxGrWU2fCg4Mw43wZRES-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bHLxGrWU2fCg4Mw43wZRES-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bHLxGrWU2fCg4Mw43wZRES-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 Remco Evenepoel is right to make his Tour of Flanders debut now, and how he could challenge 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\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar has changed E3 Saxo Classic&#8217;s status but it remains the best Flanders form guide \u2013 A closer look at the contenders for Friday&#8217;s race<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-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\">Reflections from the men&#8217;s Milan-San Remo \u2013 Poga\u010dar overcomes the chaos, prefers focaccia to a 2027 return, McNulty&#8217;s work, and praise for Van der Poel and Pedersen<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Uy5RKsgFE6Q5Q9PLMKP9C6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Uy5RKsgFE6Q5Q9PLMKP9C6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Uy5RKsgFE6Q5Q9PLMKP9C6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Uy5RKsgFE6Q5Q9PLMKP9C6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Uy5RKsgFE6Q5Q9PLMKP9C6-320-80.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\">GP Miguel Indurain: Ion Izagirre drops Quinn Simmons to claim his third edition in the last year of his pro career<\/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\/fNx3SMbuzrU26ecGZH7TPJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fNx3SMbuzrU26ecGZH7TPJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fNx3SMbuzrU26ecGZH7TPJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fNx3SMbuzrU26ecGZH7TPJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fNx3SMbuzrU26ecGZH7TPJ-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\">NXT Classic: Tibor del Grosso wins a tense two-up sprint to take a first win of the year <\/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\/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\/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 class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WpqqNNddJnitui2BiMEC7R-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WpqqNNddJnitui2BiMEC7R-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WpqqNNddJnitui2BiMEC7R-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WpqqNNddJnitui2BiMEC7R-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WpqqNNddJnitui2BiMEC7R-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\">Woes continue for Arnaud De Lie as Lotto Intermarch\u00e9 rider ruled out of Tour of Flanders <\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZC3seKge8ZbR7w8B5VDYM8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZC3seKge8ZbR7w8B5VDYM8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZC3seKge8ZbR7w8B5VDYM8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZC3seKge8ZbR7w8B5VDYM8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZC3seKge8ZbR7w8B5VDYM8-320-80.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\">Classic Velox Ad\u00e9lie de Vitr\u00e9: First professional victory for Marc Brustenga as first rider across the line relegated following deviation<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Features<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/v2f6yDEapxtfhcsY9Wmqi5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/v2f6yDEapxtfhcsY9Wmqi5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/v2f6yDEapxtfhcsY9Wmqi5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/v2f6yDEapxtfhcsY9Wmqi5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/v2f6yDEapxtfhcsY9Wmqi5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#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<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LsHmBtnTxiYK3jFBQJLi7S-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LsHmBtnTxiYK3jFBQJLi7S-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LsHmBtnTxiYK3jFBQJLi7S-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LsHmBtnTxiYK3jFBQJLi7S-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LsHmBtnTxiYK3jFBQJLi7S-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We lost three experienced riders, and replaced them with really young riders&#8217; \u2013 Can Lidl-Trek&#8217;s changed Classics core do enough for Mads Pedersen at the Tour of Flanders?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LicjXPEYhXddW3XAUkQwgK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LicjXPEYhXddW3XAUkQwgK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LicjXPEYhXddW3XAUkQwgK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LicjXPEYhXddW3XAUkQwgK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LicjXPEYhXddW3XAUkQwgK-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\">Cycling Culture<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Quiz! Can you name all the Tour of Flanders winners since 2000?<\/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\/bHLxGrWU2fCg4Mw43wZRES-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bHLxGrWU2fCg4Mw43wZRES-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bHLxGrWU2fCg4Mw43wZRES-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bHLxGrWU2fCg4Mw43wZRES-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bHLxGrWU2fCg4Mw43wZRES-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 Remco Evenepoel is right to make his Tour of Flanders debut now, and how he could challenge 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\/Q3J95fBiX8AU8aJKCfy8gT-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q3J95fBiX8AU8aJKCfy8gT-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q3J95fBiX8AU8aJKCfy8gT-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q3J95fBiX8AU8aJKCfy8gT-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q3J95fBiX8AU8aJKCfy8gT-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Instagram DMs, quiet Belgian side streets, and phone calls with parents \u2013 Inside the race to snap up cycling&#8217;s next top talents<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rcETCoJsDCpoif83S8uocA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rcETCoJsDCpoif83S8uocA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rcETCoJsDCpoif83S8uocA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rcETCoJsDCpoif83S8uocA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rcETCoJsDCpoif83S8uocA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">A clinical Jonas Vingegaard and a long list of riders MIA \u2013 Philippa York analyses the Volta a Catalunya<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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\/d5HGJnbPTXQqsTnMU7amSc-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d5HGJnbPTXQqsTnMU7amSc-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d5HGJnbPTXQqsTnMU7amSc-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d5HGJnbPTXQqsTnMU7amSc-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d5HGJnbPTXQqsTnMU7amSc.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d5HGJnbPTXQqsTnMU7amSc.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d5HGJnbPTXQqsTnMU7amSc.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">British man dies during Tour of Flanders amateur ride, two other riders resuscitated<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div 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tense two-up sprint to take a first win of the year <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;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<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour of Flanders\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>What can Remco Evenepoel learn from Poga\u010dar, Nibali, and Valverde? 5 memorable Tour of Flanders debuts from big-name cobbles newbies<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nFeatures<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nPatrick Fletcher <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-04T09:15:46Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n4 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">These riders all made a splash on unfamiliar terrain<\/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\/yN5KaYUdxVizZ7fQmeidq6-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yN5KaYUdxVizZ7fQmeidq6-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yN5KaYUdxVizZ7fQmeidq6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yN5KaYUdxVizZ7fQmeidq6-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yN5KaYUdxVizZ7fQmeidq6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yN5KaYUdxVizZ7fQmeidq6-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yN5KaYUdxVizZ7fQmeidq6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo\" class=\"contents\" data-only-inline=\"1\">\n<div class=\"visible flex flex-row flex-nowrap sticky max-lg:-ml-5 top-[60px] sm:top-0 z-[9994] w-screen lg:w-full h-[50px] bg-white p-0 mb-5 border-neutral-200 border border-solid\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Variants:Inline\" data-analytics-id=\"sticky-nav\" id=\"sticky-nav--inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"sticky-nav\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-row w-full h-full overflow-x-scroll overflow-y-hidden tracking-normal overscroll-x-contain\" id=\"sticky-nav__scroll-container\"><span class=\"pl-4 my-auto text-base font-semibold font-article-heading lg:pl-3 lg:text-sm whitespace-nowrap uppercase\">Jump to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-row w-auto border-y-0\">\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\nborder-b-[3px] border-b-[var(--jumpto-underline-color)] border-solid font-semibold \" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Poga\u010dar<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Alaphilippe<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Jungels<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Valverde<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Nibali<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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 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id=\"elk-c68a0454-ff8e-48ad-b104-a1b7b35d7a60\">When Remco Evenepoel hits the cobbles of the Tour of Flanders on Sunday, he will be making the same route behind enemy lines trodden by a number of high-profile riders in recent years.<\/p>\n<p>In an age of increasing all-rounderism, there is less of a shock factor at seeing riders stray from their usual lanes, and that&#8217;s especially so in the case of Evenepoel, who is a Grand Tour champion but has achieved most of his success through one-day exploits.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c68a0454-ff8e-48ad-b104-a1b7b35d7a60-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The thing is, they&#8217;ve always been in much hillier, much less chaotic, and much less bumpy races. The cobbled Classics still remain a unique beast, and Evenepoel&#8217;s secretive addition to the start list will have fans &#8211; especially in his native Belgium &#8211; licking their lips.<\/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\/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-[#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\/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-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bHLxGrWU2fCg4Mw43wZRES-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bHLxGrWU2fCg4Mw43wZRES-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 Remco Evenepoel is right to make his Tour of Flanders debut now, and how he could challenge Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">But what about the other riders who have scaled the heights of the sport, and then decided to test themselves on the cobbles of Flanders&#8217; Finest?<\/p>\n<p>The pre-race favourite, Tadej Poga\u010dar, is a prime example. Alejandro Valverde and Vincenzo Nibali are two more Grand Tour winners who made solitary but memorable appearances at De Ronde. And Julian Alaphilippe and Bob Jungels are two more all-rounders whose lightning first forays onto the cobbles could inspire Evenepoel.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Here, we take a look back at their Tour of Flanders debuts.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-tadej-pogacar-makes-his-mistakes\"><span>Tadej Poga\u010dar makes his mistakes<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-be2fa8d1-0166-40df-8a8e-94f980e3257f\">\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\/ntSBy9NrxPymwCn6ohcB5N-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ntSBy9NrxPymwCn6ohcB5N-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ntSBy9NrxPymwCn6ohcB5N-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ntSBy9NrxPymwCn6ohcB5N-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ntSBy9NrxPymwCn6ohcB5N-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ntSBy9NrxPymwCn6ohcB5N-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\">Poga\u010dar remonstrates after feeling he was boxed-in in the sprint, but he and Van der Poel should never have been caught <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-61007597-b106-41e7-a283-0245cbee30fa\">Where else to start other than with Tadej Poga\u010dar, the heavy favourite to lift the Tour of Flanders trophy for a third time on Sunday afternoon?<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-Lvthx5Q9PM8GVpUAstN9Lo\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-Lvthx5Q9PM8GVpUAstN9Lo 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>Poga\u010dar made his Flanders debut in 2022, and he arguably should have won it, but more on that shortly. Poga\u010dar was at this point 23 years old and already a double Tour de France winner and a double Monument winner, taking his first titles at Li\u00e8ge and Lombardia the previous year. His visit to the cobbles of Flanders, which included a prelude at Dwars door Vlaanderen was spoken about in the context of the cobbles that would be on the menu at the 2022 Tour de France, but it soon became clear this was a rider who wanted to win every type of Classic conceivable.<\/p>\n<p>His ride at Dwars was a bit of a wake-up call. Out of position when the decisive move formed on Berg Ten Houte with 70km remaining, he missed the chance to play any real role in the race, feeding that old Flandrien line of needing to learn the roads and the rhythms on Flanders. On the big day itself, he made no such mistake, grabbing the race by the scruff of the neck on the second ascent of the Oude Kwaremont and then dropping everyone but Mathieu van der Poel on the final ascent. He was always likely to come off second best in a sprint with the Dutchman, but he somehow contrived to finish fourth, as he slowed the pace to such an extent that two chasers swooped up and over in the dying metres. It was scant reward for the extraordinary way he had dictated the race on debut, especially against a rider of the cobbled calibre of Van der Poel.<\/p>\n<p>Poga\u010dar has become a master iron-outer of mistakes, and he returned 12 months later to ride in very much the same style, but this time making sure he was alone over the final Kwaremont. After a 2024 hiatus to focus on the Giro d\u2019Italia, that same blueprint was repeated last year with his second Ronde title.<\/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\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-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\">Tadej Poga\u010dar has changed E3 Saxo Classic&#8217;s status but it remains the best Flanders form guide \u2013 A closer look at the contenders for Friday&#8217;s race<\/span><\/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\/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-[#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\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-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\">Reflections from the men&#8217;s Milan-San Remo \u2013 Poga\u010dar overcomes the chaos, prefers focaccia to a 2027 return, McNulty&#8217;s work, and praise for Van der Poel and Pedersen<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>What\u2019s interesting to note is that even Poga\u010dar \u2013 on course to become the greatest cyclist of all time \u2013 needed some time, and some mistakes. In that respect it\u2019s interesting that Evenepoel, despite saying he has been targeting this race since December, opted for no cobbled race in preparation for this.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-julian-alaphilippe-dnfs-but-delivers-an-unforgettable-debut\"><span>Julian Alaphilippe DNFs but delivers an unforgettable debut<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-9a8d1069-6713-42cd-a7f9-208c28bdc574\">\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\/K4d7EJGuTy3iiFrYx3itqW-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K4d7EJGuTy3iiFrYx3itqW-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K4d7EJGuTy3iiFrYx3itqW-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K4d7EJGuTy3iiFrYx3itqW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K4d7EJGuTy3iiFrYx3itqW-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K4d7EJGuTy3iiFrYx3itqW-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\">Alaphilippe goes flying in <em>that<\/em> motorbike incident <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-c58007af-af68-493d-bd74-767daae1d326\">If Evenepoel\u2019s looking for inspiration, he could do worse than to have a word with his former teammate, and fellow former world champion Julian Alaphilippe.<\/p>\n<p>The Frenchman was a regular to the podium of the hillier Classics in the early years of his career, but when he won both Strade Bianche and Milan-San Remo in 2019, his horizons and his appetite broadened significantly. The Covid-19 pandemic would throw the 2020 season into disarray but when the dust settled, Flanders fell three weeks after the World Championships in Imola, where Alaphilippe danced away to the first of his back-to-back rainbow jerseys.<\/p>\n<p>He\u2019d won a stage of the Tour, won Worlds, threw away Li\u00e8ge, and won Brabantse Pijl; he was in flying form and he flew into the finale alongside the two pre-race favourites, the cobble specialists Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert. We all remember what happened next. Bang. A brush with a motorbike, a somersault, and a gaping sense of \u2018what might have been\u2019. The sprint between Van der Poel and Van Aert, old cyclocross rivals, was dramatic enough, but we were robbed of what could have been one of the all-time great finales.<\/p>\n<p>Alaphilippe was no passenger. Indeed, he had attacked on the Koppenberg and then gone clear on the Steenbeekdries, essentially creating that winning move. With the Oude Kwaremont and Paterberg still to come, he had every chance of winning the race, not least with the opportunity to play the frosty rivals off against each other.<\/p>\n<p>Alaphilippe didn\u2019t have the same impact the following year, and his career deteriorated after that, but that one DNF in 2020 remains one of the most memorable Tour of Flanders debuts in history.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-bob-jungels-shows-the-breadth-of-his-talents\"><span>Bob Jungels shows the breadth of his talents<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-8fb1d5fe-c4f1-478c-ad8c-0122d571c0f2\">\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\/hFU23xKjJxmEtv7Mj7MMab-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hFU23xKjJxmEtv7Mj7MMab-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hFU23xKjJxmEtv7Mj7MMab-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hFU23xKjJxmEtv7Mj7MMab-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hFU23xKjJxmEtv7Mj7MMab-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hFU23xKjJxmEtv7Mj7MMab-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-c3d38b9b-844d-456f-af73-558e9303f295\">While we\u2019re on the subject of QuickStep Ardennes leaders turned cobble hunters, Bob Jungels finished 16th in his first Tour of Flanders in 2019. That might not seem like the most notable result on paper but the Luxembourg rider\u2019s presence in the main group of 16 Classics specialists behind solo winner Alberto Bettiol was still a highly creditable result.<\/p>\n<p>And yet, there\u2019s a sense that it could have been so much more. In fact, Jungels\u2019 Flanders debut was somewhat underwhelming in the context of his Spring campaign up to that point.<\/p>\n<p>Zoom out, and Jungels was a 26-year-old Swiss Army Knife of a rider. He was a stage racer, with two Giro d\u2019Italia top 10s, he was an hilly Classics specialist, with a Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge victory, he was a time trial talent with a TTT world title, and he was even a lead-out man, part of trains powering the likes of Marcel Kittel.<\/p>\n<p>When he rocked up to his first cobbled Classic at Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne in early 2019, and soloed off with the victory, it turned out he could do the rough and tumble of northern Belgium just as well as anything else. In fact, when he proceeded to place fifth at E3 (behind a winning teammate) and third at Dwars, he almost looked like QuickStep\u2019s best hope for the Ronde. This was, remember, back when QuickStep still ruled the Flemish spring.<\/p>\n<p>Kasper Asgreen was also in the squad that day and if you\u2019re looking for an even better debut then look no further than the Dane\u2019s runner-up finish, but in terms of rider profile it\u2019s Jungels who will give Evenepoel hope he can hit the cobbles running.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-alejandro-valverde-bags-a-top-10\"><span>Alejandro Valverde bags a top 10 <\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a1a7943e-e73b-412a-9514-338d0b00a7fb\">\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\/dAt9MecTXMW6DUPJihLFWe-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dAt9MecTXMW6DUPJihLFWe-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dAt9MecTXMW6DUPJihLFWe-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dAt9MecTXMW6DUPJihLFWe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dAt9MecTXMW6DUPJihLFWe-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dAt9MecTXMW6DUPJihLFWe-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-5ff1769d-35bb-4af6-b349-7dd8a1c49b63\">I\u2019ve never seen someone look so out of place as Alejandro Valverde did in Waregem after the 2018 Dwars Door Vlaanderen. The Spaniard was already a serial Belgian Classics winner with four titles at Li\u00e8ge and five at La Fl\u00e8che Wallonne, but the contrast between Flanders and Wallonia is stark, and he looked shell-shocked after a day of torrential rain and full-gas racing. I&#8217;m amazed he agreed to get off the bus and speak to us.<\/p>\n<p>Not that he fared badly. In fact, he made the first big selection, pinged in some attacks, and came home in 11th place in the second group. Still, it was enough to put him off riding Flanders itself. At that point, he was purportedly only here to gain cobbles experience ahead of the pav\u00e9 stage of the Tour de France, but Belgium rippled with rumours he\u2019d grace De Ronde with his presence, though the grim weather looked set to continue and apparently played its part in his decision to swerve.<\/p>\n<p>Valverde did, however, return the following Spring to race the Tour of Flanders, wearing the world champion\u2019s jersey. It\u2019s scarcely believable now, given the youngsters who dominate the sport, but he was 38 years old. Anyway, Valverde rode to 8th place on the day, in that same edition won by Bettiol mentioned above. Valverde even went clear in a chase group over the final Paterberg with cobbles hitters Mathieu van der Poel, Greg Van Avermaet, and Oliver Naesen. That move was shut down and Valverde sprinted to 8th from a larger group, but it was nevertheless an eye-catching debut.<\/p>\n<p>You could tell how Valverde grew in confidence through the race. Positioning was an issue earlier on but as the field whittled down, he was up to the fore and racing on the front foot.<\/p>\n<p>Ahead of the race, Valverde had said: \u201cOn Sunday I&#8217;ll either tell you I came here too late, or that it&#8217;s not a race for me.\u201d It turned out to be more of the latter \u2013 he\u2019d never return to the Ronde.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-vincenzo-nibali-creates-the-winning-move\"><span>Vincenzo Nibali creates the winning move<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-904d5c36-270d-41c0-a57f-03855e02a0fe\">\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\/EJa83b9hVDYbpE6wRH2bdm-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EJa83b9hVDYbpE6wRH2bdm-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EJa83b9hVDYbpE6wRH2bdm-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EJa83b9hVDYbpE6wRH2bdm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EJa83b9hVDYbpE6wRH2bdm-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EJa83b9hVDYbpE6wRH2bdm-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\">Nibali, in a position that is now banned, draws out the race favourite <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-1bd37c3b-7e63-4192-bcb7-1719c267600c\">Another Grand Tour winner and hilly Classics rider hitting the cobbles late in his career, Vincenzo Nibali could only manage 24th place in his debut Ronde but still left the impression that he should have paid more visits to Flanders earlier in his career.<\/p>\n<p>Nibali was 33, and already winner of all three Grand Tours, when he rocked up in Antwerp for the 2018 Tour of Flanders. As with Valverde, there was the pretence of warming up for the cobbles of the 2018 Tour but there was always more to it than that. Just a month prior he\u2019d won Milan-San Remo in typically deft fashion and that victory in a Monument not overtly suited to his characteristics surely spurred him on to try Flanders, a race he had never managed to find time for given his Grand Tour commitments. What&#8217;s more, given the way he&#8217;d dominated the Roubaix cobbles en route to his 2014 Tour de France win, did anyone think he really needed practice?<\/p>\n<p>Nibali was 24th on the line in Oudenaarde, but had a much greater impact than that result would suggest. He not only rolled with the punches and made the early selections, but issued some punches of his own. He even effectively created the winning move. Attacking between the Kruisberg and the Hotond with just over 20km to go, Nibali was soon followed and joined by the eventual winner, Niki Terpstra. It didn\u2019t last long. Terpstra, so strong that Spring, flexed his muscles on his home turf and unceremoniously dropped Nibali on the tarmac drag of the Hotond before blitzing past the breakaway riders to win alone.<\/p>\n<p>Nibali faded on the Kwaremont and Paterberg but left with memories that wouldn\u2019t fade so easily.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt was a very difficult race but also a very beautiful one,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Those are the two adjectives I&#8217;d use to describe it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7d1e716d-57d5-4ba6-8cc3-f9e35b5dd1ce\"><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled 2026 Spring Classics coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-Lvthx5Q9PM8GVpUAstN9Lo\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-Lvthx5Q9PM8GVpUAstN9Lo slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Patrick Fletcher<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Deputy Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Patrick is an NCTJ-accredited journalist with a bachelor\u2019s degree in modern languages (French and Spanish) and a decade\u2019s experience in digital sports media, largely within the world of cycling. He re-joined Cyclingnews as Deputy Editor in February 2026, having previously spent eight years on staff between 2015 and 2023. In between, he was Deputy Editor at GCN and spent 18 months working across the sports portfolio at Future before returning to the cycling press pack. Patrick works across Cyclingnews\u2019 wide-ranging output, assisting the Editor in global content strategy, with a particular focus on shaping CN&#8217;s news operation.<\/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\/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\/bHLxGrWU2fCg4Mw43wZRES-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bHLxGrWU2fCg4Mw43wZRES-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bHLxGrWU2fCg4Mw43wZRES-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bHLxGrWU2fCg4Mw43wZRES-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bHLxGrWU2fCg4Mw43wZRES-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 Remco Evenepoel is right to make his Tour of Flanders debut now, and how he could challenge 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\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar has changed E3 Saxo Classic&#8217;s status but it remains the best Flanders form guide \u2013 A closer look at the contenders for Friday&#8217;s race<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-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\">Reflections from the men&#8217;s Milan-San Remo \u2013 Poga\u010dar overcomes the chaos, prefers focaccia to a 2027 return, McNulty&#8217;s work, and praise for Van der Poel and Pedersen<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Uy5RKsgFE6Q5Q9PLMKP9C6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Uy5RKsgFE6Q5Q9PLMKP9C6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Uy5RKsgFE6Q5Q9PLMKP9C6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Uy5RKsgFE6Q5Q9PLMKP9C6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Uy5RKsgFE6Q5Q9PLMKP9C6-320-80.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\">GP Miguel Indurain: Ion Izagirre drops Quinn Simmons to claim his third edition in the last year of his pro career<\/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\/fNx3SMbuzrU26ecGZH7TPJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fNx3SMbuzrU26ecGZH7TPJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fNx3SMbuzrU26ecGZH7TPJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fNx3SMbuzrU26ecGZH7TPJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fNx3SMbuzrU26ecGZH7TPJ-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\">NXT Classic: Tibor del Grosso wins a tense two-up sprint to take a first win of the year <\/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\/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\/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 class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WpqqNNddJnitui2BiMEC7R-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WpqqNNddJnitui2BiMEC7R-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WpqqNNddJnitui2BiMEC7R-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WpqqNNddJnitui2BiMEC7R-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WpqqNNddJnitui2BiMEC7R-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\">Woes continue for Arnaud De Lie as Lotto Intermarch\u00e9 rider ruled out of Tour of Flanders <\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZC3seKge8ZbR7w8B5VDYM8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZC3seKge8ZbR7w8B5VDYM8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZC3seKge8ZbR7w8B5VDYM8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZC3seKge8ZbR7w8B5VDYM8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZC3seKge8ZbR7w8B5VDYM8-320-80.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\">Classic Velox Ad\u00e9lie de Vitr\u00e9: First professional victory for Marc Brustenga as first rider across the line relegated following deviation<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Features<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/v2f6yDEapxtfhcsY9Wmqi5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/v2f6yDEapxtfhcsY9Wmqi5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/v2f6yDEapxtfhcsY9Wmqi5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/v2f6yDEapxtfhcsY9Wmqi5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/v2f6yDEapxtfhcsY9Wmqi5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#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<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LsHmBtnTxiYK3jFBQJLi7S-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LsHmBtnTxiYK3jFBQJLi7S-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LsHmBtnTxiYK3jFBQJLi7S-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LsHmBtnTxiYK3jFBQJLi7S-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LsHmBtnTxiYK3jFBQJLi7S-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We lost three experienced riders, and replaced them with really young riders&#8217; \u2013 Can Lidl-Trek&#8217;s changed Classics core do enough for Mads Pedersen at the Tour of Flanders?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LicjXPEYhXddW3XAUkQwgK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LicjXPEYhXddW3XAUkQwgK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LicjXPEYhXddW3XAUkQwgK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LicjXPEYhXddW3XAUkQwgK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LicjXPEYhXddW3XAUkQwgK-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\">Cycling Culture<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Quiz! Can you name all the Tour of Flanders winners since 2000?<\/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\/bHLxGrWU2fCg4Mw43wZRES-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bHLxGrWU2fCg4Mw43wZRES-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bHLxGrWU2fCg4Mw43wZRES-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bHLxGrWU2fCg4Mw43wZRES-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bHLxGrWU2fCg4Mw43wZRES-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 Remco Evenepoel is right to make his Tour of Flanders debut now, and how he could challenge 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\/Q3J95fBiX8AU8aJKCfy8gT-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q3J95fBiX8AU8aJKCfy8gT-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q3J95fBiX8AU8aJKCfy8gT-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q3J95fBiX8AU8aJKCfy8gT-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q3J95fBiX8AU8aJKCfy8gT-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Instagram DMs, quiet Belgian side streets, and phone calls with parents \u2013 Inside the race to snap up cycling&#8217;s next top talents<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rcETCoJsDCpoif83S8uocA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rcETCoJsDCpoif83S8uocA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rcETCoJsDCpoif83S8uocA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rcETCoJsDCpoif83S8uocA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rcETCoJsDCpoif83S8uocA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">A clinical Jonas Vingegaard and a long list of riders MIA \u2013 Philippa York analyses the Volta a Catalunya<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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 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https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d5HGJnbPTXQqsTnMU7amSc-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d5HGJnbPTXQqsTnMU7amSc-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d5HGJnbPTXQqsTnMU7amSc-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d5HGJnbPTXQqsTnMU7amSc.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d5HGJnbPTXQqsTnMU7amSc.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d5HGJnbPTXQqsTnMU7amSc.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">British man dies during Tour of Flanders amateur ride, two other riders resuscitated<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div 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tense two-up sprint to take a first win of the year <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;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<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour of Flanders\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>What can Remco Evenepoel learn from Poga\u010dar, Nibali, and Valverde? 5 memorable Tour of Flanders debuts from big-name cobbles newbies<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nFeatures<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nPatrick Fletcher <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-04T09:15:46Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n4 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">These riders all made a splash on unfamiliar terrain<\/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-c68a0454-ff8e-48ad-b104-a1b7b35d7a60\">When Remco Evenepoel hits the cobbles of the Tour of Flanders on Sunday, he will be making the same route behind enemy lines trodden by a number of high-profile riders in recent years.<\/p>\n<p>In an age of increasing all-rounderism, there is less of a shock factor at seeing riders stray from their usual lanes, and that&#8217;s especially so in the case of Evenepoel, who is a Grand Tour champion but has achieved most of his success through one-day exploits.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c68a0454-ff8e-48ad-b104-a1b7b35d7a60-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The thing is, they&#8217;ve always been in much hillier, much less chaotic, and much less bumpy races. The cobbled Classics still remain a unique beast, and Evenepoel&#8217;s secretive addition to the start list will have fans &#8211; especially in his native Belgium &#8211; licking their lips.<\/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\/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-[#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\/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-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bHLxGrWU2fCg4Mw43wZRES-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bHLxGrWU2fCg4Mw43wZRES-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 Remco Evenepoel is right to make his Tour of Flanders debut now, and how he could challenge Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">But what about the other riders who have scaled the heights of the sport, and then decided to test themselves on the cobbles of Flanders&#8217; Finest?<\/p>\n<p>The pre-race favourite, Tadej Poga\u010dar, is a prime example. Alejandro Valverde and Vincenzo Nibali are two more Grand Tour winners who made solitary but memorable appearances at De Ronde. And Julian Alaphilippe and Bob Jungels are two more all-rounders whose lightning first forays onto the cobbles could inspire Evenepoel.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Here, we take a look back at their Tour of Flanders debuts.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-tadej-pogacar-makes-his-mistakes\"><span>Tadej Poga\u010dar makes his mistakes<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-be2fa8d1-0166-40df-8a8e-94f980e3257f\">\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\/ntSBy9NrxPymwCn6ohcB5N-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ntSBy9NrxPymwCn6ohcB5N-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ntSBy9NrxPymwCn6ohcB5N-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ntSBy9NrxPymwCn6ohcB5N-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ntSBy9NrxPymwCn6ohcB5N-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ntSBy9NrxPymwCn6ohcB5N-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\">Poga\u010dar remonstrates after feeling he was boxed-in in the sprint, but he and Van der Poel should never have been caught <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-61007597-b106-41e7-a283-0245cbee30fa\">Where else to start other than with Tadej Poga\u010dar, the heavy favourite to lift the Tour of Flanders trophy for a third time on Sunday afternoon?<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-Lvthx5Q9PM8GVpUAstN9Lo\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-Lvthx5Q9PM8GVpUAstN9Lo 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>Poga\u010dar made his Flanders debut in 2022, and he arguably should have won it, but more on that shortly. Poga\u010dar was at this point 23 years old and already a double Tour de France winner and a double Monument winner, taking his first titles at Li\u00e8ge and Lombardia the previous year. His visit to the cobbles of Flanders, which included a prelude at Dwars door Vlaanderen was spoken about in the context of the cobbles that would be on the menu at the 2022 Tour de France, but it soon became clear this was a rider who wanted to win every type of Classic conceivable.<\/p>\n<p>His ride at Dwars was a bit of a wake-up call. Out of position when the decisive move formed on Berg Ten Houte with 70km remaining, he missed the chance to play any real role in the race, feeding that old Flandrien line of needing to learn the roads and the rhythms on Flanders. On the big day itself, he made no such mistake, grabbing the race by the scruff of the neck on the second ascent of the Oude Kwaremont and then dropping everyone but Mathieu van der Poel on the final ascent. He was always likely to come off second best in a sprint with the Dutchman, but he somehow contrived to finish fourth, as he slowed the pace to such an extent that two chasers swooped up and over in the dying metres. It was scant reward for the extraordinary way he had dictated the race on debut, especially against a rider of the cobbled calibre of Van der Poel.<\/p>\n<p>Poga\u010dar has become a master iron-outer of mistakes, and he returned 12 months later to ride in very much the same style, but this time making sure he was alone over the final Kwaremont. After a 2024 hiatus to focus on the Giro d\u2019Italia, that same blueprint was repeated last year with his second Ronde title.<\/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\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-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\">Tadej Poga\u010dar has changed E3 Saxo Classic&#8217;s status but it remains the best Flanders form guide \u2013 A closer look at the contenders for Friday&#8217;s race<\/span><\/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\/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-[#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\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-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\">Reflections from the men&#8217;s Milan-San Remo \u2013 Poga\u010dar overcomes the chaos, prefers focaccia to a 2027 return, McNulty&#8217;s work, and praise for Van der Poel and Pedersen<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>What\u2019s interesting to note is that even Poga\u010dar \u2013 on course to become the greatest cyclist of all time \u2013 needed some time, and some mistakes. In that respect it\u2019s interesting that Evenepoel, despite saying he has been targeting this race since December, opted for no cobbled race in preparation for this.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-julian-alaphilippe-dnfs-but-delivers-an-unforgettable-debut\"><span>Julian Alaphilippe DNFs but delivers an unforgettable debut<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-9a8d1069-6713-42cd-a7f9-208c28bdc574\">\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\/K4d7EJGuTy3iiFrYx3itqW-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K4d7EJGuTy3iiFrYx3itqW-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K4d7EJGuTy3iiFrYx3itqW-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K4d7EJGuTy3iiFrYx3itqW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K4d7EJGuTy3iiFrYx3itqW-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K4d7EJGuTy3iiFrYx3itqW-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\">Alaphilippe goes flying in <em>that<\/em> motorbike incident <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-c58007af-af68-493d-bd74-767daae1d326\">If Evenepoel\u2019s looking for inspiration, he could do worse than to have a word with his former teammate, and fellow former world champion Julian Alaphilippe.<\/p>\n<p>The Frenchman was a regular to the podium of the hillier Classics in the early years of his career, but when he won both Strade Bianche and Milan-San Remo in 2019, his horizons and his appetite broadened significantly. The Covid-19 pandemic would throw the 2020 season into disarray but when the dust settled, Flanders fell three weeks after the World Championships in Imola, where Alaphilippe danced away to the first of his back-to-back rainbow jerseys.<\/p>\n<p>He\u2019d won a stage of the Tour, won Worlds, threw away Li\u00e8ge, and won Brabantse Pijl; he was in flying form and he flew into the finale alongside the two pre-race favourites, the cobble specialists Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert. We all remember what happened next. Bang. A brush with a motorbike, a somersault, and a gaping sense of \u2018what might have been\u2019. The sprint between Van der Poel and Van Aert, old cyclocross rivals, was dramatic enough, but we were robbed of what could have been one of the all-time great finales.<\/p>\n<p>Alaphilippe was no passenger. Indeed, he had attacked on the Koppenberg and then gone clear on the Steenbeekdries, essentially creating that winning move. With the Oude Kwaremont and Paterberg still to come, he had every chance of winning the race, not least with the opportunity to play the frosty rivals off against each other.<\/p>\n<p>Alaphilippe didn\u2019t have the same impact the following year, and his career deteriorated after that, but that one DNF in 2020 remains one of the most memorable Tour of Flanders debuts in history.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-bob-jungels-shows-the-breadth-of-his-talents\"><span>Bob Jungels shows the breadth of his talents<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-8fb1d5fe-c4f1-478c-ad8c-0122d571c0f2\">\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\/hFU23xKjJxmEtv7Mj7MMab-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hFU23xKjJxmEtv7Mj7MMab-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hFU23xKjJxmEtv7Mj7MMab-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hFU23xKjJxmEtv7Mj7MMab-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hFU23xKjJxmEtv7Mj7MMab-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hFU23xKjJxmEtv7Mj7MMab-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-c3d38b9b-844d-456f-af73-558e9303f295\">While we\u2019re on the subject of QuickStep Ardennes leaders turned cobble hunters, Bob Jungels finished 16th in his first Tour of Flanders in 2019. That might not seem like the most notable result on paper but the Luxembourg rider\u2019s presence in the main group of 16 Classics specialists behind solo winner Alberto Bettiol was still a highly creditable result.<\/p>\n<p>And yet, there\u2019s a sense that it could have been so much more. In fact, Jungels\u2019 Flanders debut was somewhat underwhelming in the context of his Spring campaign up to that point.<\/p>\n<p>Zoom out, and Jungels was a 26-year-old Swiss Army Knife of a rider. He was a stage racer, with two Giro d\u2019Italia top 10s, he was an hilly Classics specialist, with a Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge victory, he was a time trial talent with a TTT world title, and he was even a lead-out man, part of trains powering the likes of Marcel Kittel.<\/p>\n<p>When he rocked up to his first cobbled Classic at Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne in early 2019, and soloed off with the victory, it turned out he could do the rough and tumble of northern Belgium just as well as anything else. In fact, when he proceeded to place fifth at E3 (behind a winning teammate) and third at Dwars, he almost looked like QuickStep\u2019s best hope for the Ronde. This was, remember, back when QuickStep still ruled the Flemish spring.<\/p>\n<p>Kasper Asgreen was also in the squad that day and if you\u2019re looking for an even better debut then look no further than the Dane\u2019s runner-up finish, but in terms of rider profile it\u2019s Jungels who will give Evenepoel hope he can hit the cobbles running.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-alejandro-valverde-bags-a-top-10\"><span>Alejandro Valverde bags a top 10 <\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a1a7943e-e73b-412a-9514-338d0b00a7fb\">\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\/dAt9MecTXMW6DUPJihLFWe-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dAt9MecTXMW6DUPJihLFWe-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dAt9MecTXMW6DUPJihLFWe-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dAt9MecTXMW6DUPJihLFWe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dAt9MecTXMW6DUPJihLFWe-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dAt9MecTXMW6DUPJihLFWe-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-5ff1769d-35bb-4af6-b349-7dd8a1c49b63\">I\u2019ve never seen someone look so out of place as Alejandro Valverde did in Waregem after the 2018 Dwars Door Vlaanderen. The Spaniard was already a serial Belgian Classics winner with four titles at Li\u00e8ge and five at La Fl\u00e8che Wallonne, but the contrast between Flanders and Wallonia is stark, and he looked shell-shocked after a day of torrential rain and full-gas racing. I&#8217;m amazed he agreed to get off the bus and speak to us.<\/p>\n<p>Not that he fared badly. In fact, he made the first big selection, pinged in some attacks, and came home in 11th place in the second group. Still, it was enough to put him off riding Flanders itself. At that point, he was purportedly only here to gain cobbles experience ahead of the pav\u00e9 stage of the Tour de France, but Belgium rippled with rumours he\u2019d grace De Ronde with his presence, though the grim weather looked set to continue and apparently played its part in his decision to swerve.<\/p>\n<p>Valverde did, however, return the following Spring to race the Tour of Flanders, wearing the world champion\u2019s jersey. It\u2019s scarcely believable now, given the youngsters who dominate the sport, but he was 38 years old. Anyway, Valverde rode to 8th place on the day, in that same edition won by Bettiol mentioned above. Valverde even went clear in a chase group over the final Paterberg with cobbles hitters Mathieu van der Poel, Greg Van Avermaet, and Oliver Naesen. That move was shut down and Valverde sprinted to 8th from a larger group, but it was nevertheless an eye-catching debut.<\/p>\n<p>You could tell how Valverde grew in confidence through the race. Positioning was an issue earlier on but as the field whittled down, he was up to the fore and racing on the front foot.<\/p>\n<p>Ahead of the race, Valverde had said: \u201cOn Sunday I&#8217;ll either tell you I came here too late, or that it&#8217;s not a race for me.\u201d It turned out to be more of the latter \u2013 he\u2019d never return to the Ronde.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-vincenzo-nibali-creates-the-winning-move\"><span>Vincenzo Nibali creates the winning move<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-904d5c36-270d-41c0-a57f-03855e02a0fe\">\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\/EJa83b9hVDYbpE6wRH2bdm-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EJa83b9hVDYbpE6wRH2bdm-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EJa83b9hVDYbpE6wRH2bdm-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EJa83b9hVDYbpE6wRH2bdm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EJa83b9hVDYbpE6wRH2bdm-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EJa83b9hVDYbpE6wRH2bdm-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\">Nibali, in a position that is now banned, draws out the race favourite <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-1bd37c3b-7e63-4192-bcb7-1719c267600c\">Another Grand Tour winner and hilly Classics rider hitting the cobbles late in his career, Vincenzo Nibali could only manage 24th place in his debut Ronde but still left the impression that he should have paid more visits to Flanders earlier in his career.<\/p>\n<p>Nibali was 33, and already winner of all three Grand Tours, when he rocked up in Antwerp for the 2018 Tour of Flanders. As with Valverde, there was the pretence of warming up for the cobbles of the 2018 Tour but there was always more to it than that. Just a month prior he\u2019d won Milan-San Remo in typically deft fashion and that victory in a Monument not overtly suited to his characteristics surely spurred him on to try Flanders, a race he had never managed to find time for given his Grand Tour commitments. What&#8217;s more, given the way he&#8217;d dominated the Roubaix cobbles en route to his 2014 Tour de France win, did anyone think he really needed practice?<\/p>\n<p>Nibali was 24th on the line in Oudenaarde, but had a much greater impact than that result would suggest. He not only rolled with the punches and made the early selections, but issued some punches of his own. He even effectively created the winning move. Attacking between the Kruisberg and the Hotond with just over 20km to go, Nibali was soon followed and joined by the eventual winner, Niki Terpstra. It didn\u2019t last long. Terpstra, so strong that Spring, flexed his muscles on his home turf and unceremoniously dropped Nibali on the tarmac drag of the Hotond before blitzing past the breakaway riders to win alone.<\/p>\n<p>Nibali faded on the Kwaremont and Paterberg but left with memories that wouldn\u2019t fade so easily.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt was a very difficult race but also a very beautiful one,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Those are the two adjectives I&#8217;d use to describe it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7d1e716d-57d5-4ba6-8cc3-f9e35b5dd1ce\"><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled 2026 Spring Classics coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/what-can-evenepoel-learn-from-pogacar-nibali-and-valverde-5-memorable-tour-of-flanders-debuts-from-big-name-cobbles-newbies\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yN5KaYUdxVizZ7fQmeidq6-1920-80.jpg&#8221;] Pro Cycling Racing Tour of Flanders What can Remco Evenepoel learn from Poga\u010dar, Nibali, and Valverde? 5 memorable Tour of Flanders debuts from big-name cobbles newbies Features By Patrick Fletcher published 4 April 2026 These riders all made a splash on unfamiliar terrain When you purchase through links on our site, we [&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-1866162","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\/1866162","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=1866162"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1866162\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1866162"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1866162"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1866162"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}