{"id":1867050,"date":"2026-04-05T07:57:42","date_gmt":"2026-04-05T04:57:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1867050"},"modified":"2026-04-05T07:57:42","modified_gmt":"2026-04-05T04:57:42","slug":"as-it-happened-winning-record-equalled-at-tour-of-flanders-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1867050","title":{"rendered":"As it happened: Winning record equalled at Tour of Flanders 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E5o84x7h25gDjCwtptDrXD-2560-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nlive-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 hero-live news-article widget-hero widget-hero-fter-review\">\n<div class=\"clear-both widget-header\">\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\" class=\"news-article\">\n<div class=\"header-container\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour of Flanders\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<header>\n<div class=\"header-sub-container\">\n<h1 class=\"review-title-long live-report\">As it happened: Winning record equalled at Tour of Flanders 2026<\/h1>\n<h2>Tadej Poga\u010dar took the win ahead of Mathieu van der Poel and debutant Remco Evenepoel.<br \/>\n<\/h2>\n<div class=\"byline\">\nLive-reports<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\">\n<span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nTim Bonville-Ginn <\/span><br \/>\n<span><br \/>\nlast updated<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T17:23:29Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n5 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><br \/>\n<\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<nav class=\"socialite-widget box less-space \" data-contexturl=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/live\/tour-of-flanders-men-live-an-easter-extravaganza-on-the-belgian-cobbles\/\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"socialite\">\n<ul class=\"socialite-widget-ul\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-facebook\">\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-twitter\">\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-pinterest\">\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-email\">\n<p><i class=\"icon icon-envelope-solid\"><\/i><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>    <span class=\"text-[color:--comment-count-text-color,inherit]\"><span>1<\/span> <span class=\"visible hidden sm:inline-block\">Comment<\/span><\/span><br \/>\n    <span class=\"text-[color:--comment-count-text-color,inherit] hidden visible sm:inline-block\">Join the conversation<\/span><\/p>\n<\/nav>\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<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<figure>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E5o84x7h25gDjCwtptDrXD.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates - XRG, Wout van Aert of Belgium and Team Visma | Lease a Bike and Mathieu van der Poel of Netherlands and Team Alpecin-Premier Tech lead the breakaway passing through the Oude Kwaremont cobblestones sector while fans cheer during the 110th Tour of Flanders - Ronde van Vlaanderen 2026 - Men&amp;amp;apos;s Elite a 278.6km one day race from Antwerp to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" class=\"block-image-ads hero-image w-full\" data-component-name=\"Image\"><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"> <span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: \u00a9 Getty Images)<\/span><br \/>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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\">\n<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>Results<\/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>278.2km to go!<\/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>260km to go<\/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>Crash<\/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>220km to go<\/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>Race neutralised<\/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>200km to go<\/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>180km to go<\/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>First cobbled section<\/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>160km to go<\/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>140km to go<\/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>First passage of Oude Kwaremont<\/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>Crash<\/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>Crash<\/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>120km to go<\/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>Crash<\/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>Attack<\/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>Attack<\/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>Attack<\/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>Crash<\/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>100km to go<\/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>Attack in chase<\/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>Crash<\/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>80km to go<\/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>70km to go<\/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>Attack<\/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>60km to go<\/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>Attack<\/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>First ascent of Paterberg<\/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>50km to go<\/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>40km to go<\/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>30km to go<\/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>20km to go<\/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>Final ascent of Oude Kwaremont<\/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>10km to go<\/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>5km to go<\/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>Flamme Rouge<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"pinned-content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-pinned-content widget-contentparsed-pinned-content widget-pinned news-article widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-default widget-content-parsed-live-feed \">\n<div class=\" article-body \">\n<div class>\n<p id=\"elk-6796754f-5d32-4fba-8885-f9db0bbf1341\"><strong>Tour of Flanders 2026 &#8211; Preview<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Tour of Flanders 2026 &#8211; Route<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"><\/aside>\n<p id=\"elk-6796754f-5d32-4fba-8885-f9db0bbf1341-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><strong>Tour of Flanders 2026 &#8211; Contenders<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><strong>How to watch the Tour of Flanders 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-f0dabf1d-8dfb-4d88-ab1a-ea40f8430889\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yrm8ppYUa9ok7hqXJEd8gH.png\" alt=\"Profile of the 2026 Tour of Flanders men\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Profile of the 2026 Tour of Flanders men <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Flanders Classics)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-results\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-results\"><span>Results<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-5e868d66-0516-49d5-a9fc-3aacc5125cff\"><strong>Tour of Flanders: Indomitable Tadej Poga\u010dar solos to repeat victory after Oude Kwaremont attack<\/strong><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-table-XXb4JFHhHitFNM9S2sYbxh-7mlu75sRNAwOsqxI8MxU2oxpJ4Ku9K2Q\" class=\"slice-container table-wrapper table-XXb4JFHhHitFNM9S2sYbxh-7mlu75sRNAwOsqxI8MxU2oxpJ4Ku9K2Q slice-container-table\">\n<div class=\"table__instruction\">Swipe to scroll horizontally<\/div>\n<div class=\"table__container\">\n<table class=\"table__wrapper table__wrapper--inbodyContent table__wrapper--sticky table__wrapper--divider\">\n<thead class=\"table__head\">\n<tr class=\"table__head__row\">\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Pos<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Rider (Country) Team<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Time<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"table__body\">\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>1<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Tadej Poga\u010dar (Slo) UAE Team Emirates-XRG<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>6:20:07<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>2<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Mathieu van der Poel (Ned) Alpecin-Premier Tech<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:00:34<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>3<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Remco Evenepoel (Bel) Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:01:11<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>4<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Wout van Aert (Bel) Visma-Lease a Bike<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:02:04<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>5<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Mads Pedersen (Den) Lidl-Trek<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:02:48<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>6<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Jasper Stuyven (Bel) Soudal-Quickstep<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:04:28<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>7<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Florian Vermeersch (Bel) UAE Team Emirates-XRG<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Row 6 &#8211; Cell 2 <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>8<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Matej Mohori\u010d (Slo) Bahrain Victorious<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:04:30<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>9<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Christophe Laporte (Fra) Visma-Lease a Bike<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:05:22<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>10<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Gianni Vermeersch (Bel) Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Row 9 &#8211; Cell 2 <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"live-feed-multipage\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-live-feed-multipage widget-contentparsed-live-feed-multipage news-article widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-default multipage widget-content-parsed-live-feed \">\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\" article-body \">\n<div class=\"button wcp-live-feed-reload\">Refresh <i class=\"fa fa-refresh\"><\/i><\/div>\n<div id=\"ad-unit-1\" class=\"ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:LiveReportUpdater\">\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T17:23:29+00:00\">2026-04-05T17:23:29.874Z<\/time><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-04723174-dded-4b7c-a156-9f4eb8071b31\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m7StpYWVmKfbVjg7cCWXF5.jpg\" alt=\"wide view of three riders on the podium all spraying champagne\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The top three get their moment <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T16:15:22+00:00\">2026-04-05T16:15:22.360Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5e8b4b4d-0a74-4bc6-b1df-0db89ceae30b\">Wout van Aert reaction after the Tour of Flanders &#8211; he wasn&#8217;t overly happy, but not absolutely dissatisfied either.<\/p>\n<p><strong>&#8216;We could only have come back if they had started looking at each other&#8217; &#8211; Wout van Aert settles for fourth in Tour of Flanders<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-eae83e09-5261-4f67-b143-7e49747d5d3c\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nKoWJ9miybUSyax2pvhFJX.jpg\" alt=\"2026 Tour of Flanders: Wout van Aert finishes fourth\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T15:23:17+00:00\">2026-04-05T15:23:17.430Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-91b8f48a-e102-42cf-aaed-cf1f8e22352a\">Into the final 20km of the women&#8217;s race now with a group of about 15 riders head to the final Oude Kwaremonnt\/Paterberg doubleheader. Follow along with out other live page!<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&gt;&gt;&gt; <strong>Tour of Flanders Women LIVE &#8211; The day&#8217;s break is caught and a group of favourites lead into the final 40km<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-279185fb-6923-48c5-892f-a7d7ae838448\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9a9DipyZ9m5xeZFRdyiDz4.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: Celia Gery of France and Team FDJ United - SUEZ leads the breakaway during the 23rd Tour of Flanders 2026 - Ronde van Vlaandere - Women&amp;#039;s Elite a 164.1km one day race from Oudenaarde to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium. (Photo by Luc Claessen\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T15:20:05+00:00\">2026-04-05T15:20:05.766Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7d973045-875c-4582-813d-27d0795d774f\">Tadej Poga\u010dar has raced three times this year and the consistency is startling.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Strade Bianche &#8211; 1st<br \/>Milan-San Remo &#8211; 1st<br \/>Tour of Flanders &#8211; 1st<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<p id=\"elk-7d973045-875c-4582-813d-27d0795d774f-2\">Up next&#8230; Paris-Roubaix and a date with destiny? Is the Monument Grand Slam very much on for the 2026 season?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T15:14:59+00:00\">2026-04-05T15:14:59.214Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-31f6ab88-d2b9-467d-8810-19847742b470\">Relive the final moments of Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s record equalling ride.<\/p>\n<div class=\"instagram-embed\" id=\"elk-DWwRB5hjBbc\">\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version=\"6\">\n<p>A post shared by Ronde van Vlaanderen (@rondevanvlaanderen)<\/p>\n<p>A photo posted by on <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T15:06:29+00:00\">2026-04-05T15:06:29.022Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b3420b76-9b93-4cca-b8dc-31f54e69b718\">Jasper Stuyven (Soudal-QuickStep) led in the rest with Florian Vermeersch (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) just behind his fellow Belgian. A few seconds after them was Matej Mohori\u010d (Bahrain Victorious) then about a minute to Christophe Laporte (Visma-Lease a Bike) and Gianni Vermeersch (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) closing out the top 10.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-451f11f1-f5b9-40db-a994-53da07a5617f\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NiD4LcrFaiFaiufftiSo9c.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: Jasper Stuyven of Belgium and Team Soudal Quick-Step crosses the finish line during the 110th Tour of Flanders - Ronde van Vlaanderen 2026 - Men&amp;amp;amp;apos;s Elite a 278.6km one day race from Antwerp to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:59:41+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:59:41.074Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ce9915b3-0e03-4f84-b454-4dbadc92d518\">A few days ago, Evenepoel&#8217;s former boss, Patrick Lefevere, said that he should focus on one-day races rather than stage races. He finished a solid fifth at the Volta a Catalunya this year but he has looked brilliant today and is often on top form for one-day races.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:43:03+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:43:03.971Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f69a415f-5e39-44e6-837f-6faa00f8fbe2\">Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) takes a very impressive fifth on the day after a horrible start of the year. The top 5 are the Famous Five we all hyped up beforehand.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-3d3a8ddd-9817-4932-8e6a-d2cd0eeaafa4\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uXNBUUH4nLLJmhp4rCZUug.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: Mads Pedersen of Denmark and Team Lidl - Trek crosses the finish line during the 110th Tour of Flanders - Ronde van Vlaanderen 2026 - Men&amp;amp;amp;apos;s Elite a 278.6km one day race from Antwerp to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:42:04+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:42:04.010Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-003fcf63-17e6-4fcd-91b2-be07da5773e7\">Wout Van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike) gets a huge cheer as he crosses the line in fourth place.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-d2351ebf-d555-41db-8862-9fdea369c888\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f67uR37K6P6BYdvfxRY4rW.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: Wout van Aert of Belgium and Team Visma | Lease a Bike crosses the finish line during the 110th Tour of Flanders - Ronde van Vlaanderen 2026 - Men&amp;amp;amp;apos;s Elite a 278.6km one day race from Antwerp to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:41:28+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:41:28.994Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c574ccd5-45ea-4894-8597-7b8c2eee4476\">Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) finishes a magnificent third on his Tour of Flanders debut.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-774ddf1c-bef4-4be5-a100-9955026bb228\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4vPCHYsFasjTonpeAPHAgS.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: Remco Evenepoel of Belgium and Team Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe crosses the finish line on third place during the 110th Tour of Flanders - Ronde van Vlaanderen 2026 - Men&amp;amp;amp;apos;s Elite a 278.6km one day race from Antwerp to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:40:59+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:40:59.352Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-223f85a7-1210-4000-8994-15ba17e97471\">Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel embrace after the finish.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:40:33+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:40:33.583Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-09b0d495-f0e2-46c8-84b1-84dca2e5f948\">Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech) takes second place.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:40:00+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:40:00.159Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-11f7c114-3fb4-4a34-bc8a-b0cd9f69c416\">Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) wins the Tour of Flanders and his 12th Monument.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-59b3d2c6-91c6-47ec-a861-4632196dc05e\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3XGwPPwmVshszv733ZKf7f.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates - XRG celebrates at finish line as race winner during the 110th Tour of Flanders - Ronde van Vlaanderen 2026 - Men&amp;amp;amp;apos;s Elite a 278.6km one day race from Antwerp to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:39:30+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:39:30.678Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0d147a4c-a214-4b67-9f41-2cb0db1e6394\">Poga\u010dar sits up with 500 metres to go. He joins the greats on three wins.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:39:01+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:39:01.797Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-flamme-rouge\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-flamme-rouge\"><span>Flamme Rouge<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-98e7e685-13eb-413a-9b5f-19d7bb589de1\">Poga\u010dar leads under the red kite and waves to the TV moto as it is deviated off. Van der Poel will take second and Evenepoel will take third.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:37:26+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:37:26.562Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-565cd7a2-7576-4cc4-9ef7-64434bea9b81\">2km to go now for Poga\u010dar.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:35:33+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:35:33.702Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ec49443d-d58a-4a87-a07a-5bdd538622af\">4km to go now for the great Slovenian.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:34:39+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:34:39.797Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-5km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-5km-to-go\"><span>5km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-f5ed3121-a027-4bb1-928d-c524ecdda651\">Tadej Poga\u010dar leads.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Mathieu van der Poel is second by 40&#8243;.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<p id=\"elk-f5ed3121-a027-4bb1-928d-c524ecdda651-2\">Remco Evenepoel is third at 1&#8217;20&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>Wout Van Aert just off the podium in fourth at 2&#8217;05&#8221;.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:32:43+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:32:43.562Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-490371f8-2eaf-41ea-9e05-8f97e34d1130\">I am happy to say that I was wrong about Evenepoel&#8217;s chances in this race. I was expecting him to lose touch far earlier than he did. He is likely going to take third today on debut.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:31:42+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:31:42.952Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f2fc7064-6485-4444-8fa5-74972c048a19\">Now the gap opens a bit again. There was a brief glimpse of hope but now Van der Poel is 26&#8243; down on Poga\u010dar. Evenepole is 1&#8217;09&#8221; down and Van Aert is 1&#8217;49&#8221; down.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:29:36+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:29:36.605Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8ee62559-4db2-4ae8-92f4-17aadd95caa1\">Now Van der Poel joins the long straight road that Poga\u010dar is on and immediately the gap is closing. Just 15&#8243; now!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:28:07+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:28:07.626Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-10km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-10km-to-go\"><span>10km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-6047b4f3-e257-4d1f-b9a5-f2f86d768577\">Tadej Poga\u010dar leads Mathieu van der Poel by 22&#8243; with Remco Evenepoel a 1&#8217;05&#8221;.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:27:00+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:27:00.600Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a5240540-34af-4a62-83c5-2eda3d032406\">Poga\u010dar now has 20&#8243; on Van der Poel with 11km to go.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:26:15+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:26:15.935Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e28b5000-0264-485c-a77b-b3667c4bec5e\">Evenepoel now crests the Paterberg and looks in pain. He has a gap on Van Aert and Pedersen who are about 50 metres apart.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:25:30+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:25:30.646Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-609e940d-114e-420c-bfaa-fc453146dc19\">Van der Poel also now looks extremely uncomfortable.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:24:49+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:24:49.908Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5f871bba-9cd7-41a7-a460-3e0ec757227f\">Poga\u010dar now all over his bike yet again. Van der Poel out of the saddle and looks powerful as Poga\u010dar opens his mouth wide and looks so uncomfortable.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:23:52+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:23:52.450Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d988b0a0-fc05-4dd6-a5c4-049da1c6f644\">Onto the Paterberg goes Poga\u010dar. He has 13&#8243; on Van der Poel but the world champion has recomposed himself and is flying up the climb.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-51c3f218-8236-4bbe-a7ee-becb4b168945\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XpzntFpHdZgtuzKJZmzJ2g.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates - XRG competes in the breakaway passing through the Paterberg cobblestones sector during the 110th Tour of Flanders - Ronde van Vlaanderen 2026 - Men&amp;amp;amp;apos;s Elite a 278.6km one day race from Antwerp to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:22:05+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:22:05.815Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ff4f942d-584c-47ca-a757-5865b2d0a691\">The world champion dives left to descent to the Paterberg. The gap is opening up again and it has doubled with 12&#8243; splitting Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:21:17+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:21:17.774Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-16ab7f78-25f0-4885-a157-8ef26591be52\">Evenepoel is 49&#8243; down on Poga\u010dar. Van Aert has dropped Pedersen.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:20:26+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:20:26.476Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1b46fa6e-47ac-4468-b3f8-383b4e7d0511\">Poga\u010dar is grimacing like we have never seen before. 6&#8243; between them over the top of the Oude Kwaremont.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-0e5c38e5-192c-4d31-be78-1638c6f71e20\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rx9U2zNcBTj9N7UsNdnWXR.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05 : during the 110th edition of Ronde van Vlaanderen an UCI World Tour 1.UWT one day cycling road race for Men Elite of 271 km with start in Antwerpen and finish in Oudenaarde on April 5, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium, 05\/04\/2026 ( Motordriver Guy De Vuyst - Photo by Nico Vereecken \/ Photonews\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:19:53+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:19:53.659Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9f168568-f252-4e0e-8b5b-47d44f243626\">Poga\u010dar&#8217;s shoulders are rocking and Van der Poel is starting to look a lot more solid.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:19:23+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:19:23.002Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9e009834-4f26-4eea-b5bc-c2417f94e3f9\">van der Poel gets back onto the cobbles again and isn&#8217;t done. About 50 metres between them. Poga\u010dar is not as all conquering just yet.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:18:31+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:18:31.745Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-80f4e753-bf66-4888-a077-18edad88fb71\">Poga\u010dar goes clear and opens the gap. Van der Poel is not done, though. He is giving his all and Poga\u010dar is hurting here. He isn&#8217;t being quite as definitive as usual.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:17:21+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:17:21.215Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cc3eea3e-5dcc-4075-8600-e279f015b5e7\">Poga\u010dar ups the pace and onto the cobbles and the gap yawns open! Van der Poel has no answer!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:16:25+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:16:25.949Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-final-ascent-of-oude-kwaremont\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-final-ascent-of-oude-kwaremont\"><span>Final ascent of Oude Kwaremont <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-a280a62f-7384-44e7-b64b-27da9aa4b3cb\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Onto the Oude Kwaremont for the very last time today. Evenepoel appears to have locked steady at 20&#8243;. It must be horrible for him. Similar for Pedersen and Van Aert wgo are about 40&#8243; back on Evenepoel.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:15:13+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:15:13.531Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5d4d4af8-1341-4af6-b8aa-b48e71fdbc03\">Evenepoel can hold his head high after today&#8217;s performance. He will likely take third today but he has been absolutely exceptional today.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:14:31+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:14:31.306Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-20km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-20km-to-go\"><span>20km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-46cdf048-f678-4ee1-929f-441c115bb0d7\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The gap to Evenepoel is said to be 20&#8243; with 1&#8217;02&#8221; back to Pedersen and Van Aert.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:13:48+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:13:48.848Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ab1658f2-5d04-4b28-93d2-b3bac944e8a6\">15 confirmed abandons today.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:12:29+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:12:29.183Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-eecf7777-0082-4061-b156-a8e486542482\">Just 4km to go to the final ascent of Oude Kwaremont. Evenepoel has come back a bit again. He&#8217;s now just 19&#8243; with 1&#8217;09&#8221; back to Pedersen and Van Aert.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:11:22+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:11:22.188Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2c1d8db3-84ba-4fdd-be10-735954528e70\">These two have a chance of making history. Van der Poel has a chance to take the record winning record whereas Poga\u010dar has a chance to equal Van der Poel and the rest.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-2687e173-e90d-4bbd-ad57-e5e1986e445c\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dP8SfZTY3xamZLEodEZ2u4.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05 : during the 110th edition of Ronde van Vlaanderen an UCI World Tour 1.UWT one day cycling road race for Men Elite of 271 km with start in Antwerpen and finish in Oudenaarde on April 5, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium, 05\/04\/2026 ( Motordriver Guy De Vuyst - Photo by Nico Vereecken \/ Photonews\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:07:27+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:07:27.422Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9334894f-0a83-4726-9028-9dd6264d4ad9\">The gloves are off! Tadej Poga\u010dar literally has just taken his gloves off!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:04:33+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:04:33.136Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a91c35e4-a95e-4087-8d84-3253aa35a9f9\">Evenepoel is done. He is now slowly being closed in on by Van Aert and Pedersen.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:03:16+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:03:16.239Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e7165f38-4e2f-4dde-95a3-72968dd1a409\">Poga\u010dar pushing on the pedals again. Van der Poel is equal to it for now.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:02:47+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:02:47.829Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e3eb5aef-59db-4c73-b55e-54d34b64a01a\">Poga\u010dar leads onto the Oude Kruisberg followed by the Hotond. 2.7km at an average of 4.1% with a max kick of 9.4% and on jagged cobbles.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:00:49+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:00:49.937Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-30km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-30km-to-go\"><span>30km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-8aad6291-c946-4639-a886-74b040be2b17\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Evenepoel now is starting to fade as he takes on a gel. He is 18&#8243; down. Van Aert and Pedersen are 1&#8217;04&#8221; down.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:57:25+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:57:25.532Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-761e1206-c82f-4f23-8e3c-31abb0865c49\">The Oude Kruisberg to come in 4km. They have 14&#8243; on Evenepoel. It had gone to 17&#8243; but he is riding well still. Pedersen and Van Aert are 52&#8243; back. Group 4 now at 2&#8217;25&#8221;.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:55:31+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:55:31.864Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bf04cdc4-fbe7-4a8e-b618-2438e45ba457\">But that group is splitting up.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:55:18+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:55:18.928Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3d165477-ecff-465d-8f2d-28379b669148\">The first main group on the road is F. Vermeersch, Stuyven, Mohoric, Sheffield, T. van Dijke, Laporte and Dewulf at 2&#8217;17&#8221;.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:52:50+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:52:50.548Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cf5ecb0c-e843-43da-bdca-0fa62330be60\">Poga\u010dar keeps looking back to see where Evenepoel is. The world champion seems nervous about the Olympic champion as he is clearly strong on the flat roads.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:51:09+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:51:09.074Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-caeab9d7-0338-4e64-87bc-8b554f4a1a0c\">Van der Poel takes over the pacing on the Taaienberg with Poga\u010dar in his wheel. Evenepoel isn&#8217;t done yet.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:50:16+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:50:16.839Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d6cc5b21-f321-4f2a-99df-97593d91b470\">Tadej Poga\u010dar and Mathieu van der Poel have 10&#8243; on Evenepoel, 58&#8243; on Van Aert and Pedersen then over 2 minutes back as they go onto the Taaienberg.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a73bf09e-da12-4b34-a495-d2deaf824301\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sqLMdFASXznvZ5KnYhwSa9.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: (L-R) Mathieu van der Poel of Netherlands and Team Alpecin-Premier Tech and Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates - XRG compete in the breakaway during the 110th Tour of Flanders - Ronde van Vlaanderen 2026 - Men&amp;amp;amp;apos;s Elite a 278.6km one day race from Antwerp to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:47:51+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:47:51.437Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-40km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-40km-to-go\"><span>40km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-bbeabd93-9761-4000-9686-a29470a8ebab\">Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar are 6&#8243; ahead of Evenepoel and 57&#8243; ahead of Van Aert and Pedersen.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:46:20+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:46:20.681Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-50f4b282-c7c1-4dd5-9bf4-f5c376c46bfb\">Mariaborrestraat now and Poga\u010dar is pushing on again with Evenepoel chugging a bit again.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:45:05+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:45:05.073Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9979c114-58b8-460a-8559-ce8e258e9131\">Wow, Evenepoel is right back onto the Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel at just 4&#8243;! What a ride by him.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:41:13+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:41:13.536Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ad50388b-01d2-4fcf-bb76-906ef98647be\">51&#8243; back to Van Aert and Pedersen with the former gapping the Dane.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:40:28+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:40:28.576Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9d5f80d0-7025-4815-8b28-759c7926b0d7\">Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel go over the top together and have extended their advantage to 20&#8243; over Evenepoel.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:38:56+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:38:56.157Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5f4575f6-aceb-4238-a687-c48108e0d97e\">600 metres at an average of 11.6% and a max of 22%.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:38:15+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:38:15.324Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6a8c70e5-2dc4-4589-bd23-9397f344a036\">They head to the hellish Koppenberg.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:37:58+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:37:58.028Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-60709860-c862-4e2f-862b-71a0117f22f9\">Evenepoel looks so so strong and is closing in on Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel but he isn&#8217;t quite there on the cobbles. But this is an astonishing performance by the Olympic champion.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:33:52+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:33:52.789Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-50km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-50km-to-go\"><span>50km to go <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-f444e95d-8448-47f7-81d7-68724671134f\">Evenepoel is 9&#8243; down on Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel with Van Aert and Pedersen together at 33&#8243;. They join forces behind.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:31:50+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:31:50.673Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ee3db9af-b0a1-4ef0-ba0d-cc4a15aee998\">Now Evenepoel is struggling. He goes out the back and Van der Poel can follow him for now but I don&#8217;t think he&#8217;ll last too much longer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:31:13+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:31:13.336Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-first-ascent-of-paterberg\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-first-ascent-of-paterberg\"><span>First ascent of Paterberg<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-4ceac247-3413-4121-ba21-ca88e52208ad\">Poga\u010dar takes the lead with Evenepoel next to him and challenging him. Van der Poel looks to be chugging a bit on this climb.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:30:05+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:30:05.661Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8726922d-5bef-42ff-8aec-2e56157b2119\">Evenepoel now leading down the descent with Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel following. Van Aert now 13&#8243; back with Pedersen at 21&#8243;.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:28:48+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:28:48.251Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a7660815-bb91-40fb-9c11-239c26e39e3b\">They now head to the first ascent of the Paterberg.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:28:29+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:28:29.602Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a3940295-eb32-4f65-a7d3-bc27b19eeecd\">Poga\u010dar is pushing hard with Van der Poel and Evenepoel riding well with him. Van Aert is riding hard but I think he has used all his matches already by following Poga\u010dar&#8217;s first move.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:27:43+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:27:43.640Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-18d5f751-0d5a-433c-9950-237c79ceabc9\">Van Aert starting to lose touch as Evenepoel gets back on. He is distanced just over the top. He is 4&#8243; back over the top with Pedersen 12&#8243; back.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:26:54+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:26:54.727Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-49e88ce8-1bb4-4376-87fd-c83878becf43\">It looks like it is just between these four riders as Pedersen is fading. The rest of the group aren&#8217;t even in the shot anymore.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:26:26+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:26:26.432Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6798c917-fca7-4262-a7bc-09e17be1bbf6\">Evenepoel all over the bike on the cobbles whereas Poga\u010dar, Van Aert and Van der Poel are smooth as silk.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:25:57+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:25:57.894Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5093ef70-24e2-44ff-abe7-31000cac56fc\">Evenepoel measuring his effort here and he looks calm. Pedersen going backwards.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:25:32+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:25:32.389Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1bb758ac-3146-47a1-94a0-b088084aaf3a\">Poga\u010dar leads with Van Aert. Pedersen, Evenepoel and Van der Poel just off the back for the moment. Van der Poel sees this and comes round. As does Evenepoel.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-58e89736-abae-42be-b8f7-979848663d09\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E5o84x7h25gDjCwtptDrXD.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates - XRG, Wout van Aert of Belgium and Team Visma | Lease a Bike and Mathieu van der Poel of Netherlands and Team Alpecin-Premier Tech lead the breakaway passing through the Oude Kwaremont cobblestones sector while fans cheer during the 110th Tour of Flanders - Ronde van Vlaanderen 2026 - Men&amp;amp;amp;apos;s Elite a 278.6km one day race from Antwerp to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:24:43+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:24:43.515Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-attack\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-attack\"><span>Attack<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-007d795a-7594-4852-ac4b-0d5494431ac4\">Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The world champion goes before the cobbles with Van Aert on his wheel and Van der Poel caught put but is flying up the climb.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:22:59+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:22:59.824Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d548bcee-f42f-4f8e-919a-c2ed31a75187\">Poga\u010dar tried to move up but Red Bull blocked him and take control. Gradek and Swift lead into the tight road that leads up to the climb, though.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:22:12+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:22:12.335Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1146cb6b-cffb-4641-9bac-b3e04347f191\">Gradek comes to the front one last time with Mohoric on his wheel. Giving himself some slipping space.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:21:26+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:21:26.878Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2327e30e-1324-4f2f-9409-23e59ad1caef\">Multiple riders swamp the Red Bull guys with Swift leading them through the corner that sends them towards the famous climb.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:20:00+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:20:00.619Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-60km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-60km-to-go\"><span>60km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-abaf0c70-948c-4157-91d1-c587deeaaba1\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Van Dijke leads a Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe trio with Evenepoel in second wheel as they descent down towards the Oude Kwaremont.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:18:48+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:18:48.929Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-760886b9-d0ff-4477-8c95-912dfb4d882d\">Dweulf taking the chance to chat to the car and get some food and drink before they start the Oude Kwaremont again. Florian Vermeersch looking a bit panicked as he really wants the team car to come up to him.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:17:17+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:17:17.710Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-df070aaa-47ca-47e8-82c3-4da411de231d\">First time seeing Pedersen at the front of the lead group here with 6km to the second time up the Oude Kwaremont followed by the second ascent of the Paterberg.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:15:22+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:15:22.827Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6cb96ecb-9f5d-48c4-b0e2-7ac7c0e09336\">It is all together again in this group over the top of the Hotond as the gap to the peloton has come down to 1&#8217;39&#8221;.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:14:08+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:14:08.736Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-attack\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-attack\"><span>Attack<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-e8834cd3-fbc1-4ae2-8e3f-ce7b48f394c7\">Laporte <br \/>Zamperini<br \/>Poga\u010dar<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Vermeersch closes it down but Laporte is persisting and is dragging the leading trio back on the Hotond.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:13:25+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:13:25.712Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-909ec01a-28a4-465f-965d-9e450321802c\">The other Vermeersch sets in to chase the trio down.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:12:59+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:12:59.175Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4181dc63-a737-4334-b174-7ddadebe626b\">Poga\u010dar lets the wheel go and his teammate, Vermeersch, goes clear with Swift and Pluimers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:08:12+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:08:12.319Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6098e765-0942-4e28-94e8-20fd9b951ade\">The next climbs coming up are the Nieuwe Kruisberg and the first time up the Hotond.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:06:44+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:06:44.879Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-70km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-70km-to-go\"><span>70km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-8fe9c532-984c-4fe4-84ea-6586ab276269\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The gap back to the peloton is now almost 2 minutes back on the leaders.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:05:32+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:05:32.962Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c4d83c92-5365-4751-9cd9-c604f16502e5\">The two two riders doing the most work are Florian and Gianni Vermeersch. No relation between them but the same last name and job for today.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:03:28+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:03:28.967Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-dd09f79d-9fb2-4c8c-b061-16020b631361\">Roads are drying out nicely in the sunshine but the rain clouds are still threatening.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:02:45+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:02:45.238Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8b3477cf-631b-4d8e-ac31-ccc752841695\">Swift, Fagundez, Gradek, Van Boven, Zamperini and Van den Berg are the only remaining riders from the break in the lead group after the Berg ten Houte.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:00:40+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:00:40.066Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-207feeb5-ada0-4577-b43e-f890dcecbf14\">Almost all the breakaway riders go out the back. Vercouillie is one of them. The Flanders-Baloise rider honours his father&#8217;s wish to see him in the breakaway at the Tour of Flanders. The Belgian breakaway specialist&#8217;s dad has been diagnosed with bowel cancer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:59:36+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:59:36.328Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-aae22ad2-b17f-4221-82e8-fe34306d2c14\">Evenepoel sees that he and Poga\u010dar have a gap so he kicks on but Sheffield drags it back.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:59:11+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:59:11.127Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5594edbc-dd89-4bce-a702-ab38e5cdcfcf\">Poga\u010dar leading onto it with Evenepoel on his wheel. Frison and Dillier immediately dropped.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:58:37+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:58:37.710Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8ed5164f-5aec-4a1a-84b5-550a1ada713e\">Florian Vermeersch now comes to the front and replaces Dillier who has done the first part of his job. He is now just looking after Van der Poel as they start the Berg ten Houte 1.1km with an average of 6% and max of 21%.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:57:31+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:57:31.147Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-139d32fc-3e4c-4ae3-8eb5-f72b3061f719\">Dillier now starts his job that he would&#8217;ve normally done several kilometres earlier had things been usual. But the former Swiss champion and second place finisher at Paris-Roubaix found himself in the break.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:56:37+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:56:37.587Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ce4d9ab5-986d-4c58-b599-a6a19765d178\"><strong>Leaders:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAD)<br \/>Florian Vermeersch (UAD)<br \/>Mathieu van der Poel (APT)<br \/>Matej Mohoric (TBV)<br \/>Stan Dewulf (DCT)<br \/>Magnus Sheffield (IGD)<br \/>Sam Watson (IGD)<br \/>Mads Pedersen (LTK)<br \/>Remco Evenepoel (RBH)<br \/>Tim van Dijke (RBH)<br \/>Gianni Vermeersch (RBH)<br \/>Jasper Stuyven (SOQ)<br \/>Wout Van Aert (TVL)<br \/>Christophe Laporte (TVL)<br \/>Matteo Trentin (TUD)<br \/>Rick Pluimers (TUD)<br \/>Silvan Dillier (APT)<br \/>Frederik Frison (PQT)<br \/>Connor Swift (IGD)<br \/>Luke Lamperti (EFE)<br \/>Luca Van Boven (LOI)<br \/>Kamil Gradek (TBV)<br \/>Dries De Pooter (JAY)<br \/>Julius van den Berg (TPP)<br \/>Edoardo Zamperini (COF)<br \/>Hartthijs de Vries (URR)<br \/>Victor Vercouillie (TFB)<br \/>Eric Fagundez (BBH)<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:55:10+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:55:10.145Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-51a8f10c-e2a7-43fe-873f-bbf194a6a8a1\">Breakaway caught by the chasing group of favourites with the peloton now over a minute down. 28 riders now out front with 78km to go.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:52:14+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:52:14.843Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-80km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-80km-to-go\"><span>80km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-fe634922-a219-42b2-9f6f-41f002f88643\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Four and a half hours of racing down with the average speed up at 43kph. The favourites group is just 18&#8243; off the breakaway now. Swift and Dillier will be key for Watson, Sheffield and Van der Poel.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:50:44+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:50:44.016Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-crash\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-crash\"><span>Crash<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-dd9172ca-559d-4e0b-845f-5ec369d2b10d\">Iv\u00e1n Garc\u00eda Cortina (MOV)<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The Spanish rider is back on his bike again.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:49:35+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:49:35.814Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2577f4da-7a28-4daf-abc1-7bb08899a4ce\">Lots of abandons:<\/p>\n<p>S\u00f8ren W\u00e6renskjold (UXM)<br \/>Clement Alleno (BBH)<br \/>Jenthe Biermans (COF)<br \/>Dillon Corkery (TPP)<br \/>Sam Welsford (IGD)<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:47:03+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:47:03.113Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-52db19cb-a881-4e43-9004-1f645e2c0041\">The sun comes bursting out again but the roads remain soaked.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:44:26+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:44:26.629Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fc90f07e-04fe-42d3-b868-d78452adf8ce\"><strong>Favourites group:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAD)<br \/>Florian Vermeersch (UAD)<br \/>Mathieu van der Poel (APT)<br \/>Matej Mohoric (TBV)<br \/>Stan Dewulf (DCT)<br \/>Magnus Sheffield (IGD)<br \/>Sam Watson (IGD)<br \/>Mads Pedersen (LTK)<br \/>Remco Evenepoel (RBH)<br \/>Tim van Dijke (RBH)<br \/>Gianni Vermeersch (RBH)<br \/>Jasper Stuyven (SOQ)<br \/>Wout Van Aert (TVL)<br \/>Christophe Laporte (TVL)<br \/>Matteo Trentin (TUD)<br \/>Rick Pluimers (TUD)<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<p id=\"elk-fc90f07e-04fe-42d3-b868-d78452adf8ce-2\">They are 52&#8243; off the breakaway and have a minute on the peloton. 86km to go.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:41:17+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:41:17.167Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-35d65a4d-84e2-4552-8d36-e864e4c305cb\">Reminder of the break:<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Silvan Dillier (Alpecin-Premier Tech)<br \/>Frederik Frison (Pinarello-Q36.5)<br \/>Connor Swift (Ineos Grenadiers)<br \/>Luke Lamperti (EF Education-EasyPost)<br \/>Luca Van Boven (Lotto-Intermarche)<br \/>Kamil Gradek (Bahrain Victorious)<br \/>Dries De Pooter (Jayco-AlUla)<br \/>Julius van den Berg (Picnic-PostNL)<br \/>Edoardo Zamperini (Cofidis)<br \/>Hartthijs de Vries (Unibet Rose Rockets)<br \/>Victor Vercouillie (Flanders-Baloise)<br \/>Eric Fagundez (Burgos-Burpellet-BH)<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:38:31+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:38:31.994Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-640aa38f-850e-4f6c-b4fe-ff2970a43cfc\">The heaven&#8217;s have opened on this very holy day. The rain is hammering down on the riders and is due to be in the area for the next hours!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:35:10+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:35:10.045Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c837746e-1c52-4601-9a59-65c280bc6682\">Fabio van den Bossche (Soudal-Quickstep) has abandoned the race.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:34:34+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:34:34.227Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-915bb4d1-9c9c-466e-a7d1-00b8695ca5b1\">This group is full of the big hitters. This is very likely to stay away and catch the break who are now under two minutes ahead of them.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-196098bb-893f-4b66-9b08-b3e1e19f7d71\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MEKtghhLR3czmDmHo78t7a.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: (L-R) Mathieu van der Poel of Netherlands and Team Alpecin-Premier Tech, Samuel Watson of Great Britain and Team INEOS Grenadiers and Florian Vermeersch of Belgium and UAE Team Emirates - XRG lead in the chase group during the 110th Tour of Flanders - Ronde van Vlaanderen 2026 - Men&amp;amp;amp;apos;s Elite a 278.6km one day race from Antwerp to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:32:10+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:32:10.168Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-attack-in-chase\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-attack-in-chase\"><span>Attack in chase<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-8e105168-eb8d-43aa-b833-facd23f4ab87\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Kasper Asgreen (EF Education-EasyPost)<br \/>Aime De Gendt (Pinarello-Q36.5)<br \/>Jonas Abrahamsen (Uno-X Mobility)<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">But they aren&#8217;t getting a gap. They have, however, taken about 10 to 15 seconds back on the favourites group.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:30:57+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:30:57.021Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e3c92a93-9d5d-48f7-bb24-04b9b85ab790\">Van Dijke leads Evenepoel over the Berendries.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:30:34+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:30:34.686Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-682e7722-2cdb-4b42-b980-16ab745472c8\">Sainbayar caught by this favourites group and immediately spat out the back. It isn&#8217;t Moscon in the group, it is Tim van Dijke. Also Rick Pluimers not Mozzato.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:29:00+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:29:00.099Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f1621d4b-5520-431e-be25-473a9f500277\">Valgren catches Vacek and Braet but they are about to be caught by the rest of the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:28:32+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:28:32.057Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7eba4b64-eaa5-41f1-890d-8b00b5235575\">Poga\u010dar is very keen to get things moving with Watson and Van der Poel also keen but the others don&#8217;t come through with anywhere near as much vigour.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:27:51+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:27:51.202Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-808408b6-2606-46a1-8912-f4f102e2d80c\">The rain begins to fall very lightly as the riders start the Berendries. 940m long asphalt climb.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:26:34+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:26:34.670Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-639c1860-c096-4d96-9f8e-e6ed61133bf0\">Stan Dewulf (Decathlon-CMA CGM) has made it across this gap as well. The peloton being led by Pinarello-Q36.5 for Aime De Gendt as Michael Valgren (EF Edcuation-EasyPost) and Dylan van Baarle (Soudal-QuickStep) both trying to bridge the gap to the group of favourites.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:25:23+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:25:23.956Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-100km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-100km-to-go\"><span>100km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-7d24d895-5fbb-4178-baa4-ef119ae1a82e\">Poga\u010dar, Van der Poel, Evenepoel and the rest all coming through and working with 100km to go!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:24:56+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:24:56.851Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-45a58909-6ffd-4b36-b6a1-2bb8b1a8ec62\">The riders are on the Marlboroughstaart and there are two riders trying to bridge, Vito Braet (Lotto-Intermarche) and Mathias Vacek (Lidl-Trek).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:23:49+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:23:49.353Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-27343b3d-b110-40cc-83c7-31b01aa33aeb\">Magnus Sheffield, Christophe Laporte, Wout Van Aert, Josh Tarling, Luca Mozzato, Matej Mohoric, Gianni Moscon, Jasper Stuyven and Mads Pedersen in the lead group alongside Evenepoel, Poga\u010dar, Van der Poel, F. Vermeersch, Watson and maybe a couple of others.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:21:02+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:21:02.397Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e1d44cb8-7c47-4e08-ab4f-e124c5269ef9\">Florian Vermeersch hits the front and is ripping it up! Sam Watson on his wheel with Tadej Poga\u010dar, Mathieu van der Poel, Remco Evenepoel, Gianni Vermeersch and Matteo Trentin with a couple of other riders trying to follow.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-4ba7b313-e535-446b-829a-0848850636b2\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nDFt99sCWLNyDtAy7nDm89.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: Florian Vermeersch of Belgium and UAE Team Emirates - XRG leads in the chase group during the 110th Tour of Flanders - Ronde van Vlaanderen 2026 - Men&amp;amp;amp;apos;s Elite a 278.6km one day race from Antwerp to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:20:06+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:20:06.044Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d783de66-6bbd-4efb-948b-74d0bf9a5e32\">Van Aert and Pedersen fighting hard to get to the front for the Molenberg and they do just as they turn left onto the climb. Politt leads onto the ascent.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:19:23+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:19:23.866Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-12251ba0-98e6-4a78-ae7e-c247fa1d67b5\">Van Aert is way too far back. He is being guided to the front again. Poga\u010dar has Politt and Vermeersch just ahead of him as they put it in the gutter and splits are opening! Van Aert might miss this!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:18:05+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:18:05.895Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5e9db617-c580-443e-9095-98372cb5dd31\">Sainbayar dropped from the breakaway. The first Mongolian ever to ride to the Ronde.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:17:30+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:17:30.781Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-65abc7ef-cbe4-46a6-bbb9-47b54b6afc7c\">Onto the Molenberg in the breakaway. Back in the peloton, Politt leads the way as the pace is rapid. 463m 7% average gradient with 14.2% max.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:16:39+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:16:39.521Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-crash\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-crash\"><span>Crash<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-99f08c75-1205-426f-8f77-a3b6c90aacf1\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Arthur Kluckers (Tudor)<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The Luxembourg champion got a front wheel puncture, couldn&#8217;t turn and then got clipped. He finished in the ditch.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:14:27+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:14:27.728Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-612489ce-2a1f-4445-aef6-a1d272ef027a\">Tretnik leading the peloton for Evenepoel with Kopeck\u00fd dragged back yet again with 107km to go. Onto the net section of flat cobbles, the 800m Jegerij.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:13:37+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:13:37.489Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-70aef5f3-3b6f-45ac-9462-a7d5d60012b8\">Swift getting a shoe change as the old one is wrecked by the crash.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:13:12+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:13:12.350Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c57f6d39-4270-4aba-b0f6-935afed0c6f6\">Kopeck\u00fd making good progress but only has 13&#8243; on the peloton. 3&#8217;30&#8221; up to the break.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-304c8b29-9aab-4e2b-a65b-4119f6604830\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VnhyoofjfDvgtSYPD3vd8D.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: Hartthijs de Vries of Netherlands and Team Unibet Rose Rockets competes in the breakaway during the 110th Tour of Flanders - Ronde van Vlaanderen 2026 - Men&amp;amp;amp;apos;s Elite a 278.6km one day race from Antwerp to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:12:35+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:12:35.094Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7abf4ad6-50d4-42ad-850f-717ae3f5f589\">Abrahamsen gets a bike change.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:11:39+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:11:39.349Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-74ebfe70-8028-4efd-8613-8c2e70872b89\">Mechanical for Jonas Abrahamsen (Uno-X Mobility). Bit of a stressy moment for one of the outside favourites.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:10:39+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:10:39.196Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-attack\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-attack\"><span>Attack<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-dcf437d7-1cf7-4f1e-ac50-336707883571\">Tom\u00e1\u0161 Kopeck\u00fd (Unibet Rose Rockets)<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The second time the Czech rider has been on the move today. This time going clear on the Kargate cobbles.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:09:54+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:09:54.408Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a6bb0e6e-dc66-4494-9896-aaa7d32333f4\">The other race today is the women&#8217;s Tour of Flanders which is kicking off to a flying start! Follow that live as well in another tab by clicking the link below. The new tab will open automatically.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&gt;&gt;&gt; <strong>Tour of Flanders Women LIVE &#8211; The race is alive with attacks but no breakaway yet<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-0bad26ff-68ad-4146-a83b-d2d001e5303b\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9gfyoKS2FJ3NsWmoTQhyz.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: (L-R) Lauretta Hanson of Australia and Team Lidl - Trek, Marta Jaskulska of Poland and Team Human Powered Health and Alberte Greve of Denmark and Team Uno-X Mobility attack during the 23rd Tour of Flanders 2026 - Ronde van Vlaandere - Women&amp;#039;s Elite a 164.1km one day race from Oudenaarde to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium. (Photo by Luc Claessen\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:08:27+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:08:27.959Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-attack\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-attack\"><span>Attack<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-5d2b83c1-e896-4444-9aea-f10e6d8fca32\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Christophe Laporte (Visma-Lease a Bike)<br \/>Paul Magnier (Soudal-QuickStep)<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The latter putting in a huge acceleration but it comes to nothing. Unibet Rose Rockets and Bahrain Victorious try to go too but it isn&#8217;t being allowed to go as Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe continue to ride as a unit and drag them back.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:07:03+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:07:03.635Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8d61d3fd-5911-45a3-b869-33056ff1e7e9\">Swift gets back into the break but missing a chunk out of his right thigh and elbow.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:06:43+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:06:43.485Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-attack\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-attack\"><span>Attack<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-3ac56a7c-f385-4a55-a5b0-07925345dbff\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Stan Dewulf (Decathlon-CMA CGM)<br \/>Magnus Sheffield (Ineos Grenadiers)<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">But this isn&#8217;t being allowed to go.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:06:02+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:06:02.794Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fdb4d54e-7f92-4ea6-bebd-861039115c2c\">Mechanical for Per Strand Hagenes (Visma-Lease a Bike).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:05:36+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:05:36.920Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-dfdc5b8c-7bb4-4bb5-9dd3-13b84120c851\">The peloton splits and Christophe Laporte (Visma-Lease a Bike) is leading it with Van der Poel and Gregoire also in this split but Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe gets it back together again.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:03:13+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:03:13.214Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6f1c88f8-1c94-462e-a8c3-0cd9be4e71f3\">Mechanical for cyclocross star, Too Aerts (Lotto-Intermarche). The 32 year old making his debut today.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:02:43+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:02:43.916Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b8a69141-bd1c-47bc-980d-51302e4f686f\">Suddenly, Van der Poel appears right on the front alongside Evenepoel. First time seeing Poga\u010dar&#8217;s teammate, Antonio Morgado, as his rocking shoulders come to the front.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:00:32+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:00:32.016Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ad9af934-368a-41b6-a748-b3aa5e509dbb\">Mechanical for Floris Van Tricht (NSN).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:00:04+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:00:04.119Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-crash\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-crash\"><span>Crash<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-040149f5-5f6d-4329-9ddf-cf006a4a4cad\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Connor Swift (Ineos Grenadiers)<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The Yorkshireman goes down as he was trying to sort his radio wire and he just went down over the curb and slid along the ground for about 10 metres. Straight back up and riding again.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:58:57+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:58:57.679Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-597342c5-0157-4368-8be9-3a3b4ffe71a8\">Bike change at the bottom of the Eikenberg for Benoit Cosnefroy (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:57:36+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:57:36.595Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7923f478-77e3-4d66-ac81-8266bc339c7c\">Gianni Vermeersch (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) had a bike change a couple of KMs ago but makes it back in at the bottom of the climb.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:56:57+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:56:57.738Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-149d70ed-21ca-473f-8dd8-5a9fa529eed6\">The peloton now come onto the Eikenberg with Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe and UAE Team Emirates-XRG leading the way. They&#8217;re joined by Soudal-QuickStep for the first time today.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:54:57+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:54:57.630Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-120km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-120km-to-go\"><span>120km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-0e25e13e-1f32-446a-9608-ae03f74df704\">Unibet Rose Rockets, Groupama-FDJ United, TotalEnergies and a lone Tadej Poga\u010dar on the front. The latter getting swamped by Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe including Evenepoel.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:53:26+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:53:26.700Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-484b4b62-d939-40e5-bec8-ef9dadb20c8e\">Matthew Brennan (Visma-Lease a Bike) is now working very hard on the front for Van Aert. Interesting that the Brit is doing so much work early on.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:52:26+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:52:26.332Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3bb0e6e3-2230-4d98-8cba-4a9c86857320\">Onto to 1.2km Eikenberg with a max kick of 10%. Known as the red door climb to pros and locals due to, funnily enough, there being a house with a big red door at the bottom.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:51:29+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:51:29.728Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a99008e9-ba38-4927-85a9-adc99a0fdb13\">Owain Doull (Visma-Lease a Bike) and Sam Welsford (Ineos Grenadiers) agreeing on the pace in the peloton but Groupama-FDJ United, Movistar, XDS Astana, Lotto-Intermarche and NSN all come up the other side to try and swamp.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:50:33+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:50:33.857Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b2b66749-2fcb-49a4-b716-7f6a62ba5b1d\">Multiple teams lead the peloton with the gap to the break still sat at 4&#8217;50&#8221; with the Eikenberg coming up soon.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:47:40+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:47:40.012Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b4ee7389-8a60-4615-90b0-896be23596f6\">Bjerg returns to the front of the peloton leading his team&#8217;s train against XDS Astana&#8217;s train that has Arjen Livyns at the back.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:45:46+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:45:46.944Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-crash\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-crash\"><span>Crash<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-2f333cb0-5774-425a-a507-1b8f0e90d20d\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Riley Sheehan (NSN)<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">He ended up in the ditch after the feed zone.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:40:21+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:40:21.155Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-45489862-e553-48fc-95ce-0d470b965575\">Pedersen is the first big name in the peloton followed by Evenepoel then Poga\u010dar with Van Aert and Van der Poel staying very calm a little further back.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:39:40+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:39:40.838Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e1aa7d1d-460d-4329-81bc-1fd8e8f9b6ec\">You wouldn&#8217;t know it was raining about an hour ago. It is a beautiful sunny spring day on the Oude Kwaremont with gigantic crowds spilling out of the beer tents that seem to double in size every year.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:38:09+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:38:09.872Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-14ddf3ea-a8eb-492c-867f-2714f8b4a52c\">Haller now takes control of the peloton for Tudor who have two extremally talented riders in Matteo Trentin and previous fourth place finisher, Luca Mozzato.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:37:26+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:37:26.733Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-crash\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-crash\"><span>Crash<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-e4b7738f-e578-4e14-b2fd-0a81d12550fe\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Clement Alleno (Burgos-Burpellet-BH)<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">A few other riders having to unclip.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:36:18+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:36:18.203Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-644a66d7-e631-43cf-9280-ff246bf992b5\">Sam Welsford (Tudor), Jan Tratnik (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe), Mattias Norsgaard (Lidl-Trek) and Sam Welsford (Ineos Grenadiers) leading the way for the peloton as they start the cobbles.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:35:26+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:35:26.309Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-04f0595d-4dc2-4651-814b-4f865bd588d7\">The Mongolian rider, Sainbayar, leads the break over the top of the 1st ascent of the Oude Kwaremont.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:33:18+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:33:18.779Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-19fb3ae0-0a64-4624-b987-bfcb57aa0315\">Zamperini is leading the breaakway on the famous old cobbles of the 6.6% average gradient climb. Famous average, even gives the alcohol volume to the beer that shares it&#8217;s name.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-52c727ba-53e8-4dda-ab08-a70ac96244ff\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/giwnzEVaCXKvpKrRxEakPJ.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: A general view of the breakaway passing through the Oude Kwaremont cobblestones sector while fans cheer during the 110th Tour of Flanders - Ronde van Vlaanderen 2026 - Men&amp;amp;amp;apos;s Elite a 278.6km one day race from Antwerp to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:32:21+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:32:21.690Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-first-passage-of-oude-kwaremont\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-first-passage-of-oude-kwaremont\"><span>First passage of Oude Kwaremont <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-e27acfb2-ef34-4a47-af25-19f9d1cd535c\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The breakaway are now on the Oude Kwaremont as the peloton the peloton are absolutely flying. Van Aert and Van der Poel are pushed back a fair bit with Ineos Grenadiers and Uno-X Mobility leading the way to the climb.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:29:50+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:29:50.781Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-140km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-140km-to-go\"><span>140km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-755087b3-e5ae-4183-9b0d-7e80f1e44d5a\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The riders are over halfway through today with the Oude Kwaremont beckoning. The gap to the peloton has grown to 5&#8217;26&#8221; between the break and the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:27:06+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:27:06.265Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4260d3ca-26f7-45a0-8209-099a9ad7c29f\">Florian Vermeerch (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) spoke out about being shocked by receiving online abuse after chasing Van Aert at the recent Dwars door Vlaanderen&#8230;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&gt;&gt;&gt; <strong>&#8216;It shook me for a while&#8217; &#8211; Florian Vermeersch opens up about online abuse he received after helping chase down Wout van Aert at Dwars door Vlaanderen<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-189c94a4-39c9-4afa-93a0-c49970ece9a5\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DAchWE2JfDMLSBfdrLFSaA.jpg\" alt=\"Belgian Florian Vermeersch of UAE Team Emirates-XRG pictured in action during the &amp;#039;E3 Saxo Bank Classic&amp;#039; one day cycling race, 208,8km from and to Harelbeke, on Friday 27 March 2026. BELGA PHOTO JASPER JACOBS (Photo by JASPER JACOBS \/ BELGA MAG \/ Belga via AFP)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:22:07+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:22:07.009Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8b98e785-6283-45ec-ab84-1e811f32ac8b\">Van Aert is back at the car yet again. He&#8217;s been back and forth all morning. About 5km from the Oude Kwaremont now and he is right at the back as several teams are spread across the road.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:19:19+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:19:19.598Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-68353183-41d0-4e1c-aa86-a9c12a0da899\">Just 8km to the base of the Oude Kwaremont.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:16:33+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:16:33.920Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-49a76656-8d6f-4165-8819-aff00f52982a\">The gap drifts back up to over five minutes again as Ineos Grenadiers, once again, come to the front behind Bjerg and Oliveira.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:15:27+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:15:27.959Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d1c50143-712b-4976-9dc0-a584d8c28fd6\">Back in 1913, Oudenaarde had a very different relationship with the race. The first edition, won by Paul Deman, was stalled a bit as Oudenaarde refused to let the race pass through the town. How times change! Now, the town hosts the finish of the men&#8217;s race as well as the start and finish of the women&#8217;s race.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:13:14+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:13:14.822Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-32b3a407-9607-4260-ab76-571fdd03b594\">The break ride through the centre of Oudenaarde, passed the square and the Tour of Flanders Museum.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:09:02+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:09:02.042Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-659ee0bf-8f2a-4990-a863-d3bfbcf5d4d0\">The rain begins to fall yet again. 15km to the first ascent of three on the Oude Kwaremont.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:07:17+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:07:17.943Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c0bbfe62-f0c0-4a92-9cf2-fd1f3514586f\">Just about 4km until the first look at Oudenaarde as the two pelotons come back together again. 4&#8217;42&#8221; up to the breakaway.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:06:02+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:06:02.592Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-15b361e9-3efb-48f2-ab62-dd9396c568d2\">The second peloton is about 10 to 15 seconds behind the front part of the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:03:31+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:03:31.354Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-58e9b7cf-906a-4cbb-be44-9aff51dfedca\">Paul Magnier (Soudal-QuickStep) caught out of the back. He&#8217;s at the car but there&#8217;s no stress in the bunch.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:02:31+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:02:31.350Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ba9cedee-50a2-448b-a11f-11da7994deb1\">Over a minute has been taken out of the breakaway since starting the Lippenhovestraat. 4&#8217;27&#8221; between the break and the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:01:37+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:01:37.993Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7b24be79-2da0-4bc8-b9c5-7c4c3ed762f6\">There&#8217;s a split in the peloton after the Padestraat. Bjerg continued a very high pace and there&#8217;s a huge group that has missed this split with Pinarello-Q36.5, Groupama-FDJ United and Movistar leading the chase.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T10:57:07+00:00\">2026-04-05T10:57:07.786Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-160km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-160km-to-go\"><span>160km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-556ef33c-404d-4114-a64e-973b8a58ff81\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Into the final 100 miles and the break has a gap of 4&#8217;34&#8221;.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T10:56:12+00:00\">2026-04-05T10:56:12.495Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ce352f5f-cb31-4e5c-87b6-91bf110cc85a\">UAE Team Emirates-XRG have complete control of the peloton on these early cobbled sections.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T10:51:08+00:00\">2026-04-05T10:51:08.558Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a01780c5-d465-4642-b16a-f221346b2895\">Van der Poel, Poga\u010dar, Evenepoel, Van Aert, Pedersen and the other big names all moved to the front of the peloton as they begin the Lippenhovestraat. Bjerg leads the peloton onto the cobbles.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T10:49:06+00:00\">2026-04-05T10:49:06.426Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c9de6bc4-3f28-4c52-9837-12abdee5c724\">The break finishes the Lippenhovestraat and head onto the Padestraat shortly afterwards.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T10:48:41+00:00\">2026-04-05T10:48:41.266Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ca7310c3-08a1-404d-9388-9d579c655ad7\">UAE Team Emirates-XRG have really powered on the pace led by Bjerg, of course.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-9a9b3f43-eaeb-444a-aab8-e85649764141\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S63WNx4cBrmnaq5UDimUo7.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: Mikkel Bjerg of Denmark and UAE Team Emirates - XRG leads the peloton during the 110th Tour of Flanders - Ronde van Vlaanderen 2026 - Men&amp;amp;amp;apos;s Elite a 278.6km one day race from Antwerp to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T10:46:52+00:00\">2026-04-05T10:46:52.111Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-first-cobbled-section\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-first-cobbled-section\"><span>First cobbled section<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-bfedd0a7-7393-40e3-ae70-9b3ca5ece111\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The breakaway leads the 2026 Tour of Flanders onto the Lippenhovestraat.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-5038f651-578b-46a4-acd7-4fb8ce9f7b5c\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/faZBdzbo7uqd3DUHmCYKGS.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: Edoardo Zamperini of Italy and Team Cofidis leads the breakaway during the 110th Tour of Flanders - Ronde van Vlaanderen 2026 - Men&amp;amp;amp;apos;s Elite a 278.6km one day race from Antwerp to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T10:42:40+00:00\">2026-04-05T10:42:40.975Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c0bdc697-850f-4dc0-9f9d-2121a18d59b8\">The Kiwi added his thoughts on the day itself:<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;It&#8217;s quite a heavy headwind, so the first 120km will be pretty hard, I&#8217;d say. Just, long. But yeah, once we get into the decisive moments, there&#8217;s a lot of cross tailwind, so it&#8217;ll be super fast, and yeah, if you&#8217;re in a back group, you probably won&#8217;t come back.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T10:40:47+00:00\">2026-04-05T10:40:47.741Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-54015410-0880-4f9d-9edb-fc0ae7990cdf\">Laurence Pithie talking to <em>James Moultrie <\/em>before the start today about the inclusion of Evenepoel in the race:<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;It changes a lot. It doesn&#8217;t change the vibe too much, we&#8217;ve had a very good vibe all Classics period, and now we&#8217;re here. He&#8217;s coming in (Evenepoel). But, we still have the same vibe.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<p id=\"elk-54015410-0880-4f9d-9edb-fc0ae7990cdf-2\">&#8220;It is different when you have someone like Remco who can really change a race. His confidence, his motivation, it&#8217;s crazy to see the champion mindset like his.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I think he is super enthusiastic to go full, and we&#8217;re also super enthusiastic to help him as much as we can. Arguably, you could say we have one of the strongest lineups just without the superstar. So, now Remco has come in, I think he&#8217;s set.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T10:34:02+00:00\">2026-04-05T10:34:02.969Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cbf4c8e3-ff47-4739-83af-1ab8e1837164\">Van Aert back at the car yet again getting rid of his wet weather gear.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T10:32:03+00:00\">2026-04-05T10:32:03.550Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c9f2e195-d180-446b-8056-5271e501b797\">The gap is stable at 5&#8217;13&#8221; for the race with the break riding so well at the front ahead of the peloton that is still led by Bjerg.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T10:30:12+00:00\">2026-04-05T10:30:12.305Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-180km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-180km-to-go\"><span>180km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-f8b1e684-a897-45b7-9fd6-bf104590ed76\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Very nearly 100km of racing done and the cobbles are close to beginning with the Lippenhovestraat coming in just over 10km.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T10:26:20+00:00\">2026-04-05T10:26:20.098Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-58533bab-4fcf-4cbd-ba2f-e7d7c0dc02ba\">Two hours done and the average speed is still up to 45kph.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T10:20:44+00:00\">2026-04-05T10:20:44.956Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-055bcdee-060a-467c-9bd0-b8b441228141\">The time gap has dropped to just over five minutes. Bjerg is doing well but Oliveira has joined him in the chase.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T10:18:04+00:00\">2026-04-05T10:18:04.981Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ca7ba8ba-e036-4995-b16e-c9a85a2651cf\">Enjoying our live race coverage? Subscribe to Cyclingnews for an all-access pass to our unrivalled reporting of WorldTour racing, bike tech and exclusive in-depth features. Plus, access to the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on-the-go! <strong>Find out more<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T10:10:45+00:00\">2026-04-05T10:10:45.101Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-39786691-0610-44fb-8357-55b20e6c6e30\">The peloton in one long line as Bjerg continues his pace setting.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T10:07:34+00:00\">2026-04-05T10:07:34.765Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1bf7850b-3f50-4349-8064-13ed326ef6bd\">Fortunately for the riders, the rain has stopped.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T10:07:07+00:00\">2026-04-05T10:07:07.766Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-200km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-200km-to-go\"><span>200km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-26318192-2992-4cff-aab4-a0d4f4a3a140\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Almost 75km of racing done. Bjerg still leads the peloton with the break holding 5&#8217;13&#8221; on the chasing pack.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:58:59+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:58:59.792Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cdcd60f0-87cf-40f0-be01-1e9b309a3e60\">Lots of riders stopping to get wet weather gear.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:57:40+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:57:40.763Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7c736103-ebac-49d0-8f7b-9bf3e4a43e3d\">Van Aert back at the car to get a rain jacket on.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:55:52+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:55:52.074Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d1bb0bee-3edd-458a-80e8-e6c9e142b26e\">It is raining! The roads are wet and this will add another layer of difficulty.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:52:57+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:52:57.982Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-01d530a7-7dc7-424a-b49a-3597b4ecca34\">UAE come to the front en masse now and are pushing much harder as the break has 5&#8217;08&#8221; on the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:52:16+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:52:16.377Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-743bd699-ec45-4df1-b643-a87c13e94ae7\">The peloton has now lost a minute and a half on the break with over five minutes splitting them.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:51:40+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:51:40.089Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b10f85e1-bca4-4dd5-91a9-0f088210b123\">Evenepoel is in the group with Poga\u010dar. But the peloton are coming back led by Alpecin-Premier Tech and Visma-Lease a Bike.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:50:50+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:50:50.761Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-race-neutralised\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-race-neutralised\"><span>Race neutralised <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-d69cf7da-4b46-4289-9764-ae2dad18207a\">The front part of the peloton has been neutralised after the level crossing closed. The UAE riders are not happy but Poga\u010dar seems absolutely fine with it. As all of their riders have made it through. Van der Poel has been caught in the split.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:47:45+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:47:45.108Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e3851021-79a2-4128-bd88-ebe3cf318fb2\">The peloton has been split into two due to a level crossing closing!<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&gt;&gt;&gt; <strong>2026 Tour of Flanders Men briefly neutralised after over half peloton stopped at level crossing<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-c43e597e-4283-43d4-a998-9c7e083fb6b5\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2uTc6MWEffMuGkfaTgFCFE.jpg\" alt=\"2026 Tour of Flanders: riders blocked at a level crossing\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:47:02+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:47:02.454Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3d661204-8750-4e5b-b6c9-c8959fcc2892\">Jasper Stuyven (Soudal-QuickStep) is hoping to take his rivals off guard and take a surprise win, just like he did a few years ago at Milan-San Remo.<\/p>\n<p>&gt;&gt;&gt; <strong>&#8216;I\u2019m not going to wait for an attack&#8217; \u2013 Jasper Stuyven hopes to put Soudal-QuickStep\u2019s classics campaign back on course at the Tour of Flanders<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-0eda6222-6c08-4024-81a3-fd67f4f8395a\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fp4qtqtFM9svCURqdLYDUj.jpg\" alt=\"Belgian Jasper Stuyven of Soudal Quick-Step is pictured during a press conference of the Soudal - Quick-Step cycling team ahead of the Ronde van Vlaanderen \/ Tour des Flandres \/ Tour of Flanders cycling race, Friday 03 April 2026 in Antwerp. The 110th edition of the cycling race will take place on Sunday 5th April. BELGA PHOTO JONAS ROOSENS (Photo by JONAS ROOSENS \/ BELGA MAG \/ Belga \/ AFP via Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:45:46+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:45:46.276Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a0e2b48f-531b-401d-8714-de28f023f73f\">The break are riding really well and the gap is up to 3&#8217;20&#8221; over the peloton.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-37f3f802-f079-4249-9078-834022581b97\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dbptYzZ54REEVkdzpJWdG6.jpg\" alt=\"The pack rides during the men&amp;#039;s race of the &amp;#039;Ronde van Vlaanderen\/ Tour des Flandres\/ Tour of Flanders&amp;#039; UCI WorldTour one day cycling race, 278 km from Antwerp to Oudenaarde, on April 5, 2026. (Photo by DAVID PINTENS \/ Belga \/ AFP) \/ Belgium OUT\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:43:42+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:43:42.723Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3a783b1d-2706-4ac9-922a-8481f35e4172\">It is interesting watching teams come and go from the front and you don&#8217;t really notice it happen. Ineos Grenadiers have disappeared and now XDS Astana and Picnic-PostNL are the teams up to the front with a rider from Tudor and TotalEnergies just behind Bjerg.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:38:08+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:38:08.510Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-220km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-220km-to-go\"><span>220km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-51a485e8-4996-4523-bbd4-669dc6acf15e\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Ineos Grenadiers take over as the main presence behind the lone UAE rider, Bjerg replaces Politt on the point of the peloton again. Over three minutes to the break.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:35:41+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:35:41.517Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2511f588-4ae3-4c4b-b077-be7c6c04132c\">The first abandon of the day comes as a blow for Evenepoel as it is the Austalian leadout man, Jarrad Drizners (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) who had left the race before reaching the first cobbles of the day.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:34:47+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:34:47.260Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-688e2672-b5c5-46eb-8941-102a6339bfae\">Bike change for Martijn Rasenberg (Unibet Rose Rockets).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:32:16+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:32:16.482Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5731a414-cd91-4d74-8f5b-74e6872d9be9\">Lamperti back at the car in the break for a new bidon and some gels. Maybe a bit of Easter egg as well?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:31:26+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:31:26.482Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d41aed32-ac51-4f35-b546-604b4ab9b177\">Tadej Poga\u010dar speaking before the start today&#8230;<\/p>\n<div class=\"instagram-embed\" id=\"elk-DWvkBb0jK2p\">\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version=\"6\">\n<p>A post shared by Cyclingnews (@cyclingnews_feed)<\/p>\n<p>A photo posted by on <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:30:13+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:30:13.565Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2ec8482b-c2dd-4b7c-a8d7-63733eec08e5\">Just over an hour done and the average speed is around 46kph. It has been a rapid start.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:28:42+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:28:42.338Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1da77a58-c474-46f6-ba6d-ed980e12d95a\">Nils Politt (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) comes back to the front again ahead of a large group of Groupama-FDJ United riders, interestingly. Romain Gr\u00e9goire performed well at Dwars door Vlaanderen but couldn&#8217;t follow the attack of Van Aert on the Nokereberg.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:26:35+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:26:35.892Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7ae07845-583c-4ffc-b333-ca6fd4ad9611\">De Pooter has finally got his overshoes off and he hands them back to the team car.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:25:15+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:25:15.938Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e836f24f-1f7f-48b4-853f-0b63236e3109\">The gap grows to 2&#8217;20&#8221; on the peloton. Bjerg looking around and is on the radio as well.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:23:34+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:23:34.321Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-crash\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-crash\"><span>Crash<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-b4f28c3d-14f5-4e2c-8130-37163b204ad9\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Florian Dauphin (TotalEnergies)<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The Frenchman has a ripped shorts but seems okay.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:18:45+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:18:45.173Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8cb5ea85-7276-407f-a2e5-09d3c02d2dea\">Interestingly, Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe have a rider in second wheel behind Bjerg. Alpecin-Premier Tech, Lidl-Trek and Tudor also have a presence near the front.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:17:20+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:17:20.217Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f8b707e0-8ec6-4d4d-96e6-0e8881a1241f\">The gap is continuing to grow for the 12 man break with a gap of 1&#8217;47&#8221; between them and the Bjerg led peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:14:54+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:14:54.637Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8c2b6057-88af-4cc8-aadc-a65749026b2c\">Van der Poel before the start today&#8230;<\/p>\n<div class=\"instagram-embed\" id=\"elk-DWvjRRNjOnW\">\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version=\"6\">\n<p>A post shared by Cyclingnews (@cyclingnews_feed)<\/p>\n<p>A photo posted by on <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:11:44+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:11:44.223Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0fe68517-73a1-4f3b-89d7-ad8dabe9b6a6\">De Pooter at the back of the break attempting to take his overshoes off but the pace is high so it he is having a bit of trouble.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:08:12+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:08:12.411Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-de52760f-610e-46f5-a4e6-4307c54d20bb\">It looks like the peloton is gone but Mikkel Bjerg (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) is on the front and still has the peloton rather strung out. However, lots of riders are taking the chance to have a natural break.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:05:52+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:05:52.646Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-643fcb47-8050-487c-a938-b96d1fecba4b\">Dillier isn&#8217;t doing any work in the break.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:05:39+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:05:39.974Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7f342c01-b6c0-4f7f-b17d-a98cd4f50fcb\">The break now have over 40&#8243; on the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:04:45+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:04:45.798Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-03724484-8032-46bf-9092-26897389b999\"><strong>Breakaway:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Silvan Dillier (Alpecin-Premier Tech)<br \/>Frederik Frison (Pinarello-Q36.5)<br \/>Connor Swift (Ineos Grenadiers)<br \/>Luke Lamperti (EF Education-EasyPost)<br \/>Luca Van Boven (Lotto-Intermarche)<br \/>Kamil Gradek (Bahrain Victorious)<br \/>Dries De Pooter (Jayco-AlUla)<br \/>Julius van den Berg (Picnic-PostNL)<br \/>Jambaljamts Sainbayar (Burgos-Burpellet-BH)<br \/>Edoardo Zamperini (Cofidis)<br \/>Hartthijs de Vries (Unibet Rose Rockets)<br \/>Victor Vercouillie (Flanders-Baloise)<br \/>Eric Fagundez (Burgos-Burpellet-BH)<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:00:08+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:00:08.219Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d5c6d231-3c68-4118-bf21-623e54a41b63\">A break is forming! About 15 riders involved.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Silvan Dillier (Alpecin-Premier Tech) is a surprising addition and, immediately, UAE Team Emirates-XRG scramble a chase.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:58:38+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:58:38.936Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4791051d-c5d4-4753-8afc-0172981c7471\">Van der Poel joins Van Aert in rejecting favourite status and pushes all the pressure on Poga\u010dar&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>&gt;&gt;&gt; <strong>&#8216;He&#8217;s one level above all the rest&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel rejects status as favourite to beat Tadej Poga\u010dar in Tour of Flanders<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-53d8c255-2b33-4d39-8e31-f58c6af6f660\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XE9xXss84hR8iWw3AbXeFR.jpg\" alt=\"2026 Tour of Flanders: Mathieu van der Poel before the start\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:53:22+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:53:22.735Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9e625cb5-93f4-4471-8ad8-00b4bd81fa09\">Tom\u00e1\u0161 Kopeck\u00fd (Unibet Rose Rockets) is the next lone rider to get a gap on the peloton as they ride into Sint-Niklaas. Kopeck\u00fd is joined by a rider from Bahrain Victorious and Pinarello-Q36.5 but TotalEnergies is leading the string of riders that will bring the peloton back to them yet again.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:50:48+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:50:48.036Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-95f3e861-d9e0-464c-8eb6-9a809e448f66\">Half an hour in and there is still no break. One Flanders-Baloise rider has a small gap but, yet again, it is swiftly closed down.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:49:58+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:49:58.354Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9912098b-e329-4b87-bf78-700ea51ae057\">Van Aert gets back in with Stan Dewulf (Decathlon-CMA CGM) immediately starting up a conversation with him.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:48:00+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:48:00.993Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e8c7e82d-2021-4087-8677-688569c375a3\">Van Aert rolling back into the peloton after a natural break and a quick chat at the car.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-d98d1617-d5cc-4432-85c9-2967f50772b7\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BSaPfQiCajZ3BJAsqi4iQK.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: Wout van Aert of Belgium and Team Visma | Lease a Bike competes during the 110th Tour of Flanders - Ronde van Vlaanderen 2026 - Men&amp;#039;s Elite a 278.6km one day race from Antwerp to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:46:52+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:46:52.660Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5cca1aa2-5e8f-40c3-8449-edd4fc02a660\">Evenepoel is making his debut at the race today&#8230;<\/p>\n<div class=\"instagram-embed\" id=\"elk-DWvcZ_QjB6t\">\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version=\"6\">\n<p>A post shared by Cyclingnews (@cyclingnews_feed)<\/p>\n<p>A photo posted by on <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:45:05+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:45:05.072Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-260km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-260km-to-go\"><span>260km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-4aaff9ba-35c8-4924-9d2a-58facd5cc5ef\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Flanders-Baloise, Movistar, Tudor and Picnic-PostNL have been involved in every move so far with Pinarello-Q36.5, Burgos-Burpellet-BH, EF Education-EasyPost and Unibet Rose Rockets all regularly involved too.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:43:43+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:43:43.579Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5c2ab31d-cf69-4315-b61d-048b66a6cc57\">There is a strong headwind which is killing any attacker&#8217;s momentum.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-eda2ba83-b825-43c6-b567-2fe4a2c906d1\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/36rsYNQpRXnimbD4xva8C6.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: A general view of the peloton competing while fans cheer during the 110th Tour of Flanders - Ronde van Vlaanderen 2026 - Men&amp;amp;amp;apos;s Elite a 278.6km one day race from Antwerp to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:43:17+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:43:17.551Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-decc7d70-2934-4119-ba35-43756f0011c4\">It&#8217;s wave after wave of attacks but the peloton don&#8217;t even seem to be trying and just manage to bring it back every time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:41:35+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:41:35.724Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-57b37724-1a6d-4379-a350-c779f15f2c36\">The moves continue to come bit they just aren&#8217;t getting the gap. Marco Haller (Tudor) involved in this latest move with Jon Barrenetxea (Movistar) and a few others. The Spaniard has been riding really well in this Classics season with a couple of 12th places in Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne and Dwars door Vlaanderen.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:37:07+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:37:07.804Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bfc5fc99-f770-4f2e-ae31-d003cb1e68c5\">Matthew Brennan (Visma-Lease a Bike) is at the team car with radio issues.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:36:31+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:36:31.793Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-834330a7-fb54-429b-934d-2bd49055d61e\">Simmons brought back but now Sam Welsford (Ineos Grenadiers) drags three other riders clear including Fredrik Frison (Pinarello-Q36.5) but Albert Torres (Movistar) closes things down again.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:33:51+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:33:51.949Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fa49047a-cfce-49d7-8eba-3d0c38c8622e\">Colby Simmons (EF Education-EasyPost) launches clear and has a gap. Riders trying to join but the headwind is meaning that attackers just drag the rest of the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:31:40+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:31:40.594Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-21d6d289-93e8-484b-a954-abe5fa3bc470\">Puncture for Fabian Lienhard (Tudor).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:30:57+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:30:57.057Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1cc02d76-93ba-477b-922d-6d2aa25999b2\">Hugo de la Calle (Burgos-Burpellet-BH) is the next to try a move but nothing is going for the moment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:28:31+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:28:31.675Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e1e3f60d-1135-4581-ab2d-2116af94856f\">Nils Politt (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) begins to control the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:28:15+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:28:15.172Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-321afb8f-001e-4e38-b47e-6750a908aeb1\">Attack by Victor Vercouillie (Flanders-Baloise) but nothing is being allowed to go just yet.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:23:51+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:23:51.883Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-745b4090-99a5-402e-82bf-9190b335e5c0\">No break for the moment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:23:05+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:23:05.114Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9f2664e8-1cc7-46bb-8929-469820064a23\">Unibet Rose Rockets are the next to launch a move and he gets a gap but he&#8217;s dragged back.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:20:53+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:20:53.798Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-278-2km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-278-2km-to-go\"><span>278.2km to go!<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-d5371643-db5e-467e-a834-44d0156430c8\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Racing begins and Picnic-PostNL begin the attacks.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:19:39+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:19:39.204Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4c8765db-a6a7-4e79-8f05-0066f89e180b\">The startlist is absolutely stacked! Tadej Poga\u010dar, Mathieu van der Poel, Wout Van Aert, Mads Pedersen and Remco Evenepoel among a long list of super talents.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-c8fce5c8-4d8d-4f87-84aa-22a1cb1a4afc\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QCs326X5zLNC728LHPnW3T.jpg\" alt=\"ANTWERP, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: (L-R) Remco Evenepoel of Belgium and Team Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe, Mads Pedersen of Denmark and Team Lidl - Trek, Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates - XRG, Wout van Aert of Belgium and Team Visma | Lease a Bike and Mathieu van der Poel of Netherlands and Team Alpecin-Premier Tech prior to the 110th Tour of Flanders - Ronde van Vlaanderen 2026 - Men&amp;amp;amp;apos;s Elite a 278.6km one day race from Antwerp to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Antwerp, Belgium. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:05:56+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:05:56.557Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-002c1eb6-aae5-4199-be65-b7ea6bc96415\">The riders have started the neutral zone. Rui Oliveira (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) clipped a wheel as they started and hit the barriers. He is back riding.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:04:19+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:04:19.874Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-50e41604-4f10-4bd2-9e04-0ddec33a351d\">Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech) seems very pleased that Evenepoel has decided to debut at the Ronde this year&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>&gt;&gt;&gt; <strong>&#8216;Not a disadvantage for me&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel welcomes addition of Remco Evenepoel to Tour of Flanders but warns against underestimating debutant<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-6f79a7cb-814c-48b7-ad8c-71b792d678a9\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E5dqAv8QTj8CEBHYY4GxpA.jpg\" alt=\"MIDDELKERKE, BELGIUM - MARCH 29: Mathieu van der Poel of Alpecin-Premier Tech of Netherlands, Ben Turner of INEOS Grenadiers of Great Britain during the Flanders Fields Men Elite at the Wevelgem on March 29, 2026 in Middelkerke Belgium (Photo by Pim Waslander\/Soccrates\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:01:48+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:01:48.853Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f2a55217-8bf5-425c-9a6f-78bbe3719a6a\">Wout Van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike) refuses to be included in the discussion when it comes to the biggest names of the sport&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>&gt;&gt;&gt; <strong>&#8216;I don&#8217;t consider myself in the big four&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert &#8216;older and wiser&#8217; but avoids talking himself up for major Tour of Flanders battle<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-b1209542-8c5c-4634-9f4f-df50b2c434ec\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/v2f6yDEapxtfhcsY9Wmqi5.jpg\" alt=\"A side shot of Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike) riding up a cobbled climb during In Flanders Fields, with excited fans cheering behind a barrier\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Zac Williams\/SWpix.com)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T07:59:10+00:00\">2026-04-05T07:59:10.063Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5ca300fa-0c7a-412a-805d-04d11659f662\">Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) is, obviously, the big favourite for today. However, he is a bit concerned about the ability of Evenepoel and his unpredictability&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>&gt;&gt;&gt; <strong>&#8216;He can attack in the most random places&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar ponders potential tactical headache of Remco Evenepoel at Tour of Flanders<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-effaa0ba-8fa4-4a2b-a418-fc3df5b7de7b\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TRo4eCDSYkD6hHXQ2YpsaM.jpg\" alt=\"ANTWERP, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates - XRG prior to the 110th Tour of Flanders - Ronde van Vlaanderen 2026 - Men&amp;amp;amp;apos;s Elite a 278.6km one day race from Antwerp to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Antwerp, Belgium. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T07:54:48+00:00\">2026-04-05T07:54:48.185Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-182a36c2-b515-48ad-a9df-69d7a45901ca\">Hello and welcome to <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>&#8216; live report of the men&#8217;s Tour of Flanders\/Ronde Van Vlaanderen 2026!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<p id=\"elk-ef6d9112-128d-477d-b480-fbf0df8e946e\">It was a surprise on April Fool&#8217;s Day that the announcement of Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) wasn&#8217;t a joke and very definitely is happening! Whether you like how they did the announcement or not, it captured the attention of the cycling world!<\/p>\n<p>&gt;&gt;&gt; <strong>&#8216;I deliberately got rid of my social media for two weeks&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel addresses drama of surprise Tour of Flanders debut and says he wouldn&#8217;t be starting if victory wasn&#8217;t possible<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-e2997f55-492c-4b06-a047-118fa69e4217\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EpeEMUPeVXkyiWBiWyugWE.jpg\" alt=\"Belgian Remco Evenepoel of Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe pictured during a press conference of the Red Bull - Bora - Hansgrohe cycling team ahead of the Ronde van Vlaanderen \/ Tour des Flandres \/ Tour of Flanders cycling race, Friday 03 April 2026 in Ledegem. The 110th edition of the cycling race will take place on Sunday 5th April. BELGA PHOTO DAVID PINTENS (Photo by DAVID PINTENS \/ BELGA MAG \/ Belga \/ AFP via Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<div id=\"mid-article-leaderboard\" class=\"ad-unit sm:hidden block\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"viafoura-comments\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\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=\"relative h-[--truncate-height] sm:h-[--truncate-desktop-height] overflow-hidden transition-[height] duration-150\" data-test-id=\"container\" data-component-name=\"Util:Truncate\" id=\"viafoura-comments-container\">\n<div class=\"relative z-10 viafoura\" id=\"viafoura-comment-wrapper\" data-test-id=\"content\">\n<div class=\"viafoura\">\n<div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"absolute bg-gradient-to-t from-[--truncate-gradient-color,white] from-50% h-28 z-20 w-full bottom-0 flex items-end justify-center px-0 rounded-none\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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<div class=\"related-articles-block\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"ads\" id=\"ads-content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-ads widget-ads-content widget-ads-ads-content widget-no-data widget-ads-incontent_ad\">\n<div id=\"bdx_incontent_ad\" data-type=\"ads\" data-ads-type=\"bordeaux\" class=\"incontent_ad\"><\/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=\"newsletter\" id=\"newsletter\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-newsletter widget-newsletter widget-newsletter-newsletter widget-newsletter-fter\">\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"empty\" id=\"sidebar\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-empty widget-sidebar widget-empty-sidebar widget-no-data widget-empty\">\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"empty\" id=\"sidebar-top\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-empty widget-sidebar-top widget-empty-sidebar-top ad-unit widget-no-data widget-empty\">\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"empty\" id=\"sidebar-popular-top\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-empty widget-sidebar-popular-top widget-empty-sidebar-popular-top ad-unit widget-no-data widget-empty\">\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"mostpopular\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-mostpopular widget-dynamic-mostpopular widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"clear-both widget-header\">\n<\/div>\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><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXzA3ycmk4ezhoaj3JThwd.jpg\" alt=\"Evenepoel pictured on the podium wearing his team jersey and winter hat\" class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;I will come back for sure&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel bullish on cobbled Classics after taking third in his Tour of Flanders debut; is a future ride in Paris-Roubaix coming?<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;I was just not strong enough&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot bettered by Demi Vollering&#8217;s Kwaremont power to finish second in Tour of Flanders again<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Tour of Flanders Women: Demi Vollering sails to victory with solo attack on Oude Kwaremont<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;We could only have come back if they had started looking at each other&#8217; &#8211; Wout van Aert settles for fourth in Tour of Flanders<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Tour of Flanders: Indomitable Tadej Poga\u010dar solos to repeat victory after Oude Kwaremont attack<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"empty\" id=\"sidebar-popular-bottom\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-empty widget-sidebar-popular-bottom widget-empty-sidebar-popular-bottom ad-unit widget-no-data widget-empty\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero hero-live news-article widget-hero widget-hero-fter-review\">\n<div class=\"clear-both widget-header\">\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\" class=\"news-article\">\n<div class=\"header-container\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour of Flanders\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<header>\n<div class=\"header-sub-container\">\n<h1 class=\"review-title-long live-report\">As it happened: Winning record equalled at Tour of Flanders 2026<\/h1>\n<h2>Tadej Poga\u010dar took the win ahead of Mathieu van der Poel and debutant Remco Evenepoel.<br \/>\n<\/h2>\n<div class=\"byline\">\nLive-reports<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\">\n<span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nTim Bonville-Ginn <\/span><br \/>\n<span><br \/>\nlast updated<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T17:23:29Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n5 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><br \/>\n<\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<nav class=\"socialite-widget box less-space \" data-contexturl=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/live\/tour-of-flanders-men-live-an-easter-extravaganza-on-the-belgian-cobbles\/\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"socialite\">\n<ul class=\"socialite-widget-ul\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-facebook\">\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-twitter\">\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-pinterest\">\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-email\">\n<p><i class=\"icon icon-envelope-solid\"><\/i><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>    <span class=\"text-[color:--comment-count-text-color,inherit]\"><span>1<\/span> <span class=\"visible hidden sm:inline-block\">Comment<\/span><\/span><br \/>\n    <span class=\"text-[color:--comment-count-text-color,inherit] hidden visible sm:inline-block\">Join the conversation<\/span><\/p>\n<\/nav>\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<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<figure>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E5o84x7h25gDjCwtptDrXD.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates - XRG, Wout van Aert of Belgium and Team Visma | Lease a Bike and Mathieu van der Poel of Netherlands and Team Alpecin-Premier Tech lead the breakaway passing through the Oude Kwaremont cobblestones sector while fans cheer during the 110th Tour of Flanders - Ronde van Vlaanderen 2026 - Men&amp;amp;apos;s Elite a 278.6km one day race from Antwerp to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" class=\"block-image-ads hero-image w-full\" data-component-name=\"Image\"><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"> <span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: \u00a9 Getty Images)<\/span><br \/>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\" class=\"news-article\">\n<div class=\"header-container\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour of Flanders\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<header>\n<div class=\"header-sub-container\">\n<h1 class=\"review-title-long live-report\">As it happened: Winning record equalled at Tour of Flanders 2026<\/h1>\n<h2>Tadej Poga\u010dar took the win ahead of Mathieu van der Poel and debutant Remco Evenepoel.<br \/>\n<\/h2>\n<div class=\"byline\">\nLive-reports<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\">\n<span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nTim Bonville-Ginn <\/span><br \/>\n<span><br \/>\nlast updated<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T17:23:29Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n5 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><br \/>\n<\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<nav class=\"socialite-widget box less-space \" data-contexturl=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/live\/tour-of-flanders-men-live-an-easter-extravaganza-on-the-belgian-cobbles\/\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"socialite\">\n<ul class=\"socialite-widget-ul\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-facebook\">\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-twitter\">\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-pinterest\">\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-email\">\n<p><i class=\"icon icon-envelope-solid\"><\/i><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>    <span class=\"text-[color:--comment-count-text-color,inherit]\"><span>1<\/span> <span class=\"visible hidden sm:inline-block\">Comment<\/span><\/span><br \/>\n    <span class=\"text-[color:--comment-count-text-color,inherit] hidden visible sm:inline-block\">Join the conversation<\/span><\/p>\n<\/nav>\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<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<figure>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E5o84x7h25gDjCwtptDrXD.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates - XRG, Wout van Aert of Belgium and Team Visma | Lease a Bike and Mathieu van der Poel of Netherlands and Team Alpecin-Premier Tech lead the breakaway passing through the Oude Kwaremont cobblestones sector while fans cheer during the 110th Tour of Flanders - Ronde van Vlaanderen 2026 - Men&amp;amp;apos;s Elite a 278.6km one day race from Antwerp to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" class=\"block-image-ads hero-image w-full\" data-component-name=\"Image\"><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"> <span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: \u00a9 Getty Images)<\/span><br \/>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"pinned-content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-pinned-content widget-contentparsed-pinned-content widget-pinned news-article widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-default widget-content-parsed-live-feed \">\n<div class=\" article-body \">\n<div class>\n<p id=\"elk-6796754f-5d32-4fba-8885-f9db0bbf1341\"><strong>Tour of Flanders 2026 &#8211; Preview<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Tour of Flanders 2026 &#8211; Route<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"><\/aside>\n<p id=\"elk-6796754f-5d32-4fba-8885-f9db0bbf1341-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><strong>Tour of Flanders 2026 &#8211; Contenders<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><strong>How to watch the Tour of Flanders 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-f0dabf1d-8dfb-4d88-ab1a-ea40f8430889\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yrm8ppYUa9ok7hqXJEd8gH.png\" alt=\"Profile of the 2026 Tour of Flanders men\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Profile of the 2026 Tour of Flanders men <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Flanders Classics)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-results\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-results\"><span>Results<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-5e868d66-0516-49d5-a9fc-3aacc5125cff\"><strong>Tour of Flanders: Indomitable Tadej Poga\u010dar solos to repeat victory after Oude Kwaremont attack<\/strong><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-table-XXb4JFHhHitFNM9S2sYbxh-7mlu75sRNAwOsqxI8MxU2oxpJ4Ku9K2Q\" class=\"slice-container table-wrapper table-XXb4JFHhHitFNM9S2sYbxh-7mlu75sRNAwOsqxI8MxU2oxpJ4Ku9K2Q slice-container-table\">\n<div class=\"table__instruction\">Swipe to scroll horizontally<\/div>\n<div class=\"table__container\">\n<table class=\"table__wrapper table__wrapper--inbodyContent table__wrapper--sticky table__wrapper--divider\">\n<thead class=\"table__head\">\n<tr class=\"table__head__row\">\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Pos<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Rider (Country) Team<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Time<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"table__body\">\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>1<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Tadej Poga\u010dar (Slo) UAE Team Emirates-XRG<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>6:20:07<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>2<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Mathieu van der Poel (Ned) Alpecin-Premier Tech<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:00:34<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>3<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Remco Evenepoel (Bel) Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:01:11<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>4<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Wout van Aert (Bel) Visma-Lease a Bike<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:02:04<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>5<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Mads Pedersen (Den) Lidl-Trek<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:02:48<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>6<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Jasper Stuyven (Bel) Soudal-Quickstep<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:04:28<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>7<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Florian Vermeersch (Bel) UAE Team Emirates-XRG<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Row 6 &#8211; Cell 2 <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>8<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Matej Mohori\u010d (Slo) Bahrain Victorious<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:04:30<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>9<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Christophe Laporte (Fra) Visma-Lease a Bike<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>0:05:22<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>10<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Gianni Vermeersch (Bel) Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Row 9 &#8211; Cell 2 <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"live-feed-multipage\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-live-feed-multipage widget-contentparsed-live-feed-multipage news-article widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-default multipage widget-content-parsed-live-feed \">\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\" article-body \">\n<div class=\"button wcp-live-feed-reload\">Refresh <i class=\"fa fa-refresh\"><\/i><\/div>\n<div id=\"ad-unit-1\" class=\"ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:LiveReportUpdater\">\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T17:23:29+00:00\">2026-04-05T17:23:29.874Z<\/time><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-04723174-dded-4b7c-a156-9f4eb8071b31\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m7StpYWVmKfbVjg7cCWXF5.jpg\" alt=\"wide view of three riders on the podium all spraying champagne\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The top three get their moment <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T16:15:22+00:00\">2026-04-05T16:15:22.360Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5e8b4b4d-0a74-4bc6-b1df-0db89ceae30b\">Wout van Aert reaction after the Tour of Flanders &#8211; he wasn&#8217;t overly happy, but not absolutely dissatisfied either.<\/p>\n<p><strong>&#8216;We could only have come back if they had started looking at each other&#8217; &#8211; Wout van Aert settles for fourth in Tour of Flanders<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-eae83e09-5261-4f67-b143-7e49747d5d3c\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nKoWJ9miybUSyax2pvhFJX.jpg\" alt=\"2026 Tour of Flanders: Wout van Aert finishes fourth\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T15:23:17+00:00\">2026-04-05T15:23:17.430Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-91b8f48a-e102-42cf-aaed-cf1f8e22352a\">Into the final 20km of the women&#8217;s race now with a group of about 15 riders head to the final Oude Kwaremonnt\/Paterberg doubleheader. Follow along with out other live page!<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&gt;&gt;&gt; <strong>Tour of Flanders Women LIVE &#8211; The day&#8217;s break is caught and a group of favourites lead into the final 40km<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-279185fb-6923-48c5-892f-a7d7ae838448\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9a9DipyZ9m5xeZFRdyiDz4.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: Celia Gery of France and Team FDJ United - SUEZ leads the breakaway during the 23rd Tour of Flanders 2026 - Ronde van Vlaandere - Women&amp;#039;s Elite a 164.1km one day race from Oudenaarde to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium. (Photo by Luc Claessen\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T15:20:05+00:00\">2026-04-05T15:20:05.766Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7d973045-875c-4582-813d-27d0795d774f\">Tadej Poga\u010dar has raced three times this year and the consistency is startling.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Strade Bianche &#8211; 1st<br \/>Milan-San Remo &#8211; 1st<br \/>Tour of Flanders &#8211; 1st<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<p id=\"elk-7d973045-875c-4582-813d-27d0795d774f-2\">Up next&#8230; Paris-Roubaix and a date with destiny? Is the Monument Grand Slam very much on for the 2026 season?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T15:14:59+00:00\">2026-04-05T15:14:59.214Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-31f6ab88-d2b9-467d-8810-19847742b470\">Relive the final moments of Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s record equalling ride.<\/p>\n<div class=\"instagram-embed\" id=\"elk-DWwRB5hjBbc\">\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version=\"6\">\n<p>A post shared by Ronde van Vlaanderen (@rondevanvlaanderen)<\/p>\n<p>A photo posted by on <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T15:06:29+00:00\">2026-04-05T15:06:29.022Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b3420b76-9b93-4cca-b8dc-31f54e69b718\">Jasper Stuyven (Soudal-QuickStep) led in the rest with Florian Vermeersch (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) just behind his fellow Belgian. A few seconds after them was Matej Mohori\u010d (Bahrain Victorious) then about a minute to Christophe Laporte (Visma-Lease a Bike) and Gianni Vermeersch (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) closing out the top 10.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-451f11f1-f5b9-40db-a994-53da07a5617f\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NiD4LcrFaiFaiufftiSo9c.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: Jasper Stuyven of Belgium and Team Soudal Quick-Step crosses the finish line during the 110th Tour of Flanders - Ronde van Vlaanderen 2026 - Men&amp;amp;amp;apos;s Elite a 278.6km one day race from Antwerp to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:59:41+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:59:41.074Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ce9915b3-0e03-4f84-b454-4dbadc92d518\">A few days ago, Evenepoel&#8217;s former boss, Patrick Lefevere, said that he should focus on one-day races rather than stage races. He finished a solid fifth at the Volta a Catalunya this year but he has looked brilliant today and is often on top form for one-day races.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:43:03+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:43:03.971Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f69a415f-5e39-44e6-837f-6faa00f8fbe2\">Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) takes a very impressive fifth on the day after a horrible start of the year. The top 5 are the Famous Five we all hyped up beforehand.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-3d3a8ddd-9817-4932-8e6a-d2cd0eeaafa4\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uXNBUUH4nLLJmhp4rCZUug.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: Mads Pedersen of Denmark and Team Lidl - Trek crosses the finish line during the 110th Tour of Flanders - Ronde van Vlaanderen 2026 - Men&amp;amp;amp;apos;s Elite a 278.6km one day race from Antwerp to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:42:04+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:42:04.010Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-003fcf63-17e6-4fcd-91b2-be07da5773e7\">Wout Van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike) gets a huge cheer as he crosses the line in fourth place.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-d2351ebf-d555-41db-8862-9fdea369c888\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f67uR37K6P6BYdvfxRY4rW.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: Wout van Aert of Belgium and Team Visma | Lease a Bike crosses the finish line during the 110th Tour of Flanders - Ronde van Vlaanderen 2026 - Men&amp;amp;amp;apos;s Elite a 278.6km one day race from Antwerp to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:41:28+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:41:28.994Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c574ccd5-45ea-4894-8597-7b8c2eee4476\">Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) finishes a magnificent third on his Tour of Flanders debut.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-774ddf1c-bef4-4be5-a100-9955026bb228\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4vPCHYsFasjTonpeAPHAgS.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: Remco Evenepoel of Belgium and Team Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe crosses the finish line on third place during the 110th Tour of Flanders - Ronde van Vlaanderen 2026 - Men&amp;amp;amp;apos;s Elite a 278.6km one day race from Antwerp to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:40:59+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:40:59.352Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-223f85a7-1210-4000-8994-15ba17e97471\">Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel embrace after the finish.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:40:33+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:40:33.583Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-09b0d495-f0e2-46c8-84b1-84dca2e5f948\">Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech) takes second place.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:40:00+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:40:00.159Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-11f7c114-3fb4-4a34-bc8a-b0cd9f69c416\">Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) wins the Tour of Flanders and his 12th Monument.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-59b3d2c6-91c6-47ec-a861-4632196dc05e\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3XGwPPwmVshszv733ZKf7f.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates - XRG celebrates at finish line as race winner during the 110th Tour of Flanders - Ronde van Vlaanderen 2026 - Men&amp;amp;amp;apos;s Elite a 278.6km one day race from Antwerp to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:39:30+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:39:30.678Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0d147a4c-a214-4b67-9f41-2cb0db1e6394\">Poga\u010dar sits up with 500 metres to go. He joins the greats on three wins.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:39:01+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:39:01.797Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-flamme-rouge\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-flamme-rouge\"><span>Flamme Rouge<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-98e7e685-13eb-413a-9b5f-19d7bb589de1\">Poga\u010dar leads under the red kite and waves to the TV moto as it is deviated off. Van der Poel will take second and Evenepoel will take third.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:37:26+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:37:26.562Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-565cd7a2-7576-4cc4-9ef7-64434bea9b81\">2km to go now for Poga\u010dar.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:35:33+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:35:33.702Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ec49443d-d58a-4a87-a07a-5bdd538622af\">4km to go now for the great Slovenian.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:34:39+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:34:39.797Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-5km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-5km-to-go\"><span>5km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-f5ed3121-a027-4bb1-928d-c524ecdda651\">Tadej Poga\u010dar leads.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Mathieu van der Poel is second by 40&#8243;.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<p id=\"elk-f5ed3121-a027-4bb1-928d-c524ecdda651-2\">Remco Evenepoel is third at 1&#8217;20&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>Wout Van Aert just off the podium in fourth at 2&#8217;05&#8221;.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:32:43+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:32:43.562Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-490371f8-2eaf-41ea-9e05-8f97e34d1130\">I am happy to say that I was wrong about Evenepoel&#8217;s chances in this race. I was expecting him to lose touch far earlier than he did. He is likely going to take third today on debut.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:31:42+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:31:42.952Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f2fc7064-6485-4444-8fa5-74972c048a19\">Now the gap opens a bit again. There was a brief glimpse of hope but now Van der Poel is 26&#8243; down on Poga\u010dar. Evenepole is 1&#8217;09&#8221; down and Van Aert is 1&#8217;49&#8221; down.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:29:36+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:29:36.605Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8ee62559-4db2-4ae8-92f4-17aadd95caa1\">Now Van der Poel joins the long straight road that Poga\u010dar is on and immediately the gap is closing. Just 15&#8243; now!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:28:07+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:28:07.626Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-10km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-10km-to-go\"><span>10km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-6047b4f3-e257-4d1f-b9a5-f2f86d768577\">Tadej Poga\u010dar leads Mathieu van der Poel by 22&#8243; with Remco Evenepoel a 1&#8217;05&#8221;.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:27:00+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:27:00.600Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a5240540-34af-4a62-83c5-2eda3d032406\">Poga\u010dar now has 20&#8243; on Van der Poel with 11km to go.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:26:15+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:26:15.935Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e28b5000-0264-485c-a77b-b3667c4bec5e\">Evenepoel now crests the Paterberg and looks in pain. He has a gap on Van Aert and Pedersen who are about 50 metres apart.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:25:30+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:25:30.646Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-609e940d-114e-420c-bfaa-fc453146dc19\">Van der Poel also now looks extremely uncomfortable.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:24:49+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:24:49.908Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5f871bba-9cd7-41a7-a460-3e0ec757227f\">Poga\u010dar now all over his bike yet again. Van der Poel out of the saddle and looks powerful as Poga\u010dar opens his mouth wide and looks so uncomfortable.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:23:52+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:23:52.450Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d988b0a0-fc05-4dd6-a5c4-049da1c6f644\">Onto the Paterberg goes Poga\u010dar. He has 13&#8243; on Van der Poel but the world champion has recomposed himself and is flying up the climb.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-51c3f218-8236-4bbe-a7ee-becb4b168945\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XpzntFpHdZgtuzKJZmzJ2g.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates - XRG competes in the breakaway passing through the Paterberg cobblestones sector during the 110th Tour of Flanders - Ronde van Vlaanderen 2026 - Men&amp;amp;amp;apos;s Elite a 278.6km one day race from Antwerp to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:22:05+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:22:05.815Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ff4f942d-584c-47ca-a757-5865b2d0a691\">The world champion dives left to descent to the Paterberg. The gap is opening up again and it has doubled with 12&#8243; splitting Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:21:17+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:21:17.774Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-16ab7f78-25f0-4885-a157-8ef26591be52\">Evenepoel is 49&#8243; down on Poga\u010dar. Van Aert has dropped Pedersen.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:20:26+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:20:26.476Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1b46fa6e-47ac-4468-b3f8-383b4e7d0511\">Poga\u010dar is grimacing like we have never seen before. 6&#8243; between them over the top of the Oude Kwaremont.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-0e5c38e5-192c-4d31-be78-1638c6f71e20\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rx9U2zNcBTj9N7UsNdnWXR.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05 : during the 110th edition of Ronde van Vlaanderen an UCI World Tour 1.UWT one day cycling road race for Men Elite of 271 km with start in Antwerpen and finish in Oudenaarde on April 5, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium, 05\/04\/2026 ( Motordriver Guy De Vuyst - Photo by Nico Vereecken \/ Photonews\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:19:53+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:19:53.659Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9f168568-f252-4e0e-8b5b-47d44f243626\">Poga\u010dar&#8217;s shoulders are rocking and Van der Poel is starting to look a lot more solid.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:19:23+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:19:23.002Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9e009834-4f26-4eea-b5bc-c2417f94e3f9\">van der Poel gets back onto the cobbles again and isn&#8217;t done. About 50 metres between them. Poga\u010dar is not as all conquering just yet.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:18:31+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:18:31.745Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-80f4e753-bf66-4888-a077-18edad88fb71\">Poga\u010dar goes clear and opens the gap. Van der Poel is not done, though. He is giving his all and Poga\u010dar is hurting here. He isn&#8217;t being quite as definitive as usual.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:17:21+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:17:21.215Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cc3eea3e-5dcc-4075-8600-e279f015b5e7\">Poga\u010dar ups the pace and onto the cobbles and the gap yawns open! Van der Poel has no answer!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:16:25+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:16:25.949Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-final-ascent-of-oude-kwaremont\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-final-ascent-of-oude-kwaremont\"><span>Final ascent of Oude Kwaremont <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-a280a62f-7384-44e7-b64b-27da9aa4b3cb\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Onto the Oude Kwaremont for the very last time today. Evenepoel appears to have locked steady at 20&#8243;. It must be horrible for him. Similar for Pedersen and Van Aert wgo are about 40&#8243; back on Evenepoel.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:15:13+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:15:13.531Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5d4d4af8-1341-4af6-b8aa-b48e71fdbc03\">Evenepoel can hold his head high after today&#8217;s performance. He will likely take third today but he has been absolutely exceptional today.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:14:31+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:14:31.306Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-20km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-20km-to-go\"><span>20km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-46cdf048-f678-4ee1-929f-441c115bb0d7\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The gap to Evenepoel is said to be 20&#8243; with 1&#8217;02&#8221; back to Pedersen and Van Aert.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:13:48+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:13:48.848Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ab1658f2-5d04-4b28-93d2-b3bac944e8a6\">15 confirmed abandons today.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:12:29+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:12:29.183Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-eecf7777-0082-4061-b156-a8e486542482\">Just 4km to go to the final ascent of Oude Kwaremont. Evenepoel has come back a bit again. He&#8217;s now just 19&#8243; with 1&#8217;09&#8221; back to Pedersen and Van Aert.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:11:22+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:11:22.188Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2c1d8db3-84ba-4fdd-be10-735954528e70\">These two have a chance of making history. Van der Poel has a chance to take the record winning record whereas Poga\u010dar has a chance to equal Van der Poel and the rest.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-2687e173-e90d-4bbd-ad57-e5e1986e445c\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dP8SfZTY3xamZLEodEZ2u4.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05 : during the 110th edition of Ronde van Vlaanderen an UCI World Tour 1.UWT one day cycling road race for Men Elite of 271 km with start in Antwerpen and finish in Oudenaarde on April 5, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium, 05\/04\/2026 ( Motordriver Guy De Vuyst - Photo by Nico Vereecken \/ Photonews\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:07:27+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:07:27.422Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9334894f-0a83-4726-9028-9dd6264d4ad9\">The gloves are off! Tadej Poga\u010dar literally has just taken his gloves off!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:04:33+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:04:33.136Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a91c35e4-a95e-4087-8d84-3253aa35a9f9\">Evenepoel is done. He is now slowly being closed in on by Van Aert and Pedersen.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:03:16+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:03:16.239Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e7165f38-4e2f-4dde-95a3-72968dd1a409\">Poga\u010dar pushing on the pedals again. Van der Poel is equal to it for now.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:02:47+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:02:47.829Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e3eb5aef-59db-4c73-b55e-54d34b64a01a\">Poga\u010dar leads onto the Oude Kruisberg followed by the Hotond. 2.7km at an average of 4.1% with a max kick of 9.4% and on jagged cobbles.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:00:49+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:00:49.937Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-30km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-30km-to-go\"><span>30km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-8aad6291-c946-4639-a886-74b040be2b17\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Evenepoel now is starting to fade as he takes on a gel. He is 18&#8243; down. Van Aert and Pedersen are 1&#8217;04&#8221; down.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:57:25+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:57:25.532Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-761e1206-c82f-4f23-8e3c-31abb0865c49\">The Oude Kruisberg to come in 4km. They have 14&#8243; on Evenepoel. It had gone to 17&#8243; but he is riding well still. Pedersen and Van Aert are 52&#8243; back. Group 4 now at 2&#8217;25&#8221;.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:55:31+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:55:31.864Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bf04cdc4-fbe7-4a8e-b618-2438e45ba457\">But that group is splitting up.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:55:18+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:55:18.928Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3d165477-ecff-465d-8f2d-28379b669148\">The first main group on the road is F. Vermeersch, Stuyven, Mohoric, Sheffield, T. van Dijke, Laporte and Dewulf at 2&#8217;17&#8221;.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:52:50+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:52:50.548Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cf5ecb0c-e843-43da-bdca-0fa62330be60\">Poga\u010dar keeps looking back to see where Evenepoel is. The world champion seems nervous about the Olympic champion as he is clearly strong on the flat roads.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:51:09+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:51:09.074Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-caeab9d7-0338-4e64-87bc-8b554f4a1a0c\">Van der Poel takes over the pacing on the Taaienberg with Poga\u010dar in his wheel. Evenepoel isn&#8217;t done yet.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:50:16+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:50:16.839Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d6cc5b21-f321-4f2a-99df-97593d91b470\">Tadej Poga\u010dar and Mathieu van der Poel have 10&#8243; on Evenepoel, 58&#8243; on Van Aert and Pedersen then over 2 minutes back as they go onto the Taaienberg.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a73bf09e-da12-4b34-a495-d2deaf824301\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sqLMdFASXznvZ5KnYhwSa9.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: (L-R) Mathieu van der Poel of Netherlands and Team Alpecin-Premier Tech and Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates - XRG compete in the breakaway during the 110th Tour of Flanders - Ronde van Vlaanderen 2026 - Men&amp;amp;amp;apos;s Elite a 278.6km one day race from Antwerp to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:47:51+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:47:51.437Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-40km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-40km-to-go\"><span>40km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-bbeabd93-9761-4000-9686-a29470a8ebab\">Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar are 6&#8243; ahead of Evenepoel and 57&#8243; ahead of Van Aert and Pedersen.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:46:20+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:46:20.681Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-50f4b282-c7c1-4dd5-9bf4-f5c376c46bfb\">Mariaborrestraat now and Poga\u010dar is pushing on again with Evenepoel chugging a bit again.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:45:05+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:45:05.073Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9979c114-58b8-460a-8559-ce8e258e9131\">Wow, Evenepoel is right back onto the Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel at just 4&#8243;! What a ride by him.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:41:13+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:41:13.536Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ad50388b-01d2-4fcf-bb76-906ef98647be\">51&#8243; back to Van Aert and Pedersen with the former gapping the Dane.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:40:28+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:40:28.576Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9d5f80d0-7025-4815-8b28-759c7926b0d7\">Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel go over the top together and have extended their advantage to 20&#8243; over Evenepoel.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:38:56+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:38:56.157Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5f4575f6-aceb-4238-a687-c48108e0d97e\">600 metres at an average of 11.6% and a max of 22%.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:38:15+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:38:15.324Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6a8c70e5-2dc4-4589-bd23-9397f344a036\">They head to the hellish Koppenberg.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:37:58+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:37:58.028Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-60709860-c862-4e2f-862b-71a0117f22f9\">Evenepoel looks so so strong and is closing in on Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel but he isn&#8217;t quite there on the cobbles. But this is an astonishing performance by the Olympic champion.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:33:52+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:33:52.789Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-50km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-50km-to-go\"><span>50km to go <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-f444e95d-8448-47f7-81d7-68724671134f\">Evenepoel is 9&#8243; down on Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel with Van Aert and Pedersen together at 33&#8243;. They join forces behind.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:31:50+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:31:50.673Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ee3db9af-b0a1-4ef0-ba0d-cc4a15aee998\">Now Evenepoel is struggling. He goes out the back and Van der Poel can follow him for now but I don&#8217;t think he&#8217;ll last too much longer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:31:13+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:31:13.336Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-first-ascent-of-paterberg\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-first-ascent-of-paterberg\"><span>First ascent of Paterberg<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-4ceac247-3413-4121-ba21-ca88e52208ad\">Poga\u010dar takes the lead with Evenepoel next to him and challenging him. Van der Poel looks to be chugging a bit on this climb.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:30:05+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:30:05.661Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8726922d-5bef-42ff-8aec-2e56157b2119\">Evenepoel now leading down the descent with Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel following. Van Aert now 13&#8243; back with Pedersen at 21&#8243;.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:28:48+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:28:48.251Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a7660815-bb91-40fb-9c11-239c26e39e3b\">They now head to the first ascent of the Paterberg.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:28:29+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:28:29.602Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a3940295-eb32-4f65-a7d3-bc27b19eeecd\">Poga\u010dar is pushing hard with Van der Poel and Evenepoel riding well with him. Van Aert is riding hard but I think he has used all his matches already by following Poga\u010dar&#8217;s first move.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:27:43+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:27:43.640Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-18d5f751-0d5a-433c-9950-237c79ceabc9\">Van Aert starting to lose touch as Evenepoel gets back on. He is distanced just over the top. He is 4&#8243; back over the top with Pedersen 12&#8243; back.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:26:54+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:26:54.727Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-49e88ce8-1bb4-4376-87fd-c83878becf43\">It looks like it is just between these four riders as Pedersen is fading. The rest of the group aren&#8217;t even in the shot anymore.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:26:26+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:26:26.432Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6798c917-fca7-4262-a7bc-09e17be1bbf6\">Evenepoel all over the bike on the cobbles whereas Poga\u010dar, Van Aert and Van der Poel are smooth as silk.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:25:57+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:25:57.894Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5093ef70-24e2-44ff-abe7-31000cac56fc\">Evenepoel measuring his effort here and he looks calm. Pedersen going backwards.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:25:32+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:25:32.389Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1bb758ac-3146-47a1-94a0-b088084aaf3a\">Poga\u010dar leads with Van Aert. Pedersen, Evenepoel and Van der Poel just off the back for the moment. Van der Poel sees this and comes round. As does Evenepoel.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-58e89736-abae-42be-b8f7-979848663d09\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E5o84x7h25gDjCwtptDrXD.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates - XRG, Wout van Aert of Belgium and Team Visma | Lease a Bike and Mathieu van der Poel of Netherlands and Team Alpecin-Premier Tech lead the breakaway passing through the Oude Kwaremont cobblestones sector while fans cheer during the 110th Tour of Flanders - Ronde van Vlaanderen 2026 - Men&amp;amp;amp;apos;s Elite a 278.6km one day race from Antwerp to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:24:43+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:24:43.515Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-attack\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-attack\"><span>Attack<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-007d795a-7594-4852-ac4b-0d5494431ac4\">Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The world champion goes before the cobbles with Van Aert on his wheel and Van der Poel caught put but is flying up the climb.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:22:59+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:22:59.824Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d548bcee-f42f-4f8e-919a-c2ed31a75187\">Poga\u010dar tried to move up but Red Bull blocked him and take control. Gradek and Swift lead into the tight road that leads up to the climb, though.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:22:12+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:22:12.335Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1146cb6b-cffb-4641-9bac-b3e04347f191\">Gradek comes to the front one last time with Mohoric on his wheel. Giving himself some slipping space.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:21:26+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:21:26.878Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2327e30e-1324-4f2f-9409-23e59ad1caef\">Multiple riders swamp the Red Bull guys with Swift leading them through the corner that sends them towards the famous climb.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:20:00+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:20:00.619Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-60km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-60km-to-go\"><span>60km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-abaf0c70-948c-4157-91d1-c587deeaaba1\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Van Dijke leads a Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe trio with Evenepoel in second wheel as they descent down towards the Oude Kwaremont.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:18:48+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:18:48.929Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-760886b9-d0ff-4477-8c95-912dfb4d882d\">Dweulf taking the chance to chat to the car and get some food and drink before they start the Oude Kwaremont again. Florian Vermeersch looking a bit panicked as he really wants the team car to come up to him.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:17:17+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:17:17.710Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-df070aaa-47ca-47e8-82c3-4da411de231d\">First time seeing Pedersen at the front of the lead group here with 6km to the second time up the Oude Kwaremont followed by the second ascent of the Paterberg.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:15:22+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:15:22.827Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6cb96ecb-9f5d-48c4-b0e2-7ac7c0e09336\">It is all together again in this group over the top of the Hotond as the gap to the peloton has come down to 1&#8217;39&#8221;.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:14:08+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:14:08.736Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-attack\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-attack\"><span>Attack<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-e8834cd3-fbc1-4ae2-8e3f-ce7b48f394c7\">Laporte <br \/>Zamperini<br \/>Poga\u010dar<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Vermeersch closes it down but Laporte is persisting and is dragging the leading trio back on the Hotond.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:13:25+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:13:25.712Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-909ec01a-28a4-465f-965d-9e450321802c\">The other Vermeersch sets in to chase the trio down.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:12:59+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:12:59.175Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4181dc63-a737-4334-b174-7ddadebe626b\">Poga\u010dar lets the wheel go and his teammate, Vermeersch, goes clear with Swift and Pluimers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:08:12+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:08:12.319Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6098e765-0942-4e28-94e8-20fd9b951ade\">The next climbs coming up are the Nieuwe Kruisberg and the first time up the Hotond.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:06:44+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:06:44.879Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-70km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-70km-to-go\"><span>70km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-8fe9c532-984c-4fe4-84ea-6586ab276269\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The gap back to the peloton is now almost 2 minutes back on the leaders.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:05:32+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:05:32.962Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c4d83c92-5365-4751-9cd9-c604f16502e5\">The two two riders doing the most work are Florian and Gianni Vermeersch. No relation between them but the same last name and job for today.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:03:28+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:03:28.967Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-dd09f79d-9fb2-4c8c-b061-16020b631361\">Roads are drying out nicely in the sunshine but the rain clouds are still threatening.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:02:45+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:02:45.238Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8b3477cf-631b-4d8e-ac31-ccc752841695\">Swift, Fagundez, Gradek, Van Boven, Zamperini and Van den Berg are the only remaining riders from the break in the lead group after the Berg ten Houte.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:00:40+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:00:40.066Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-207feeb5-ada0-4577-b43e-f890dcecbf14\">Almost all the breakaway riders go out the back. Vercouillie is one of them. The Flanders-Baloise rider honours his father&#8217;s wish to see him in the breakaway at the Tour of Flanders. The Belgian breakaway specialist&#8217;s dad has been diagnosed with bowel cancer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:59:36+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:59:36.328Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-aae22ad2-b17f-4221-82e8-fe34306d2c14\">Evenepoel sees that he and Poga\u010dar have a gap so he kicks on but Sheffield drags it back.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:59:11+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:59:11.127Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5594edbc-dd89-4bce-a702-ab38e5cdcfcf\">Poga\u010dar leading onto it with Evenepoel on his wheel. Frison and Dillier immediately dropped.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:58:37+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:58:37.710Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8ed5164f-5aec-4a1a-84b5-550a1ada713e\">Florian Vermeersch now comes to the front and replaces Dillier who has done the first part of his job. He is now just looking after Van der Poel as they start the Berg ten Houte 1.1km with an average of 6% and max of 21%.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:57:31+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:57:31.147Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-139d32fc-3e4c-4ae3-8eb5-f72b3061f719\">Dillier now starts his job that he would&#8217;ve normally done several kilometres earlier had things been usual. But the former Swiss champion and second place finisher at Paris-Roubaix found himself in the break.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:56:37+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:56:37.587Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ce4d9ab5-986d-4c58-b599-a6a19765d178\"><strong>Leaders:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAD)<br \/>Florian Vermeersch (UAD)<br \/>Mathieu van der Poel (APT)<br \/>Matej Mohoric (TBV)<br \/>Stan Dewulf (DCT)<br \/>Magnus Sheffield (IGD)<br \/>Sam Watson (IGD)<br \/>Mads Pedersen (LTK)<br \/>Remco Evenepoel (RBH)<br \/>Tim van Dijke (RBH)<br \/>Gianni Vermeersch (RBH)<br \/>Jasper Stuyven (SOQ)<br \/>Wout Van Aert (TVL)<br \/>Christophe Laporte (TVL)<br \/>Matteo Trentin (TUD)<br \/>Rick Pluimers (TUD)<br \/>Silvan Dillier (APT)<br \/>Frederik Frison (PQT)<br \/>Connor Swift (IGD)<br \/>Luke Lamperti (EFE)<br \/>Luca Van Boven (LOI)<br \/>Kamil Gradek (TBV)<br \/>Dries De Pooter (JAY)<br \/>Julius van den Berg (TPP)<br \/>Edoardo Zamperini (COF)<br \/>Hartthijs de Vries (URR)<br \/>Victor Vercouillie (TFB)<br \/>Eric Fagundez (BBH)<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:55:10+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:55:10.145Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-51a8f10c-e2a7-43fe-873f-bbf194a6a8a1\">Breakaway caught by the chasing group of favourites with the peloton now over a minute down. 28 riders now out front with 78km to go.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:52:14+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:52:14.843Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-80km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-80km-to-go\"><span>80km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-fe634922-a219-42b2-9f6f-41f002f88643\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Four and a half hours of racing down with the average speed up at 43kph. The favourites group is just 18&#8243; off the breakaway now. Swift and Dillier will be key for Watson, Sheffield and Van der Poel.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:50:44+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:50:44.016Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-crash\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-crash\"><span>Crash<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-dd9172ca-559d-4e0b-845f-5ec369d2b10d\">Iv\u00e1n Garc\u00eda Cortina (MOV)<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The Spanish rider is back on his bike again.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:49:35+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:49:35.814Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2577f4da-7a28-4daf-abc1-7bb08899a4ce\">Lots of abandons:<\/p>\n<p>S\u00f8ren W\u00e6renskjold (UXM)<br \/>Clement Alleno (BBH)<br \/>Jenthe Biermans (COF)<br \/>Dillon Corkery (TPP)<br \/>Sam Welsford (IGD)<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:47:03+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:47:03.113Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-52db19cb-a881-4e43-9004-1f645e2c0041\">The sun comes bursting out again but the roads remain soaked.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:44:26+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:44:26.629Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fc90f07e-04fe-42d3-b868-d78452adf8ce\"><strong>Favourites group:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAD)<br \/>Florian Vermeersch (UAD)<br \/>Mathieu van der Poel (APT)<br \/>Matej Mohoric (TBV)<br \/>Stan Dewulf (DCT)<br \/>Magnus Sheffield (IGD)<br \/>Sam Watson (IGD)<br \/>Mads Pedersen (LTK)<br \/>Remco Evenepoel (RBH)<br \/>Tim van Dijke (RBH)<br \/>Gianni Vermeersch (RBH)<br \/>Jasper Stuyven (SOQ)<br \/>Wout Van Aert (TVL)<br \/>Christophe Laporte (TVL)<br \/>Matteo Trentin (TUD)<br \/>Rick Pluimers (TUD)<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<p id=\"elk-fc90f07e-04fe-42d3-b868-d78452adf8ce-2\">They are 52&#8243; off the breakaway and have a minute on the peloton. 86km to go.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:41:17+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:41:17.167Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-35d65a4d-84e2-4552-8d36-e864e4c305cb\">Reminder of the break:<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Silvan Dillier (Alpecin-Premier Tech)<br \/>Frederik Frison (Pinarello-Q36.5)<br \/>Connor Swift (Ineos Grenadiers)<br \/>Luke Lamperti (EF Education-EasyPost)<br \/>Luca Van Boven (Lotto-Intermarche)<br \/>Kamil Gradek (Bahrain Victorious)<br \/>Dries De Pooter (Jayco-AlUla)<br \/>Julius van den Berg (Picnic-PostNL)<br \/>Edoardo Zamperini (Cofidis)<br \/>Hartthijs de Vries (Unibet Rose Rockets)<br \/>Victor Vercouillie (Flanders-Baloise)<br \/>Eric Fagundez (Burgos-Burpellet-BH)<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:38:31+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:38:31.994Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-640aa38f-850e-4f6c-b4fe-ff2970a43cfc\">The heaven&#8217;s have opened on this very holy day. The rain is hammering down on the riders and is due to be in the area for the next hours!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:35:10+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:35:10.045Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c837746e-1c52-4601-9a59-65c280bc6682\">Fabio van den Bossche (Soudal-Quickstep) has abandoned the race.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:34:34+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:34:34.227Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-915bb4d1-9c9c-466e-a7d1-00b8695ca5b1\">This group is full of the big hitters. This is very likely to stay away and catch the break who are now under two minutes ahead of them.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-196098bb-893f-4b66-9b08-b3e1e19f7d71\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MEKtghhLR3czmDmHo78t7a.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: (L-R) Mathieu van der Poel of Netherlands and Team Alpecin-Premier Tech, Samuel Watson of Great Britain and Team INEOS Grenadiers and Florian Vermeersch of Belgium and UAE Team Emirates - XRG lead in the chase group during the 110th Tour of Flanders - Ronde van Vlaanderen 2026 - Men&amp;amp;amp;apos;s Elite a 278.6km one day race from Antwerp to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:32:10+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:32:10.168Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-attack-in-chase\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-attack-in-chase\"><span>Attack in chase<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-8e105168-eb8d-43aa-b833-facd23f4ab87\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Kasper Asgreen (EF Education-EasyPost)<br \/>Aime De Gendt (Pinarello-Q36.5)<br \/>Jonas Abrahamsen (Uno-X Mobility)<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">But they aren&#8217;t getting a gap. They have, however, taken about 10 to 15 seconds back on the favourites group.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:30:57+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:30:57.021Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e3c92a93-9d5d-48f7-bb24-04b9b85ab790\">Van Dijke leads Evenepoel over the Berendries.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:30:34+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:30:34.686Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-682e7722-2cdb-4b42-b980-16ab745472c8\">Sainbayar caught by this favourites group and immediately spat out the back. It isn&#8217;t Moscon in the group, it is Tim van Dijke. Also Rick Pluimers not Mozzato.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:29:00+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:29:00.099Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f1621d4b-5520-431e-be25-473a9f500277\">Valgren catches Vacek and Braet but they are about to be caught by the rest of the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:28:32+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:28:32.057Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7eba4b64-eaa5-41f1-890d-8b00b5235575\">Poga\u010dar is very keen to get things moving with Watson and Van der Poel also keen but the others don&#8217;t come through with anywhere near as much vigour.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:27:51+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:27:51.202Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-808408b6-2606-46a1-8912-f4f102e2d80c\">The rain begins to fall very lightly as the riders start the Berendries. 940m long asphalt climb.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:26:34+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:26:34.670Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-639c1860-c096-4d96-9f8e-e6ed61133bf0\">Stan Dewulf (Decathlon-CMA CGM) has made it across this gap as well. The peloton being led by Pinarello-Q36.5 for Aime De Gendt as Michael Valgren (EF Edcuation-EasyPost) and Dylan van Baarle (Soudal-QuickStep) both trying to bridge the gap to the group of favourites.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:25:23+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:25:23.956Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-100km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-100km-to-go\"><span>100km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-7d24d895-5fbb-4178-baa4-ef119ae1a82e\">Poga\u010dar, Van der Poel, Evenepoel and the rest all coming through and working with 100km to go!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:24:56+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:24:56.851Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-45a58909-6ffd-4b36-b6a1-2bb8b1a8ec62\">The riders are on the Marlboroughstaart and there are two riders trying to bridge, Vito Braet (Lotto-Intermarche) and Mathias Vacek (Lidl-Trek).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:23:49+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:23:49.353Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-27343b3d-b110-40cc-83c7-31b01aa33aeb\">Magnus Sheffield, Christophe Laporte, Wout Van Aert, Josh Tarling, Luca Mozzato, Matej Mohoric, Gianni Moscon, Jasper Stuyven and Mads Pedersen in the lead group alongside Evenepoel, Poga\u010dar, Van der Poel, F. Vermeersch, Watson and maybe a couple of others.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:21:02+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:21:02.397Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e1d44cb8-7c47-4e08-ab4f-e124c5269ef9\">Florian Vermeersch hits the front and is ripping it up! Sam Watson on his wheel with Tadej Poga\u010dar, Mathieu van der Poel, Remco Evenepoel, Gianni Vermeersch and Matteo Trentin with a couple of other riders trying to follow.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-4ba7b313-e535-446b-829a-0848850636b2\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nDFt99sCWLNyDtAy7nDm89.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: Florian Vermeersch of Belgium and UAE Team Emirates - XRG leads in the chase group during the 110th Tour of Flanders - Ronde van Vlaanderen 2026 - Men&amp;amp;amp;apos;s Elite a 278.6km one day race from Antwerp to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:20:06+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:20:06.044Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d783de66-6bbd-4efb-948b-74d0bf9a5e32\">Van Aert and Pedersen fighting hard to get to the front for the Molenberg and they do just as they turn left onto the climb. Politt leads onto the ascent.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:19:23+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:19:23.866Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-12251ba0-98e6-4a78-ae7e-c247fa1d67b5\">Van Aert is way too far back. He is being guided to the front again. Poga\u010dar has Politt and Vermeersch just ahead of him as they put it in the gutter and splits are opening! Van Aert might miss this!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:18:05+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:18:05.895Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5e9db617-c580-443e-9095-98372cb5dd31\">Sainbayar dropped from the breakaway. The first Mongolian ever to ride to the Ronde.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:17:30+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:17:30.781Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-65abc7ef-cbe4-46a6-bbb9-47b54b6afc7c\">Onto the Molenberg in the breakaway. Back in the peloton, Politt leads the way as the pace is rapid. 463m 7% average gradient with 14.2% max.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:16:39+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:16:39.521Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-crash\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-crash\"><span>Crash<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-99f08c75-1205-426f-8f77-a3b6c90aacf1\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Arthur Kluckers (Tudor)<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The Luxembourg champion got a front wheel puncture, couldn&#8217;t turn and then got clipped. He finished in the ditch.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:14:27+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:14:27.728Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-612489ce-2a1f-4445-aef6-a1d272ef027a\">Tretnik leading the peloton for Evenepoel with Kopeck\u00fd dragged back yet again with 107km to go. Onto the net section of flat cobbles, the 800m Jegerij.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:13:37+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:13:37.489Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-70aef5f3-3b6f-45ac-9462-a7d5d60012b8\">Swift getting a shoe change as the old one is wrecked by the crash.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:13:12+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:13:12.350Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c57f6d39-4270-4aba-b0f6-935afed0c6f6\">Kopeck\u00fd making good progress but only has 13&#8243; on the peloton. 3&#8217;30&#8221; up to the break.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-304c8b29-9aab-4e2b-a65b-4119f6604830\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VnhyoofjfDvgtSYPD3vd8D.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: Hartthijs de Vries of Netherlands and Team Unibet Rose Rockets competes in the breakaway during the 110th Tour of Flanders - Ronde van Vlaanderen 2026 - Men&amp;amp;amp;apos;s Elite a 278.6km one day race from Antwerp to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:12:35+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:12:35.094Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7abf4ad6-50d4-42ad-850f-717ae3f5f589\">Abrahamsen gets a bike change.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:11:39+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:11:39.349Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-74ebfe70-8028-4efd-8613-8c2e70872b89\">Mechanical for Jonas Abrahamsen (Uno-X Mobility). Bit of a stressy moment for one of the outside favourites.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:10:39+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:10:39.196Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-attack\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-attack\"><span>Attack<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-dcf437d7-1cf7-4f1e-ac50-336707883571\">Tom\u00e1\u0161 Kopeck\u00fd (Unibet Rose Rockets)<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The second time the Czech rider has been on the move today. This time going clear on the Kargate cobbles.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:09:54+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:09:54.408Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a6bb0e6e-dc66-4494-9896-aaa7d32333f4\">The other race today is the women&#8217;s Tour of Flanders which is kicking off to a flying start! Follow that live as well in another tab by clicking the link below. The new tab will open automatically.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&gt;&gt;&gt; <strong>Tour of Flanders Women LIVE &#8211; The race is alive with attacks but no breakaway yet<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-0bad26ff-68ad-4146-a83b-d2d001e5303b\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9gfyoKS2FJ3NsWmoTQhyz.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: (L-R) Lauretta Hanson of Australia and Team Lidl - Trek, Marta Jaskulska of Poland and Team Human Powered Health and Alberte Greve of Denmark and Team Uno-X Mobility attack during the 23rd Tour of Flanders 2026 - Ronde van Vlaandere - Women&amp;#039;s Elite a 164.1km one day race from Oudenaarde to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium. (Photo by Luc Claessen\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:08:27+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:08:27.959Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-attack\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-attack\"><span>Attack<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-5d2b83c1-e896-4444-9aea-f10e6d8fca32\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Christophe Laporte (Visma-Lease a Bike)<br \/>Paul Magnier (Soudal-QuickStep)<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The latter putting in a huge acceleration but it comes to nothing. Unibet Rose Rockets and Bahrain Victorious try to go too but it isn&#8217;t being allowed to go as Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe continue to ride as a unit and drag them back.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:07:03+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:07:03.635Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8d61d3fd-5911-45a3-b869-33056ff1e7e9\">Swift gets back into the break but missing a chunk out of his right thigh and elbow.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:06:43+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:06:43.485Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-attack\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-attack\"><span>Attack<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-3ac56a7c-f385-4a55-a5b0-07925345dbff\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Stan Dewulf (Decathlon-CMA CGM)<br \/>Magnus Sheffield (Ineos Grenadiers)<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">But this isn&#8217;t being allowed to go.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:06:02+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:06:02.794Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fdb4d54e-7f92-4ea6-bebd-861039115c2c\">Mechanical for Per Strand Hagenes (Visma-Lease a Bike).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:05:36+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:05:36.920Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-dfdc5b8c-7bb4-4bb5-9dd3-13b84120c851\">The peloton splits and Christophe Laporte (Visma-Lease a Bike) is leading it with Van der Poel and Gregoire also in this split but Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe gets it back together again.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:03:13+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:03:13.214Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6f1c88f8-1c94-462e-a8c3-0cd9be4e71f3\">Mechanical for cyclocross star, Too Aerts (Lotto-Intermarche). The 32 year old making his debut today.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:02:43+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:02:43.916Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b8a69141-bd1c-47bc-980d-51302e4f686f\">Suddenly, Van der Poel appears right on the front alongside Evenepoel. First time seeing Poga\u010dar&#8217;s teammate, Antonio Morgado, as his rocking shoulders come to the front.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:00:32+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:00:32.016Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ad9af934-368a-41b6-a748-b3aa5e509dbb\">Mechanical for Floris Van Tricht (NSN).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:00:04+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:00:04.119Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-crash\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-crash\"><span>Crash<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-040149f5-5f6d-4329-9ddf-cf006a4a4cad\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Connor Swift (Ineos Grenadiers)<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The Yorkshireman goes down as he was trying to sort his radio wire and he just went down over the curb and slid along the ground for about 10 metres. Straight back up and riding again.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:58:57+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:58:57.679Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-597342c5-0157-4368-8be9-3a3b4ffe71a8\">Bike change at the bottom of the Eikenberg for Benoit Cosnefroy (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:57:36+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:57:36.595Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7923f478-77e3-4d66-ac81-8266bc339c7c\">Gianni Vermeersch (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) had a bike change a couple of KMs ago but makes it back in at the bottom of the climb.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:56:57+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:56:57.738Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-149d70ed-21ca-473f-8dd8-5a9fa529eed6\">The peloton now come onto the Eikenberg with Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe and UAE Team Emirates-XRG leading the way. They&#8217;re joined by Soudal-QuickStep for the first time today.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:54:57+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:54:57.630Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-120km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-120km-to-go\"><span>120km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-0e25e13e-1f32-446a-9608-ae03f74df704\">Unibet Rose Rockets, Groupama-FDJ United, TotalEnergies and a lone Tadej Poga\u010dar on the front. The latter getting swamped by Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe including Evenepoel.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:53:26+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:53:26.700Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-484b4b62-d939-40e5-bec8-ef9dadb20c8e\">Matthew Brennan (Visma-Lease a Bike) is now working very hard on the front for Van Aert. Interesting that the Brit is doing so much work early on.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:52:26+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:52:26.332Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3bb0e6e3-2230-4d98-8cba-4a9c86857320\">Onto to 1.2km Eikenberg with a max kick of 10%. Known as the red door climb to pros and locals due to, funnily enough, there being a house with a big red door at the bottom.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:51:29+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:51:29.728Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a99008e9-ba38-4927-85a9-adc99a0fdb13\">Owain Doull (Visma-Lease a Bike) and Sam Welsford (Ineos Grenadiers) agreeing on the pace in the peloton but Groupama-FDJ United, Movistar, XDS Astana, Lotto-Intermarche and NSN all come up the other side to try and swamp.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:50:33+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:50:33.857Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b2b66749-2fcb-49a4-b716-7f6a62ba5b1d\">Multiple teams lead the peloton with the gap to the break still sat at 4&#8217;50&#8221; with the Eikenberg coming up soon.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:47:40+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:47:40.012Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b4ee7389-8a60-4615-90b0-896be23596f6\">Bjerg returns to the front of the peloton leading his team&#8217;s train against XDS Astana&#8217;s train that has Arjen Livyns at the back.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:45:46+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:45:46.944Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-crash\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-crash\"><span>Crash<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-2f333cb0-5774-425a-a507-1b8f0e90d20d\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Riley Sheehan (NSN)<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">He ended up in the ditch after the feed zone.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:40:21+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:40:21.155Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-45489862-e553-48fc-95ce-0d470b965575\">Pedersen is the first big name in the peloton followed by Evenepoel then Poga\u010dar with Van Aert and Van der Poel staying very calm a little further back.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:39:40+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:39:40.838Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e1aa7d1d-460d-4329-81bc-1fd8e8f9b6ec\">You wouldn&#8217;t know it was raining about an hour ago. It is a beautiful sunny spring day on the Oude Kwaremont with gigantic crowds spilling out of the beer tents that seem to double in size every year.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:38:09+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:38:09.872Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-14ddf3ea-a8eb-492c-867f-2714f8b4a52c\">Haller now takes control of the peloton for Tudor who have two extremally talented riders in Matteo Trentin and previous fourth place finisher, Luca Mozzato.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:37:26+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:37:26.733Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-crash\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-crash\"><span>Crash<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-e4b7738f-e578-4e14-b2fd-0a81d12550fe\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Clement Alleno (Burgos-Burpellet-BH)<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">A few other riders having to unclip.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:36:18+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:36:18.203Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-644a66d7-e631-43cf-9280-ff246bf992b5\">Sam Welsford (Tudor), Jan Tratnik (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe), Mattias Norsgaard (Lidl-Trek) and Sam Welsford (Ineos Grenadiers) leading the way for the peloton as they start the cobbles.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:35:26+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:35:26.309Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-04f0595d-4dc2-4651-814b-4f865bd588d7\">The Mongolian rider, Sainbayar, leads the break over the top of the 1st ascent of the Oude Kwaremont.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:33:18+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:33:18.779Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-19fb3ae0-0a64-4624-b987-bfcb57aa0315\">Zamperini is leading the breaakway on the famous old cobbles of the 6.6% average gradient climb. Famous average, even gives the alcohol volume to the beer that shares it&#8217;s name.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-52c727ba-53e8-4dda-ab08-a70ac96244ff\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/giwnzEVaCXKvpKrRxEakPJ.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: A general view of the breakaway passing through the Oude Kwaremont cobblestones sector while fans cheer during the 110th Tour of Flanders - Ronde van Vlaanderen 2026 - Men&amp;amp;amp;apos;s Elite a 278.6km one day race from Antwerp to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:32:21+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:32:21.690Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-first-passage-of-oude-kwaremont\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-first-passage-of-oude-kwaremont\"><span>First passage of Oude Kwaremont <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-e27acfb2-ef34-4a47-af25-19f9d1cd535c\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The breakaway are now on the Oude Kwaremont as the peloton the peloton are absolutely flying. Van Aert and Van der Poel are pushed back a fair bit with Ineos Grenadiers and Uno-X Mobility leading the way to the climb.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:29:50+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:29:50.781Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-140km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-140km-to-go\"><span>140km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-755087b3-e5ae-4183-9b0d-7e80f1e44d5a\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The riders are over halfway through today with the Oude Kwaremont beckoning. The gap to the peloton has grown to 5&#8217;26&#8221; between the break and the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:27:06+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:27:06.265Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4260d3ca-26f7-45a0-8209-099a9ad7c29f\">Florian Vermeerch (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) spoke out about being shocked by receiving online abuse after chasing Van Aert at the recent Dwars door Vlaanderen&#8230;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&gt;&gt;&gt; <strong>&#8216;It shook me for a while&#8217; &#8211; Florian Vermeersch opens up about online abuse he received after helping chase down Wout van Aert at Dwars door Vlaanderen<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-189c94a4-39c9-4afa-93a0-c49970ece9a5\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DAchWE2JfDMLSBfdrLFSaA.jpg\" alt=\"Belgian Florian Vermeersch of UAE Team Emirates-XRG pictured in action during the &amp;#039;E3 Saxo Bank Classic&amp;#039; one day cycling race, 208,8km from and to Harelbeke, on Friday 27 March 2026. BELGA PHOTO JASPER JACOBS (Photo by JASPER JACOBS \/ BELGA MAG \/ Belga via AFP)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:22:07+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:22:07.009Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8b98e785-6283-45ec-ab84-1e811f32ac8b\">Van Aert is back at the car yet again. He&#8217;s been back and forth all morning. About 5km from the Oude Kwaremont now and he is right at the back as several teams are spread across the road.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:19:19+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:19:19.598Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-68353183-41d0-4e1c-aa86-a9c12a0da899\">Just 8km to the base of the Oude Kwaremont.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:16:33+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:16:33.920Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-49a76656-8d6f-4165-8819-aff00f52982a\">The gap drifts back up to over five minutes again as Ineos Grenadiers, once again, come to the front behind Bjerg and Oliveira.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:15:27+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:15:27.959Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d1c50143-712b-4976-9dc0-a584d8c28fd6\">Back in 1913, Oudenaarde had a very different relationship with the race. The first edition, won by Paul Deman, was stalled a bit as Oudenaarde refused to let the race pass through the town. How times change! Now, the town hosts the finish of the men&#8217;s race as well as the start and finish of the women&#8217;s race.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:13:14+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:13:14.822Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-32b3a407-9607-4260-ab76-571fdd03b594\">The break ride through the centre of Oudenaarde, passed the square and the Tour of Flanders Museum.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:09:02+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:09:02.042Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-659ee0bf-8f2a-4990-a863-d3bfbcf5d4d0\">The rain begins to fall yet again. 15km to the first ascent of three on the Oude Kwaremont.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:07:17+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:07:17.943Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c0bbfe62-f0c0-4a92-9cf2-fd1f3514586f\">Just about 4km until the first look at Oudenaarde as the two pelotons come back together again. 4&#8217;42&#8221; up to the breakaway.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:06:02+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:06:02.592Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-15b361e9-3efb-48f2-ab62-dd9396c568d2\">The second peloton is about 10 to 15 seconds behind the front part of the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:03:31+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:03:31.354Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-58e9b7cf-906a-4cbb-be44-9aff51dfedca\">Paul Magnier (Soudal-QuickStep) caught out of the back. He&#8217;s at the car but there&#8217;s no stress in the bunch.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:02:31+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:02:31.350Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ba9cedee-50a2-448b-a11f-11da7994deb1\">Over a minute has been taken out of the breakaway since starting the Lippenhovestraat. 4&#8217;27&#8221; between the break and the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:01:37+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:01:37.993Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7b24be79-2da0-4bc8-b9c5-7c4c3ed762f6\">There&#8217;s a split in the peloton after the Padestraat. Bjerg continued a very high pace and there&#8217;s a huge group that has missed this split with Pinarello-Q36.5, Groupama-FDJ United and Movistar leading the chase.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T10:57:07+00:00\">2026-04-05T10:57:07.786Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-160km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-160km-to-go\"><span>160km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-556ef33c-404d-4114-a64e-973b8a58ff81\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Into the final 100 miles and the break has a gap of 4&#8217;34&#8221;.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T10:56:12+00:00\">2026-04-05T10:56:12.495Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ce352f5f-cb31-4e5c-87b6-91bf110cc85a\">UAE Team Emirates-XRG have complete control of the peloton on these early cobbled sections.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T10:51:08+00:00\">2026-04-05T10:51:08.558Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a01780c5-d465-4642-b16a-f221346b2895\">Van der Poel, Poga\u010dar, Evenepoel, Van Aert, Pedersen and the other big names all moved to the front of the peloton as they begin the Lippenhovestraat. Bjerg leads the peloton onto the cobbles.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T10:49:06+00:00\">2026-04-05T10:49:06.426Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c9de6bc4-3f28-4c52-9837-12abdee5c724\">The break finishes the Lippenhovestraat and head onto the Padestraat shortly afterwards.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T10:48:41+00:00\">2026-04-05T10:48:41.266Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ca7310c3-08a1-404d-9388-9d579c655ad7\">UAE Team Emirates-XRG have really powered on the pace led by Bjerg, of course.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-9a9b3f43-eaeb-444a-aab8-e85649764141\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S63WNx4cBrmnaq5UDimUo7.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: Mikkel Bjerg of Denmark and UAE Team Emirates - XRG leads the peloton during the 110th Tour of Flanders - Ronde van Vlaanderen 2026 - Men&amp;amp;amp;apos;s Elite a 278.6km one day race from Antwerp to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T10:46:52+00:00\">2026-04-05T10:46:52.111Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-first-cobbled-section\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-first-cobbled-section\"><span>First cobbled section<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-bfedd0a7-7393-40e3-ae70-9b3ca5ece111\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The breakaway leads the 2026 Tour of Flanders onto the Lippenhovestraat.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-5038f651-578b-46a4-acd7-4fb8ce9f7b5c\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/faZBdzbo7uqd3DUHmCYKGS.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: Edoardo Zamperini of Italy and Team Cofidis leads the breakaway during the 110th Tour of Flanders - Ronde van Vlaanderen 2026 - Men&amp;amp;amp;apos;s Elite a 278.6km one day race from Antwerp to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T10:42:40+00:00\">2026-04-05T10:42:40.975Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c0bdc697-850f-4dc0-9f9d-2121a18d59b8\">The Kiwi added his thoughts on the day itself:<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;It&#8217;s quite a heavy headwind, so the first 120km will be pretty hard, I&#8217;d say. Just, long. But yeah, once we get into the decisive moments, there&#8217;s a lot of cross tailwind, so it&#8217;ll be super fast, and yeah, if you&#8217;re in a back group, you probably won&#8217;t come back.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T10:40:47+00:00\">2026-04-05T10:40:47.741Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-54015410-0880-4f9d-9edb-fc0ae7990cdf\">Laurence Pithie talking to <em>James Moultrie <\/em>before the start today about the inclusion of Evenepoel in the race:<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;It changes a lot. It doesn&#8217;t change the vibe too much, we&#8217;ve had a very good vibe all Classics period, and now we&#8217;re here. He&#8217;s coming in (Evenepoel). But, we still have the same vibe.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<p id=\"elk-54015410-0880-4f9d-9edb-fc0ae7990cdf-2\">&#8220;It is different when you have someone like Remco who can really change a race. His confidence, his motivation, it&#8217;s crazy to see the champion mindset like his.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I think he is super enthusiastic to go full, and we&#8217;re also super enthusiastic to help him as much as we can. Arguably, you could say we have one of the strongest lineups just without the superstar. So, now Remco has come in, I think he&#8217;s set.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T10:34:02+00:00\">2026-04-05T10:34:02.969Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cbf4c8e3-ff47-4739-83af-1ab8e1837164\">Van Aert back at the car yet again getting rid of his wet weather gear.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T10:32:03+00:00\">2026-04-05T10:32:03.550Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c9f2e195-d180-446b-8056-5271e501b797\">The gap is stable at 5&#8217;13&#8221; for the race with the break riding so well at the front ahead of the peloton that is still led by Bjerg.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T10:30:12+00:00\">2026-04-05T10:30:12.305Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-180km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-180km-to-go\"><span>180km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-f8b1e684-a897-45b7-9fd6-bf104590ed76\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Very nearly 100km of racing done and the cobbles are close to beginning with the Lippenhovestraat coming in just over 10km.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T10:26:20+00:00\">2026-04-05T10:26:20.098Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-58533bab-4fcf-4cbd-ba2f-e7d7c0dc02ba\">Two hours done and the average speed is still up to 45kph.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T10:20:44+00:00\">2026-04-05T10:20:44.956Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-055bcdee-060a-467c-9bd0-b8b441228141\">The time gap has dropped to just over five minutes. Bjerg is doing well but Oliveira has joined him in the chase.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T10:18:04+00:00\">2026-04-05T10:18:04.981Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ca7ba8ba-e036-4995-b16e-c9a85a2651cf\">Enjoying our live race coverage? Subscribe to Cyclingnews for an all-access pass to our unrivalled reporting of WorldTour racing, bike tech and exclusive in-depth features. Plus, access to the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on-the-go! <strong>Find out more<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T10:10:45+00:00\">2026-04-05T10:10:45.101Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-39786691-0610-44fb-8357-55b20e6c6e30\">The peloton in one long line as Bjerg continues his pace setting.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T10:07:34+00:00\">2026-04-05T10:07:34.765Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1bf7850b-3f50-4349-8064-13ed326ef6bd\">Fortunately for the riders, the rain has stopped.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T10:07:07+00:00\">2026-04-05T10:07:07.766Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-200km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-200km-to-go\"><span>200km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-26318192-2992-4cff-aab4-a0d4f4a3a140\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Almost 75km of racing done. Bjerg still leads the peloton with the break holding 5&#8217;13&#8221; on the chasing pack.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:58:59+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:58:59.792Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cdcd60f0-87cf-40f0-be01-1e9b309a3e60\">Lots of riders stopping to get wet weather gear.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:57:40+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:57:40.763Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7c736103-ebac-49d0-8f7b-9bf3e4a43e3d\">Van Aert back at the car to get a rain jacket on.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:55:52+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:55:52.074Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d1bb0bee-3edd-458a-80e8-e6c9e142b26e\">It is raining! The roads are wet and this will add another layer of difficulty.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:52:57+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:52:57.982Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-01d530a7-7dc7-424a-b49a-3597b4ecca34\">UAE come to the front en masse now and are pushing much harder as the break has 5&#8217;08&#8221; on the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:52:16+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:52:16.377Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-743bd699-ec45-4df1-b643-a87c13e94ae7\">The peloton has now lost a minute and a half on the break with over five minutes splitting them.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:51:40+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:51:40.089Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b10f85e1-bca4-4dd5-91a9-0f088210b123\">Evenepoel is in the group with Poga\u010dar. But the peloton are coming back led by Alpecin-Premier Tech and Visma-Lease a Bike.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:50:50+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:50:50.761Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-race-neutralised\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-race-neutralised\"><span>Race neutralised <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-d69cf7da-4b46-4289-9764-ae2dad18207a\">The front part of the peloton has been neutralised after the level crossing closed. The UAE riders are not happy but Poga\u010dar seems absolutely fine with it. As all of their riders have made it through. Van der Poel has been caught in the split.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:47:45+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:47:45.108Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e3851021-79a2-4128-bd88-ebe3cf318fb2\">The peloton has been split into two due to a level crossing closing!<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&gt;&gt;&gt; <strong>2026 Tour of Flanders Men briefly neutralised after over half peloton stopped at level crossing<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-c43e597e-4283-43d4-a998-9c7e083fb6b5\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2uTc6MWEffMuGkfaTgFCFE.jpg\" alt=\"2026 Tour of Flanders: riders blocked at a level crossing\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:47:02+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:47:02.454Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3d661204-8750-4e5b-b6c9-c8959fcc2892\">Jasper Stuyven (Soudal-QuickStep) is hoping to take his rivals off guard and take a surprise win, just like he did a few years ago at Milan-San Remo.<\/p>\n<p>&gt;&gt;&gt; <strong>&#8216;I\u2019m not going to wait for an attack&#8217; \u2013 Jasper Stuyven hopes to put Soudal-QuickStep\u2019s classics campaign back on course at the Tour of Flanders<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-0eda6222-6c08-4024-81a3-fd67f4f8395a\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fp4qtqtFM9svCURqdLYDUj.jpg\" alt=\"Belgian Jasper Stuyven of Soudal Quick-Step is pictured during a press conference of the Soudal - Quick-Step cycling team ahead of the Ronde van Vlaanderen \/ Tour des Flandres \/ Tour of Flanders cycling race, Friday 03 April 2026 in Antwerp. The 110th edition of the cycling race will take place on Sunday 5th April. BELGA PHOTO JONAS ROOSENS (Photo by JONAS ROOSENS \/ BELGA MAG \/ Belga \/ AFP via Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:45:46+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:45:46.276Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a0e2b48f-531b-401d-8714-de28f023f73f\">The break are riding really well and the gap is up to 3&#8217;20&#8221; over the peloton.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-37f3f802-f079-4249-9078-834022581b97\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dbptYzZ54REEVkdzpJWdG6.jpg\" alt=\"The pack rides during the men&amp;#039;s race of the &amp;#039;Ronde van Vlaanderen\/ Tour des Flandres\/ Tour of Flanders&amp;#039; UCI WorldTour one day cycling race, 278 km from Antwerp to Oudenaarde, on April 5, 2026. (Photo by DAVID PINTENS \/ Belga \/ AFP) \/ Belgium OUT\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:43:42+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:43:42.723Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3a783b1d-2706-4ac9-922a-8481f35e4172\">It is interesting watching teams come and go from the front and you don&#8217;t really notice it happen. Ineos Grenadiers have disappeared and now XDS Astana and Picnic-PostNL are the teams up to the front with a rider from Tudor and TotalEnergies just behind Bjerg.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:38:08+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:38:08.510Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-220km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-220km-to-go\"><span>220km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-51a485e8-4996-4523-bbd4-669dc6acf15e\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Ineos Grenadiers take over as the main presence behind the lone UAE rider, Bjerg replaces Politt on the point of the peloton again. Over three minutes to the break.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:35:41+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:35:41.517Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2511f588-4ae3-4c4b-b077-be7c6c04132c\">The first abandon of the day comes as a blow for Evenepoel as it is the Austalian leadout man, Jarrad Drizners (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) who had left the race before reaching the first cobbles of the day.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:34:47+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:34:47.260Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-688e2672-b5c5-46eb-8941-102a6339bfae\">Bike change for Martijn Rasenberg (Unibet Rose Rockets).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:32:16+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:32:16.482Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5731a414-cd91-4d74-8f5b-74e6872d9be9\">Lamperti back at the car in the break for a new bidon and some gels. Maybe a bit of Easter egg as well?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:31:26+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:31:26.482Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d41aed32-ac51-4f35-b546-604b4ab9b177\">Tadej Poga\u010dar speaking before the start today&#8230;<\/p>\n<div class=\"instagram-embed\" id=\"elk-DWvkBb0jK2p\">\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version=\"6\">\n<p>A post shared by Cyclingnews (@cyclingnews_feed)<\/p>\n<p>A photo posted by on <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:30:13+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:30:13.565Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2ec8482b-c2dd-4b7c-a8d7-63733eec08e5\">Just over an hour done and the average speed is around 46kph. It has been a rapid start.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:28:42+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:28:42.338Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1da77a58-c474-46f6-ba6d-ed980e12d95a\">Nils Politt (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) comes back to the front again ahead of a large group of Groupama-FDJ United riders, interestingly. Romain Gr\u00e9goire performed well at Dwars door Vlaanderen but couldn&#8217;t follow the attack of Van Aert on the Nokereberg.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:26:35+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:26:35.892Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7ae07845-583c-4ffc-b333-ca6fd4ad9611\">De Pooter has finally got his overshoes off and he hands them back to the team car.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:25:15+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:25:15.938Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e836f24f-1f7f-48b4-853f-0b63236e3109\">The gap grows to 2&#8217;20&#8221; on the peloton. Bjerg looking around and is on the radio as well.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:23:34+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:23:34.321Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-crash\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-crash\"><span>Crash<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-b4f28c3d-14f5-4e2c-8130-37163b204ad9\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Florian Dauphin (TotalEnergies)<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The Frenchman has a ripped shorts but seems okay.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:18:45+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:18:45.173Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8cb5ea85-7276-407f-a2e5-09d3c02d2dea\">Interestingly, Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe have a rider in second wheel behind Bjerg. Alpecin-Premier Tech, Lidl-Trek and Tudor also have a presence near the front.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:17:20+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:17:20.217Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f8b707e0-8ec6-4d4d-96e6-0e8881a1241f\">The gap is continuing to grow for the 12 man break with a gap of 1&#8217;47&#8221; between them and the Bjerg led peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:14:54+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:14:54.637Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8c2b6057-88af-4cc8-aadc-a65749026b2c\">Van der Poel before the start today&#8230;<\/p>\n<div class=\"instagram-embed\" id=\"elk-DWvjRRNjOnW\">\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version=\"6\">\n<p>A post shared by Cyclingnews (@cyclingnews_feed)<\/p>\n<p>A photo posted by on <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:11:44+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:11:44.223Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0fe68517-73a1-4f3b-89d7-ad8dabe9b6a6\">De Pooter at the back of the break attempting to take his overshoes off but the pace is high so it he is having a bit of trouble.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:08:12+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:08:12.411Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-de52760f-610e-46f5-a4e6-4307c54d20bb\">It looks like the peloton is gone but Mikkel Bjerg (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) is on the front and still has the peloton rather strung out. However, lots of riders are taking the chance to have a natural break.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:05:52+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:05:52.646Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-643fcb47-8050-487c-a938-b96d1fecba4b\">Dillier isn&#8217;t doing any work in the break.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:05:39+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:05:39.974Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7f342c01-b6c0-4f7f-b17d-a98cd4f50fcb\">The break now have over 40&#8243; on the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:04:45+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:04:45.798Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-03724484-8032-46bf-9092-26897389b999\"><strong>Breakaway:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Silvan Dillier (Alpecin-Premier Tech)<br \/>Frederik Frison (Pinarello-Q36.5)<br \/>Connor Swift (Ineos Grenadiers)<br \/>Luke Lamperti (EF Education-EasyPost)<br \/>Luca Van Boven (Lotto-Intermarche)<br \/>Kamil Gradek (Bahrain Victorious)<br \/>Dries De Pooter (Jayco-AlUla)<br \/>Julius van den Berg (Picnic-PostNL)<br \/>Jambaljamts Sainbayar (Burgos-Burpellet-BH)<br \/>Edoardo Zamperini (Cofidis)<br \/>Hartthijs de Vries (Unibet Rose Rockets)<br \/>Victor Vercouillie (Flanders-Baloise)<br \/>Eric Fagundez (Burgos-Burpellet-BH)<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:00:08+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:00:08.219Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d5c6d231-3c68-4118-bf21-623e54a41b63\">A break is forming! About 15 riders involved.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Silvan Dillier (Alpecin-Premier Tech) is a surprising addition and, immediately, UAE Team Emirates-XRG scramble a chase.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:58:38+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:58:38.936Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4791051d-c5d4-4753-8afc-0172981c7471\">Van der Poel joins Van Aert in rejecting favourite status and pushes all the pressure on Poga\u010dar&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>&gt;&gt;&gt; <strong>&#8216;He&#8217;s one level above all the rest&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel rejects status as favourite to beat Tadej Poga\u010dar in Tour of Flanders<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-53d8c255-2b33-4d39-8e31-f58c6af6f660\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XE9xXss84hR8iWw3AbXeFR.jpg\" alt=\"2026 Tour of Flanders: Mathieu van der Poel before the start\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:53:22+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:53:22.735Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9e625cb5-93f4-4471-8ad8-00b4bd81fa09\">Tom\u00e1\u0161 Kopeck\u00fd (Unibet Rose Rockets) is the next lone rider to get a gap on the peloton as they ride into Sint-Niklaas. Kopeck\u00fd is joined by a rider from Bahrain Victorious and Pinarello-Q36.5 but TotalEnergies is leading the string of riders that will bring the peloton back to them yet again.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:50:48+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:50:48.036Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-95f3e861-d9e0-464c-8eb6-9a809e448f66\">Half an hour in and there is still no break. One Flanders-Baloise rider has a small gap but, yet again, it is swiftly closed down.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:49:58+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:49:58.354Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9912098b-e329-4b87-bf78-700ea51ae057\">Van Aert gets back in with Stan Dewulf (Decathlon-CMA CGM) immediately starting up a conversation with him.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:48:00+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:48:00.993Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e8c7e82d-2021-4087-8677-688569c375a3\">Van Aert rolling back into the peloton after a natural break and a quick chat at the car.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-d98d1617-d5cc-4432-85c9-2967f50772b7\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BSaPfQiCajZ3BJAsqi4iQK.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: Wout van Aert of Belgium and Team Visma | Lease a Bike competes during the 110th Tour of Flanders - Ronde van Vlaanderen 2026 - Men&amp;#039;s Elite a 278.6km one day race from Antwerp to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:46:52+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:46:52.660Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5cca1aa2-5e8f-40c3-8449-edd4fc02a660\">Evenepoel is making his debut at the race today&#8230;<\/p>\n<div class=\"instagram-embed\" id=\"elk-DWvcZ_QjB6t\">\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version=\"6\">\n<p>A post shared by Cyclingnews (@cyclingnews_feed)<\/p>\n<p>A photo posted by on <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:45:05+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:45:05.072Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-260km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-260km-to-go\"><span>260km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-4aaff9ba-35c8-4924-9d2a-58facd5cc5ef\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Flanders-Baloise, Movistar, Tudor and Picnic-PostNL have been involved in every move so far with Pinarello-Q36.5, Burgos-Burpellet-BH, EF Education-EasyPost and Unibet Rose Rockets all regularly involved too.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:43:43+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:43:43.579Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5c2ab31d-cf69-4315-b61d-048b66a6cc57\">There is a strong headwind which is killing any attacker&#8217;s momentum.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-eda2ba83-b825-43c6-b567-2fe4a2c906d1\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/36rsYNQpRXnimbD4xva8C6.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: A general view of the peloton competing while fans cheer during the 110th Tour of Flanders - Ronde van Vlaanderen 2026 - Men&amp;amp;amp;apos;s Elite a 278.6km one day race from Antwerp to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:43:17+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:43:17.551Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-decc7d70-2934-4119-ba35-43756f0011c4\">It&#8217;s wave after wave of attacks but the peloton don&#8217;t even seem to be trying and just manage to bring it back every time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:41:35+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:41:35.724Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-57b37724-1a6d-4379-a350-c779f15f2c36\">The moves continue to come bit they just aren&#8217;t getting the gap. Marco Haller (Tudor) involved in this latest move with Jon Barrenetxea (Movistar) and a few others. The Spaniard has been riding really well in this Classics season with a couple of 12th places in Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne and Dwars door Vlaanderen.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:37:07+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:37:07.804Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bfc5fc99-f770-4f2e-ae31-d003cb1e68c5\">Matthew Brennan (Visma-Lease a Bike) is at the team car with radio issues.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:36:31+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:36:31.793Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-834330a7-fb54-429b-934d-2bd49055d61e\">Simmons brought back but now Sam Welsford (Ineos Grenadiers) drags three other riders clear including Fredrik Frison (Pinarello-Q36.5) but Albert Torres (Movistar) closes things down again.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:33:51+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:33:51.949Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fa49047a-cfce-49d7-8eba-3d0c38c8622e\">Colby Simmons (EF Education-EasyPost) launches clear and has a gap. Riders trying to join but the headwind is meaning that attackers just drag the rest of the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:31:40+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:31:40.594Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-21d6d289-93e8-484b-a954-abe5fa3bc470\">Puncture for Fabian Lienhard (Tudor).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:30:57+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:30:57.057Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1cc02d76-93ba-477b-922d-6d2aa25999b2\">Hugo de la Calle (Burgos-Burpellet-BH) is the next to try a move but nothing is going for the moment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:28:31+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:28:31.675Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e1e3f60d-1135-4581-ab2d-2116af94856f\">Nils Politt (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) begins to control the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:28:15+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:28:15.172Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-321afb8f-001e-4e38-b47e-6750a908aeb1\">Attack by Victor Vercouillie (Flanders-Baloise) but nothing is being allowed to go just yet.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:23:51+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:23:51.883Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-745b4090-99a5-402e-82bf-9190b335e5c0\">No break for the moment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:23:05+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:23:05.114Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9f2664e8-1cc7-46bb-8929-469820064a23\">Unibet Rose Rockets are the next to launch a move and he gets a gap but he&#8217;s dragged back.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:20:53+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:20:53.798Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-278-2km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-278-2km-to-go\"><span>278.2km to go!<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-d5371643-db5e-467e-a834-44d0156430c8\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Racing begins and Picnic-PostNL begin the attacks.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:19:39+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:19:39.204Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4c8765db-a6a7-4e79-8f05-0066f89e180b\">The startlist is absolutely stacked! Tadej Poga\u010dar, Mathieu van der Poel, Wout Van Aert, Mads Pedersen and Remco Evenepoel among a long list of super talents.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-c8fce5c8-4d8d-4f87-84aa-22a1cb1a4afc\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QCs326X5zLNC728LHPnW3T.jpg\" alt=\"ANTWERP, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: (L-R) Remco Evenepoel of Belgium and Team Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe, Mads Pedersen of Denmark and Team Lidl - Trek, Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates - XRG, Wout van Aert of Belgium and Team Visma | Lease a Bike and Mathieu van der Poel of Netherlands and Team Alpecin-Premier Tech prior to the 110th Tour of Flanders - Ronde van Vlaanderen 2026 - Men&amp;amp;amp;apos;s Elite a 278.6km one day race from Antwerp to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Antwerp, Belgium. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:05:56+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:05:56.557Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-002c1eb6-aae5-4199-be65-b7ea6bc96415\">The riders have started the neutral zone. Rui Oliveira (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) clipped a wheel as they started and hit the barriers. He is back riding.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:04:19+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:04:19.874Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-50e41604-4f10-4bd2-9e04-0ddec33a351d\">Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech) seems very pleased that Evenepoel has decided to debut at the Ronde this year&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>&gt;&gt;&gt; <strong>&#8216;Not a disadvantage for me&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel welcomes addition of Remco Evenepoel to Tour of Flanders but warns against underestimating debutant<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-6f79a7cb-814c-48b7-ad8c-71b792d678a9\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E5dqAv8QTj8CEBHYY4GxpA.jpg\" alt=\"MIDDELKERKE, BELGIUM - MARCH 29: Mathieu van der Poel of Alpecin-Premier Tech of Netherlands, Ben Turner of INEOS Grenadiers of Great Britain during the Flanders Fields Men Elite at the Wevelgem on March 29, 2026 in Middelkerke Belgium (Photo by Pim Waslander\/Soccrates\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:01:48+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:01:48.853Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f2a55217-8bf5-425c-9a6f-78bbe3719a6a\">Wout Van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike) refuses to be included in the discussion when it comes to the biggest names of the sport&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>&gt;&gt;&gt; <strong>&#8216;I don&#8217;t consider myself in the big four&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert &#8216;older and wiser&#8217; but avoids talking himself up for major Tour of Flanders battle<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-b1209542-8c5c-4634-9f4f-df50b2c434ec\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/v2f6yDEapxtfhcsY9Wmqi5.jpg\" alt=\"A side shot of Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike) riding up a cobbled climb during In Flanders Fields, with excited fans cheering behind a barrier\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Zac Williams\/SWpix.com)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T07:59:10+00:00\">2026-04-05T07:59:10.063Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5ca300fa-0c7a-412a-805d-04d11659f662\">Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) is, obviously, the big favourite for today. However, he is a bit concerned about the ability of Evenepoel and his unpredictability&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>&gt;&gt;&gt; <strong>&#8216;He can attack in the most random places&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar ponders potential tactical headache of Remco Evenepoel at Tour of Flanders<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-effaa0ba-8fa4-4a2b-a418-fc3df5b7de7b\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TRo4eCDSYkD6hHXQ2YpsaM.jpg\" alt=\"ANTWERP, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates - XRG prior to the 110th Tour of Flanders - Ronde van Vlaanderen 2026 - Men&amp;amp;amp;apos;s Elite a 278.6km one day race from Antwerp to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Antwerp, Belgium. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T07:54:48+00:00\">2026-04-05T07:54:48.185Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-182a36c2-b515-48ad-a9df-69d7a45901ca\">Hello and welcome to <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>&#8216; live report of the men&#8217;s Tour of Flanders\/Ronde Van Vlaanderen 2026!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<p id=\"elk-ef6d9112-128d-477d-b480-fbf0df8e946e\">It was a surprise on April Fool&#8217;s Day that the announcement of Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) wasn&#8217;t a joke and very definitely is happening! Whether you like how they did the announcement or not, it captured the attention of the cycling world!<\/p>\n<p>&gt;&gt;&gt; <strong>&#8216;I deliberately got rid of my social media for two weeks&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel addresses drama of surprise Tour of Flanders debut and says he wouldn&#8217;t be starting if victory wasn&#8217;t possible<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-e2997f55-492c-4b06-a047-118fa69e4217\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EpeEMUPeVXkyiWBiWyugWE.jpg\" alt=\"Belgian Remco Evenepoel of Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe pictured during a press conference of the Red Bull - Bora - Hansgrohe cycling team ahead of the Ronde van Vlaanderen \/ Tour des Flandres \/ Tour of Flanders cycling race, Friday 03 April 2026 in Ledegem. The 110th edition of the cycling race will take place on Sunday 5th April. BELGA PHOTO DAVID PINTENS (Photo by DAVID PINTENS \/ BELGA MAG \/ Belga \/ AFP via Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<div id=\"mid-article-leaderboard\" class=\"ad-unit sm:hidden block\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"viafoura-comments\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\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=\"relative h-[--truncate-height] sm:h-[--truncate-desktop-height] overflow-hidden transition-[height] duration-150\" data-test-id=\"container\" data-component-name=\"Util:Truncate\" id=\"viafoura-comments-container\">\n<div class=\"relative z-10 viafoura\" id=\"viafoura-comment-wrapper\" data-test-id=\"content\">\n<div class=\"viafoura\">\n<div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"absolute bg-gradient-to-t from-[--truncate-gradient-color,white] from-50% h-28 z-20 w-full bottom-0 flex items-end justify-center px-0 rounded-none\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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<div class=\"related-articles-block\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\" article-body \">\n<div class=\"button wcp-live-feed-reload\">Refresh <i class=\"fa fa-refresh\"><\/i><\/div>\n<div id=\"ad-unit-1\" class=\"ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:LiveReportUpdater\">\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T17:23:29+00:00\">2026-04-05T17:23:29.874Z<\/time><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-04723174-dded-4b7c-a156-9f4eb8071b31\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m7StpYWVmKfbVjg7cCWXF5.jpg\" alt=\"wide view of three riders on the podium all spraying champagne\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The top three get their moment <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T16:15:22+00:00\">2026-04-05T16:15:22.360Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5e8b4b4d-0a74-4bc6-b1df-0db89ceae30b\">Wout van Aert reaction after the Tour of Flanders &#8211; he wasn&#8217;t overly happy, but not absolutely dissatisfied either.<\/p>\n<p><strong>&#8216;We could only have come back if they had started looking at each other&#8217; &#8211; Wout van Aert settles for fourth in Tour of Flanders<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-eae83e09-5261-4f67-b143-7e49747d5d3c\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nKoWJ9miybUSyax2pvhFJX.jpg\" alt=\"2026 Tour of Flanders: Wout van Aert finishes fourth\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T15:23:17+00:00\">2026-04-05T15:23:17.430Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-91b8f48a-e102-42cf-aaed-cf1f8e22352a\">Into the final 20km of the women&#8217;s race now with a group of about 15 riders head to the final Oude Kwaremonnt\/Paterberg doubleheader. Follow along with out other live page!<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&gt;&gt;&gt; <strong>Tour of Flanders Women LIVE &#8211; The day&#8217;s break is caught and a group of favourites lead into the final 40km<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-279185fb-6923-48c5-892f-a7d7ae838448\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9a9DipyZ9m5xeZFRdyiDz4.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: Celia Gery of France and Team FDJ United - SUEZ leads the breakaway during the 23rd Tour of Flanders 2026 - Ronde van Vlaandere - Women&amp;#039;s Elite a 164.1km one day race from Oudenaarde to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium. (Photo by Luc Claessen\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T15:20:05+00:00\">2026-04-05T15:20:05.766Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7d973045-875c-4582-813d-27d0795d774f\">Tadej Poga\u010dar has raced three times this year and the consistency is startling.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Strade Bianche &#8211; 1st<br \/>Milan-San Remo &#8211; 1st<br \/>Tour of Flanders &#8211; 1st<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<p id=\"elk-7d973045-875c-4582-813d-27d0795d774f-2\">Up next&#8230; Paris-Roubaix and a date with destiny? Is the Monument Grand Slam very much on for the 2026 season?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T15:14:59+00:00\">2026-04-05T15:14:59.214Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-31f6ab88-d2b9-467d-8810-19847742b470\">Relive the final moments of Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s record equalling ride.<\/p>\n<div class=\"instagram-embed\" id=\"elk-DWwRB5hjBbc\">\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version=\"6\">\n<p>A post shared by Ronde van Vlaanderen (@rondevanvlaanderen)<\/p>\n<p>A photo posted by on <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T15:06:29+00:00\">2026-04-05T15:06:29.022Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b3420b76-9b93-4cca-b8dc-31f54e69b718\">Jasper Stuyven (Soudal-QuickStep) led in the rest with Florian Vermeersch (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) just behind his fellow Belgian. A few seconds after them was Matej Mohori\u010d (Bahrain Victorious) then about a minute to Christophe Laporte (Visma-Lease a Bike) and Gianni Vermeersch (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) closing out the top 10.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-451f11f1-f5b9-40db-a994-53da07a5617f\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NiD4LcrFaiFaiufftiSo9c.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: Jasper Stuyven of Belgium and Team Soudal Quick-Step crosses the finish line during the 110th Tour of Flanders - Ronde van Vlaanderen 2026 - Men&amp;amp;amp;apos;s Elite a 278.6km one day race from Antwerp to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:59:41+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:59:41.074Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ce9915b3-0e03-4f84-b454-4dbadc92d518\">A few days ago, Evenepoel&#8217;s former boss, Patrick Lefevere, said that he should focus on one-day races rather than stage races. He finished a solid fifth at the Volta a Catalunya this year but he has looked brilliant today and is often on top form for one-day races.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:43:03+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:43:03.971Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f69a415f-5e39-44e6-837f-6faa00f8fbe2\">Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) takes a very impressive fifth on the day after a horrible start of the year. The top 5 are the Famous Five we all hyped up beforehand.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-3d3a8ddd-9817-4932-8e6a-d2cd0eeaafa4\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uXNBUUH4nLLJmhp4rCZUug.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: Mads Pedersen of Denmark and Team Lidl - Trek crosses the finish line during the 110th Tour of Flanders - Ronde van Vlaanderen 2026 - Men&amp;amp;amp;apos;s Elite a 278.6km one day race from Antwerp to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:42:04+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:42:04.010Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-003fcf63-17e6-4fcd-91b2-be07da5773e7\">Wout Van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike) gets a huge cheer as he crosses the line in fourth place.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-d2351ebf-d555-41db-8862-9fdea369c888\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f67uR37K6P6BYdvfxRY4rW.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: Wout van Aert of Belgium and Team Visma | Lease a Bike crosses the finish line during the 110th Tour of Flanders - Ronde van Vlaanderen 2026 - Men&amp;amp;amp;apos;s Elite a 278.6km one day race from Antwerp to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:41:28+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:41:28.994Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c574ccd5-45ea-4894-8597-7b8c2eee4476\">Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) finishes a magnificent third on his Tour of Flanders debut.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-774ddf1c-bef4-4be5-a100-9955026bb228\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4vPCHYsFasjTonpeAPHAgS.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: Remco Evenepoel of Belgium and Team Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe crosses the finish line on third place during the 110th Tour of Flanders - Ronde van Vlaanderen 2026 - Men&amp;amp;amp;apos;s Elite a 278.6km one day race from Antwerp to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:40:59+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:40:59.352Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-223f85a7-1210-4000-8994-15ba17e97471\">Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel embrace after the finish.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:40:33+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:40:33.583Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-09b0d495-f0e2-46c8-84b1-84dca2e5f948\">Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech) takes second place.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:40:00+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:40:00.159Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-11f7c114-3fb4-4a34-bc8a-b0cd9f69c416\">Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) wins the Tour of Flanders and his 12th Monument.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-59b3d2c6-91c6-47ec-a861-4632196dc05e\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3XGwPPwmVshszv733ZKf7f.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates - XRG celebrates at finish line as race winner during the 110th Tour of Flanders - Ronde van Vlaanderen 2026 - Men&amp;amp;amp;apos;s Elite a 278.6km one day race from Antwerp to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:39:30+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:39:30.678Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0d147a4c-a214-4b67-9f41-2cb0db1e6394\">Poga\u010dar sits up with 500 metres to go. He joins the greats on three wins.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:39:01+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:39:01.797Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-flamme-rouge\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-flamme-rouge\"><span>Flamme Rouge<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-98e7e685-13eb-413a-9b5f-19d7bb589de1\">Poga\u010dar leads under the red kite and waves to the TV moto as it is deviated off. Van der Poel will take second and Evenepoel will take third.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:37:26+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:37:26.562Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-565cd7a2-7576-4cc4-9ef7-64434bea9b81\">2km to go now for Poga\u010dar.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:35:33+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:35:33.702Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ec49443d-d58a-4a87-a07a-5bdd538622af\">4km to go now for the great Slovenian.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:34:39+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:34:39.797Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-5km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-5km-to-go\"><span>5km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-f5ed3121-a027-4bb1-928d-c524ecdda651\">Tadej Poga\u010dar leads.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Mathieu van der Poel is second by 40&#8243;.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<p id=\"elk-f5ed3121-a027-4bb1-928d-c524ecdda651-2\">Remco Evenepoel is third at 1&#8217;20&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>Wout Van Aert just off the podium in fourth at 2&#8217;05&#8221;.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:32:43+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:32:43.562Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-490371f8-2eaf-41ea-9e05-8f97e34d1130\">I am happy to say that I was wrong about Evenepoel&#8217;s chances in this race. I was expecting him to lose touch far earlier than he did. He is likely going to take third today on debut.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:31:42+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:31:42.952Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f2fc7064-6485-4444-8fa5-74972c048a19\">Now the gap opens a bit again. There was a brief glimpse of hope but now Van der Poel is 26&#8243; down on Poga\u010dar. Evenepole is 1&#8217;09&#8221; down and Van Aert is 1&#8217;49&#8221; down.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:29:36+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:29:36.605Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8ee62559-4db2-4ae8-92f4-17aadd95caa1\">Now Van der Poel joins the long straight road that Poga\u010dar is on and immediately the gap is closing. Just 15&#8243; now!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:28:07+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:28:07.626Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-10km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-10km-to-go\"><span>10km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-6047b4f3-e257-4d1f-b9a5-f2f86d768577\">Tadej Poga\u010dar leads Mathieu van der Poel by 22&#8243; with Remco Evenepoel a 1&#8217;05&#8221;.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:27:00+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:27:00.600Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a5240540-34af-4a62-83c5-2eda3d032406\">Poga\u010dar now has 20&#8243; on Van der Poel with 11km to go.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:26:15+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:26:15.935Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e28b5000-0264-485c-a77b-b3667c4bec5e\">Evenepoel now crests the Paterberg and looks in pain. He has a gap on Van Aert and Pedersen who are about 50 metres apart.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:25:30+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:25:30.646Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-609e940d-114e-420c-bfaa-fc453146dc19\">Van der Poel also now looks extremely uncomfortable.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:24:49+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:24:49.908Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5f871bba-9cd7-41a7-a460-3e0ec757227f\">Poga\u010dar now all over his bike yet again. Van der Poel out of the saddle and looks powerful as Poga\u010dar opens his mouth wide and looks so uncomfortable.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:23:52+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:23:52.450Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d988b0a0-fc05-4dd6-a5c4-049da1c6f644\">Onto the Paterberg goes Poga\u010dar. He has 13&#8243; on Van der Poel but the world champion has recomposed himself and is flying up the climb.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-51c3f218-8236-4bbe-a7ee-becb4b168945\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XpzntFpHdZgtuzKJZmzJ2g.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates - XRG competes in the breakaway passing through the Paterberg cobblestones sector during the 110th Tour of Flanders - Ronde van Vlaanderen 2026 - Men&amp;amp;amp;apos;s Elite a 278.6km one day race from Antwerp to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:22:05+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:22:05.815Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ff4f942d-584c-47ca-a757-5865b2d0a691\">The world champion dives left to descent to the Paterberg. The gap is opening up again and it has doubled with 12&#8243; splitting Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:21:17+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:21:17.774Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-16ab7f78-25f0-4885-a157-8ef26591be52\">Evenepoel is 49&#8243; down on Poga\u010dar. Van Aert has dropped Pedersen.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:20:26+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:20:26.476Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1b46fa6e-47ac-4468-b3f8-383b4e7d0511\">Poga\u010dar is grimacing like we have never seen before. 6&#8243; between them over the top of the Oude Kwaremont.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-0e5c38e5-192c-4d31-be78-1638c6f71e20\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rx9U2zNcBTj9N7UsNdnWXR.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05 : during the 110th edition of Ronde van Vlaanderen an UCI World Tour 1.UWT one day cycling road race for Men Elite of 271 km with start in Antwerpen and finish in Oudenaarde on April 5, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium, 05\/04\/2026 ( Motordriver Guy De Vuyst - Photo by Nico Vereecken \/ Photonews\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:19:53+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:19:53.659Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9f168568-f252-4e0e-8b5b-47d44f243626\">Poga\u010dar&#8217;s shoulders are rocking and Van der Poel is starting to look a lot more solid.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:19:23+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:19:23.002Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9e009834-4f26-4eea-b5bc-c2417f94e3f9\">van der Poel gets back onto the cobbles again and isn&#8217;t done. About 50 metres between them. Poga\u010dar is not as all conquering just yet.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:18:31+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:18:31.745Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-80f4e753-bf66-4888-a077-18edad88fb71\">Poga\u010dar goes clear and opens the gap. Van der Poel is not done, though. He is giving his all and Poga\u010dar is hurting here. He isn&#8217;t being quite as definitive as usual.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:17:21+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:17:21.215Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cc3eea3e-5dcc-4075-8600-e279f015b5e7\">Poga\u010dar ups the pace and onto the cobbles and the gap yawns open! Van der Poel has no answer!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:16:25+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:16:25.949Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-final-ascent-of-oude-kwaremont\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-final-ascent-of-oude-kwaremont\"><span>Final ascent of Oude Kwaremont <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-a280a62f-7384-44e7-b64b-27da9aa4b3cb\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Onto the Oude Kwaremont for the very last time today. Evenepoel appears to have locked steady at 20&#8243;. It must be horrible for him. Similar for Pedersen and Van Aert wgo are about 40&#8243; back on Evenepoel.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:15:13+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:15:13.531Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5d4d4af8-1341-4af6-b8aa-b48e71fdbc03\">Evenepoel can hold his head high after today&#8217;s performance. He will likely take third today but he has been absolutely exceptional today.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:14:31+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:14:31.306Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-20km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-20km-to-go\"><span>20km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-46cdf048-f678-4ee1-929f-441c115bb0d7\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The gap to Evenepoel is said to be 20&#8243; with 1&#8217;02&#8221; back to Pedersen and Van Aert.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:13:48+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:13:48.848Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ab1658f2-5d04-4b28-93d2-b3bac944e8a6\">15 confirmed abandons today.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:12:29+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:12:29.183Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-eecf7777-0082-4061-b156-a8e486542482\">Just 4km to go to the final ascent of Oude Kwaremont. Evenepoel has come back a bit again. He&#8217;s now just 19&#8243; with 1&#8217;09&#8221; back to Pedersen and Van Aert.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:11:22+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:11:22.188Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2c1d8db3-84ba-4fdd-be10-735954528e70\">These two have a chance of making history. Van der Poel has a chance to take the record winning record whereas Poga\u010dar has a chance to equal Van der Poel and the rest.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-2687e173-e90d-4bbd-ad57-e5e1986e445c\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dP8SfZTY3xamZLEodEZ2u4.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05 : during the 110th edition of Ronde van Vlaanderen an UCI World Tour 1.UWT one day cycling road race for Men Elite of 271 km with start in Antwerpen and finish in Oudenaarde on April 5, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium, 05\/04\/2026 ( Motordriver Guy De Vuyst - Photo by Nico Vereecken \/ Photonews\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:07:27+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:07:27.422Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9334894f-0a83-4726-9028-9dd6264d4ad9\">The gloves are off! Tadej Poga\u010dar literally has just taken his gloves off!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:04:33+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:04:33.136Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a91c35e4-a95e-4087-8d84-3253aa35a9f9\">Evenepoel is done. He is now slowly being closed in on by Van Aert and Pedersen.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:03:16+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:03:16.239Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e7165f38-4e2f-4dde-95a3-72968dd1a409\">Poga\u010dar pushing on the pedals again. Van der Poel is equal to it for now.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:02:47+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:02:47.829Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e3eb5aef-59db-4c73-b55e-54d34b64a01a\">Poga\u010dar leads onto the Oude Kruisberg followed by the Hotond. 2.7km at an average of 4.1% with a max kick of 9.4% and on jagged cobbles.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T14:00:49+00:00\">2026-04-05T14:00:49.937Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-30km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-30km-to-go\"><span>30km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-8aad6291-c946-4639-a886-74b040be2b17\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Evenepoel now is starting to fade as he takes on a gel. He is 18&#8243; down. Van Aert and Pedersen are 1&#8217;04&#8221; down.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:57:25+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:57:25.532Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-761e1206-c82f-4f23-8e3c-31abb0865c49\">The Oude Kruisberg to come in 4km. They have 14&#8243; on Evenepoel. It had gone to 17&#8243; but he is riding well still. Pedersen and Van Aert are 52&#8243; back. Group 4 now at 2&#8217;25&#8221;.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:55:31+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:55:31.864Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bf04cdc4-fbe7-4a8e-b618-2438e45ba457\">But that group is splitting up.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:55:18+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:55:18.928Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3d165477-ecff-465d-8f2d-28379b669148\">The first main group on the road is F. Vermeersch, Stuyven, Mohoric, Sheffield, T. van Dijke, Laporte and Dewulf at 2&#8217;17&#8221;.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:52:50+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:52:50.548Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cf5ecb0c-e843-43da-bdca-0fa62330be60\">Poga\u010dar keeps looking back to see where Evenepoel is. The world champion seems nervous about the Olympic champion as he is clearly strong on the flat roads.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:51:09+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:51:09.074Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-caeab9d7-0338-4e64-87bc-8b554f4a1a0c\">Van der Poel takes over the pacing on the Taaienberg with Poga\u010dar in his wheel. Evenepoel isn&#8217;t done yet.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:50:16+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:50:16.839Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d6cc5b21-f321-4f2a-99df-97593d91b470\">Tadej Poga\u010dar and Mathieu van der Poel have 10&#8243; on Evenepoel, 58&#8243; on Van Aert and Pedersen then over 2 minutes back as they go onto the Taaienberg.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a73bf09e-da12-4b34-a495-d2deaf824301\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sqLMdFASXznvZ5KnYhwSa9.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: (L-R) Mathieu van der Poel of Netherlands and Team Alpecin-Premier Tech and Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates - XRG compete in the breakaway during the 110th Tour of Flanders - Ronde van Vlaanderen 2026 - Men&amp;amp;amp;apos;s Elite a 278.6km one day race from Antwerp to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:47:51+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:47:51.437Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-40km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-40km-to-go\"><span>40km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-bbeabd93-9761-4000-9686-a29470a8ebab\">Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar are 6&#8243; ahead of Evenepoel and 57&#8243; ahead of Van Aert and Pedersen.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:46:20+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:46:20.681Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-50f4b282-c7c1-4dd5-9bf4-f5c376c46bfb\">Mariaborrestraat now and Poga\u010dar is pushing on again with Evenepoel chugging a bit again.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:45:05+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:45:05.073Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9979c114-58b8-460a-8559-ce8e258e9131\">Wow, Evenepoel is right back onto the Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel at just 4&#8243;! What a ride by him.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:41:13+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:41:13.536Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ad50388b-01d2-4fcf-bb76-906ef98647be\">51&#8243; back to Van Aert and Pedersen with the former gapping the Dane.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:40:28+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:40:28.576Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9d5f80d0-7025-4815-8b28-759c7926b0d7\">Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel go over the top together and have extended their advantage to 20&#8243; over Evenepoel.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:38:56+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:38:56.157Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5f4575f6-aceb-4238-a687-c48108e0d97e\">600 metres at an average of 11.6% and a max of 22%.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:38:15+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:38:15.324Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6a8c70e5-2dc4-4589-bd23-9397f344a036\">They head to the hellish Koppenberg.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:37:58+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:37:58.028Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-60709860-c862-4e2f-862b-71a0117f22f9\">Evenepoel looks so so strong and is closing in on Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel but he isn&#8217;t quite there on the cobbles. But this is an astonishing performance by the Olympic champion.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:33:52+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:33:52.789Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-50km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-50km-to-go\"><span>50km to go <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-f444e95d-8448-47f7-81d7-68724671134f\">Evenepoel is 9&#8243; down on Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel with Van Aert and Pedersen together at 33&#8243;. They join forces behind.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:31:50+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:31:50.673Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ee3db9af-b0a1-4ef0-ba0d-cc4a15aee998\">Now Evenepoel is struggling. He goes out the back and Van der Poel can follow him for now but I don&#8217;t think he&#8217;ll last too much longer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:31:13+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:31:13.336Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-first-ascent-of-paterberg\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-first-ascent-of-paterberg\"><span>First ascent of Paterberg<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-4ceac247-3413-4121-ba21-ca88e52208ad\">Poga\u010dar takes the lead with Evenepoel next to him and challenging him. Van der Poel looks to be chugging a bit on this climb.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:30:05+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:30:05.661Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8726922d-5bef-42ff-8aec-2e56157b2119\">Evenepoel now leading down the descent with Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel following. Van Aert now 13&#8243; back with Pedersen at 21&#8243;.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:28:48+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:28:48.251Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a7660815-bb91-40fb-9c11-239c26e39e3b\">They now head to the first ascent of the Paterberg.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:28:29+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:28:29.602Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a3940295-eb32-4f65-a7d3-bc27b19eeecd\">Poga\u010dar is pushing hard with Van der Poel and Evenepoel riding well with him. Van Aert is riding hard but I think he has used all his matches already by following Poga\u010dar&#8217;s first move.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:27:43+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:27:43.640Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-18d5f751-0d5a-433c-9950-237c79ceabc9\">Van Aert starting to lose touch as Evenepoel gets back on. He is distanced just over the top. He is 4&#8243; back over the top with Pedersen 12&#8243; back.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:26:54+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:26:54.727Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-49e88ce8-1bb4-4376-87fd-c83878becf43\">It looks like it is just between these four riders as Pedersen is fading. The rest of the group aren&#8217;t even in the shot anymore.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:26:26+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:26:26.432Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6798c917-fca7-4262-a7bc-09e17be1bbf6\">Evenepoel all over the bike on the cobbles whereas Poga\u010dar, Van Aert and Van der Poel are smooth as silk.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:25:57+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:25:57.894Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5093ef70-24e2-44ff-abe7-31000cac56fc\">Evenepoel measuring his effort here and he looks calm. Pedersen going backwards.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:25:32+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:25:32.389Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1bb758ac-3146-47a1-94a0-b088084aaf3a\">Poga\u010dar leads with Van Aert. Pedersen, Evenepoel and Van der Poel just off the back for the moment. Van der Poel sees this and comes round. As does Evenepoel.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-58e89736-abae-42be-b8f7-979848663d09\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E5o84x7h25gDjCwtptDrXD.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates - XRG, Wout van Aert of Belgium and Team Visma | Lease a Bike and Mathieu van der Poel of Netherlands and Team Alpecin-Premier Tech lead the breakaway passing through the Oude Kwaremont cobblestones sector while fans cheer during the 110th Tour of Flanders - Ronde van Vlaanderen 2026 - Men&amp;amp;amp;apos;s Elite a 278.6km one day race from Antwerp to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:24:43+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:24:43.515Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-attack\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-attack\"><span>Attack<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-007d795a-7594-4852-ac4b-0d5494431ac4\">Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The world champion goes before the cobbles with Van Aert on his wheel and Van der Poel caught put but is flying up the climb.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:22:59+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:22:59.824Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d548bcee-f42f-4f8e-919a-c2ed31a75187\">Poga\u010dar tried to move up but Red Bull blocked him and take control. Gradek and Swift lead into the tight road that leads up to the climb, though.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:22:12+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:22:12.335Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1146cb6b-cffb-4641-9bac-b3e04347f191\">Gradek comes to the front one last time with Mohoric on his wheel. Giving himself some slipping space.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:21:26+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:21:26.878Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2327e30e-1324-4f2f-9409-23e59ad1caef\">Multiple riders swamp the Red Bull guys with Swift leading them through the corner that sends them towards the famous climb.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:20:00+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:20:00.619Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-60km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-60km-to-go\"><span>60km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-abaf0c70-948c-4157-91d1-c587deeaaba1\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Van Dijke leads a Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe trio with Evenepoel in second wheel as they descent down towards the Oude Kwaremont.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:18:48+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:18:48.929Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-760886b9-d0ff-4477-8c95-912dfb4d882d\">Dweulf taking the chance to chat to the car and get some food and drink before they start the Oude Kwaremont again. Florian Vermeersch looking a bit panicked as he really wants the team car to come up to him.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:17:17+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:17:17.710Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-df070aaa-47ca-47e8-82c3-4da411de231d\">First time seeing Pedersen at the front of the lead group here with 6km to the second time up the Oude Kwaremont followed by the second ascent of the Paterberg.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:15:22+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:15:22.827Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6cb96ecb-9f5d-48c4-b0e2-7ac7c0e09336\">It is all together again in this group over the top of the Hotond as the gap to the peloton has come down to 1&#8217;39&#8221;.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:14:08+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:14:08.736Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-attack\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-attack\"><span>Attack<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-e8834cd3-fbc1-4ae2-8e3f-ce7b48f394c7\">Laporte <br \/>Zamperini<br \/>Poga\u010dar<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Vermeersch closes it down but Laporte is persisting and is dragging the leading trio back on the Hotond.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:13:25+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:13:25.712Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-909ec01a-28a4-465f-965d-9e450321802c\">The other Vermeersch sets in to chase the trio down.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:12:59+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:12:59.175Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4181dc63-a737-4334-b174-7ddadebe626b\">Poga\u010dar lets the wheel go and his teammate, Vermeersch, goes clear with Swift and Pluimers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:08:12+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:08:12.319Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6098e765-0942-4e28-94e8-20fd9b951ade\">The next climbs coming up are the Nieuwe Kruisberg and the first time up the Hotond.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:06:44+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:06:44.879Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-70km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-70km-to-go\"><span>70km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-8fe9c532-984c-4fe4-84ea-6586ab276269\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The gap back to the peloton is now almost 2 minutes back on the leaders.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:05:32+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:05:32.962Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c4d83c92-5365-4751-9cd9-c604f16502e5\">The two two riders doing the most work are Florian and Gianni Vermeersch. No relation between them but the same last name and job for today.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:03:28+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:03:28.967Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-dd09f79d-9fb2-4c8c-b061-16020b631361\">Roads are drying out nicely in the sunshine but the rain clouds are still threatening.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:02:45+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:02:45.238Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8b3477cf-631b-4d8e-ac31-ccc752841695\">Swift, Fagundez, Gradek, Van Boven, Zamperini and Van den Berg are the only remaining riders from the break in the lead group after the Berg ten Houte.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T13:00:40+00:00\">2026-04-05T13:00:40.066Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-207feeb5-ada0-4577-b43e-f890dcecbf14\">Almost all the breakaway riders go out the back. Vercouillie is one of them. The Flanders-Baloise rider honours his father&#8217;s wish to see him in the breakaway at the Tour of Flanders. The Belgian breakaway specialist&#8217;s dad has been diagnosed with bowel cancer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:59:36+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:59:36.328Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-aae22ad2-b17f-4221-82e8-fe34306d2c14\">Evenepoel sees that he and Poga\u010dar have a gap so he kicks on but Sheffield drags it back.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:59:11+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:59:11.127Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5594edbc-dd89-4bce-a702-ab38e5cdcfcf\">Poga\u010dar leading onto it with Evenepoel on his wheel. Frison and Dillier immediately dropped.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:58:37+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:58:37.710Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8ed5164f-5aec-4a1a-84b5-550a1ada713e\">Florian Vermeersch now comes to the front and replaces Dillier who has done the first part of his job. He is now just looking after Van der Poel as they start the Berg ten Houte 1.1km with an average of 6% and max of 21%.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:57:31+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:57:31.147Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-139d32fc-3e4c-4ae3-8eb5-f72b3061f719\">Dillier now starts his job that he would&#8217;ve normally done several kilometres earlier had things been usual. But the former Swiss champion and second place finisher at Paris-Roubaix found himself in the break.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:56:37+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:56:37.587Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ce4d9ab5-986d-4c58-b599-a6a19765d178\"><strong>Leaders:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAD)<br \/>Florian Vermeersch (UAD)<br \/>Mathieu van der Poel (APT)<br \/>Matej Mohoric (TBV)<br \/>Stan Dewulf (DCT)<br \/>Magnus Sheffield (IGD)<br \/>Sam Watson (IGD)<br \/>Mads Pedersen (LTK)<br \/>Remco Evenepoel (RBH)<br \/>Tim van Dijke (RBH)<br \/>Gianni Vermeersch (RBH)<br \/>Jasper Stuyven (SOQ)<br \/>Wout Van Aert (TVL)<br \/>Christophe Laporte (TVL)<br \/>Matteo Trentin (TUD)<br \/>Rick Pluimers (TUD)<br \/>Silvan Dillier (APT)<br \/>Frederik Frison (PQT)<br \/>Connor Swift (IGD)<br \/>Luke Lamperti (EFE)<br \/>Luca Van Boven (LOI)<br \/>Kamil Gradek (TBV)<br \/>Dries De Pooter (JAY)<br \/>Julius van den Berg (TPP)<br \/>Edoardo Zamperini (COF)<br \/>Hartthijs de Vries (URR)<br \/>Victor Vercouillie (TFB)<br \/>Eric Fagundez (BBH)<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:55:10+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:55:10.145Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-51a8f10c-e2a7-43fe-873f-bbf194a6a8a1\">Breakaway caught by the chasing group of favourites with the peloton now over a minute down. 28 riders now out front with 78km to go.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:52:14+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:52:14.843Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-80km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-80km-to-go\"><span>80km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-fe634922-a219-42b2-9f6f-41f002f88643\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Four and a half hours of racing down with the average speed up at 43kph. The favourites group is just 18&#8243; off the breakaway now. Swift and Dillier will be key for Watson, Sheffield and Van der Poel.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:50:44+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:50:44.016Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-crash\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-crash\"><span>Crash<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-dd9172ca-559d-4e0b-845f-5ec369d2b10d\">Iv\u00e1n Garc\u00eda Cortina (MOV)<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The Spanish rider is back on his bike again.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:49:35+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:49:35.814Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2577f4da-7a28-4daf-abc1-7bb08899a4ce\">Lots of abandons:<\/p>\n<p>S\u00f8ren W\u00e6renskjold (UXM)<br \/>Clement Alleno (BBH)<br \/>Jenthe Biermans (COF)<br \/>Dillon Corkery (TPP)<br \/>Sam Welsford (IGD)<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:47:03+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:47:03.113Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-52db19cb-a881-4e43-9004-1f645e2c0041\">The sun comes bursting out again but the roads remain soaked.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:44:26+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:44:26.629Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fc90f07e-04fe-42d3-b868-d78452adf8ce\"><strong>Favourites group:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAD)<br \/>Florian Vermeersch (UAD)<br \/>Mathieu van der Poel (APT)<br \/>Matej Mohoric (TBV)<br \/>Stan Dewulf (DCT)<br \/>Magnus Sheffield (IGD)<br \/>Sam Watson (IGD)<br \/>Mads Pedersen (LTK)<br \/>Remco Evenepoel (RBH)<br \/>Tim van Dijke (RBH)<br \/>Gianni Vermeersch (RBH)<br \/>Jasper Stuyven (SOQ)<br \/>Wout Van Aert (TVL)<br \/>Christophe Laporte (TVL)<br \/>Matteo Trentin (TUD)<br \/>Rick Pluimers (TUD)<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<p id=\"elk-fc90f07e-04fe-42d3-b868-d78452adf8ce-2\">They are 52&#8243; off the breakaway and have a minute on the peloton. 86km to go.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:41:17+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:41:17.167Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-35d65a4d-84e2-4552-8d36-e864e4c305cb\">Reminder of the break:<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Silvan Dillier (Alpecin-Premier Tech)<br \/>Frederik Frison (Pinarello-Q36.5)<br \/>Connor Swift (Ineos Grenadiers)<br \/>Luke Lamperti (EF Education-EasyPost)<br \/>Luca Van Boven (Lotto-Intermarche)<br \/>Kamil Gradek (Bahrain Victorious)<br \/>Dries De Pooter (Jayco-AlUla)<br \/>Julius van den Berg (Picnic-PostNL)<br \/>Edoardo Zamperini (Cofidis)<br \/>Hartthijs de Vries (Unibet Rose Rockets)<br \/>Victor Vercouillie (Flanders-Baloise)<br \/>Eric Fagundez (Burgos-Burpellet-BH)<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:38:31+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:38:31.994Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-640aa38f-850e-4f6c-b4fe-ff2970a43cfc\">The heaven&#8217;s have opened on this very holy day. The rain is hammering down on the riders and is due to be in the area for the next hours!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:35:10+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:35:10.045Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c837746e-1c52-4601-9a59-65c280bc6682\">Fabio van den Bossche (Soudal-Quickstep) has abandoned the race.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:34:34+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:34:34.227Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-915bb4d1-9c9c-466e-a7d1-00b8695ca5b1\">This group is full of the big hitters. This is very likely to stay away and catch the break who are now under two minutes ahead of them.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-196098bb-893f-4b66-9b08-b3e1e19f7d71\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MEKtghhLR3czmDmHo78t7a.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: (L-R) Mathieu van der Poel of Netherlands and Team Alpecin-Premier Tech, Samuel Watson of Great Britain and Team INEOS Grenadiers and Florian Vermeersch of Belgium and UAE Team Emirates - XRG lead in the chase group during the 110th Tour of Flanders - Ronde van Vlaanderen 2026 - Men&amp;amp;amp;apos;s Elite a 278.6km one day race from Antwerp to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:32:10+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:32:10.168Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-attack-in-chase\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-attack-in-chase\"><span>Attack in chase<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-8e105168-eb8d-43aa-b833-facd23f4ab87\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Kasper Asgreen (EF Education-EasyPost)<br \/>Aime De Gendt (Pinarello-Q36.5)<br \/>Jonas Abrahamsen (Uno-X Mobility)<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">But they aren&#8217;t getting a gap. They have, however, taken about 10 to 15 seconds back on the favourites group.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:30:57+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:30:57.021Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e3c92a93-9d5d-48f7-bb24-04b9b85ab790\">Van Dijke leads Evenepoel over the Berendries.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:30:34+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:30:34.686Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-682e7722-2cdb-4b42-b980-16ab745472c8\">Sainbayar caught by this favourites group and immediately spat out the back. It isn&#8217;t Moscon in the group, it is Tim van Dijke. Also Rick Pluimers not Mozzato.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:29:00+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:29:00.099Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f1621d4b-5520-431e-be25-473a9f500277\">Valgren catches Vacek and Braet but they are about to be caught by the rest of the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:28:32+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:28:32.057Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7eba4b64-eaa5-41f1-890d-8b00b5235575\">Poga\u010dar is very keen to get things moving with Watson and Van der Poel also keen but the others don&#8217;t come through with anywhere near as much vigour.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:27:51+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:27:51.202Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-808408b6-2606-46a1-8912-f4f102e2d80c\">The rain begins to fall very lightly as the riders start the Berendries. 940m long asphalt climb.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:26:34+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:26:34.670Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-639c1860-c096-4d96-9f8e-e6ed61133bf0\">Stan Dewulf (Decathlon-CMA CGM) has made it across this gap as well. The peloton being led by Pinarello-Q36.5 for Aime De Gendt as Michael Valgren (EF Edcuation-EasyPost) and Dylan van Baarle (Soudal-QuickStep) both trying to bridge the gap to the group of favourites.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:25:23+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:25:23.956Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-100km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-100km-to-go\"><span>100km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-7d24d895-5fbb-4178-baa4-ef119ae1a82e\">Poga\u010dar, Van der Poel, Evenepoel and the rest all coming through and working with 100km to go!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:24:56+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:24:56.851Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-45a58909-6ffd-4b36-b6a1-2bb8b1a8ec62\">The riders are on the Marlboroughstaart and there are two riders trying to bridge, Vito Braet (Lotto-Intermarche) and Mathias Vacek (Lidl-Trek).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:23:49+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:23:49.353Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-27343b3d-b110-40cc-83c7-31b01aa33aeb\">Magnus Sheffield, Christophe Laporte, Wout Van Aert, Josh Tarling, Luca Mozzato, Matej Mohoric, Gianni Moscon, Jasper Stuyven and Mads Pedersen in the lead group alongside Evenepoel, Poga\u010dar, Van der Poel, F. Vermeersch, Watson and maybe a couple of others.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:21:02+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:21:02.397Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e1d44cb8-7c47-4e08-ab4f-e124c5269ef9\">Florian Vermeersch hits the front and is ripping it up! Sam Watson on his wheel with Tadej Poga\u010dar, Mathieu van der Poel, Remco Evenepoel, Gianni Vermeersch and Matteo Trentin with a couple of other riders trying to follow.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-4ba7b313-e535-446b-829a-0848850636b2\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nDFt99sCWLNyDtAy7nDm89.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: Florian Vermeersch of Belgium and UAE Team Emirates - XRG leads in the chase group during the 110th Tour of Flanders - Ronde van Vlaanderen 2026 - Men&amp;amp;amp;apos;s Elite a 278.6km one day race from Antwerp to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:20:06+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:20:06.044Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d783de66-6bbd-4efb-948b-74d0bf9a5e32\">Van Aert and Pedersen fighting hard to get to the front for the Molenberg and they do just as they turn left onto the climb. Politt leads onto the ascent.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:19:23+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:19:23.866Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-12251ba0-98e6-4a78-ae7e-c247fa1d67b5\">Van Aert is way too far back. He is being guided to the front again. Poga\u010dar has Politt and Vermeersch just ahead of him as they put it in the gutter and splits are opening! Van Aert might miss this!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:18:05+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:18:05.895Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5e9db617-c580-443e-9095-98372cb5dd31\">Sainbayar dropped from the breakaway. The first Mongolian ever to ride to the Ronde.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:17:30+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:17:30.781Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-65abc7ef-cbe4-46a6-bbb9-47b54b6afc7c\">Onto the Molenberg in the breakaway. Back in the peloton, Politt leads the way as the pace is rapid. 463m 7% average gradient with 14.2% max.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:16:39+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:16:39.521Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-crash\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-crash\"><span>Crash<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-99f08c75-1205-426f-8f77-a3b6c90aacf1\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Arthur Kluckers (Tudor)<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The Luxembourg champion got a front wheel puncture, couldn&#8217;t turn and then got clipped. He finished in the ditch.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:14:27+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:14:27.728Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-612489ce-2a1f-4445-aef6-a1d272ef027a\">Tretnik leading the peloton for Evenepoel with Kopeck\u00fd dragged back yet again with 107km to go. Onto the net section of flat cobbles, the 800m Jegerij.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:13:37+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:13:37.489Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-70aef5f3-3b6f-45ac-9462-a7d5d60012b8\">Swift getting a shoe change as the old one is wrecked by the crash.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:13:12+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:13:12.350Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c57f6d39-4270-4aba-b0f6-935afed0c6f6\">Kopeck\u00fd making good progress but only has 13&#8243; on the peloton. 3&#8217;30&#8221; up to the break.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-304c8b29-9aab-4e2b-a65b-4119f6604830\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VnhyoofjfDvgtSYPD3vd8D.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: Hartthijs de Vries of Netherlands and Team Unibet Rose Rockets competes in the breakaway during the 110th Tour of Flanders - Ronde van Vlaanderen 2026 - Men&amp;amp;amp;apos;s Elite a 278.6km one day race from Antwerp to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:12:35+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:12:35.094Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7abf4ad6-50d4-42ad-850f-717ae3f5f589\">Abrahamsen gets a bike change.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:11:39+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:11:39.349Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-74ebfe70-8028-4efd-8613-8c2e70872b89\">Mechanical for Jonas Abrahamsen (Uno-X Mobility). Bit of a stressy moment for one of the outside favourites.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:10:39+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:10:39.196Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-attack\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-attack\"><span>Attack<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-dcf437d7-1cf7-4f1e-ac50-336707883571\">Tom\u00e1\u0161 Kopeck\u00fd (Unibet Rose Rockets)<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The second time the Czech rider has been on the move today. This time going clear on the Kargate cobbles.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:09:54+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:09:54.408Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a6bb0e6e-dc66-4494-9896-aaa7d32333f4\">The other race today is the women&#8217;s Tour of Flanders which is kicking off to a flying start! Follow that live as well in another tab by clicking the link below. The new tab will open automatically.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&gt;&gt;&gt; <strong>Tour of Flanders Women LIVE &#8211; The race is alive with attacks but no breakaway yet<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-0bad26ff-68ad-4146-a83b-d2d001e5303b\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9gfyoKS2FJ3NsWmoTQhyz.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: (L-R) Lauretta Hanson of Australia and Team Lidl - Trek, Marta Jaskulska of Poland and Team Human Powered Health and Alberte Greve of Denmark and Team Uno-X Mobility attack during the 23rd Tour of Flanders 2026 - Ronde van Vlaandere - Women&amp;#039;s Elite a 164.1km one day race from Oudenaarde to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium. (Photo by Luc Claessen\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:08:27+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:08:27.959Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-attack\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-attack\"><span>Attack<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-5d2b83c1-e896-4444-9aea-f10e6d8fca32\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Christophe Laporte (Visma-Lease a Bike)<br \/>Paul Magnier (Soudal-QuickStep)<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The latter putting in a huge acceleration but it comes to nothing. Unibet Rose Rockets and Bahrain Victorious try to go too but it isn&#8217;t being allowed to go as Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe continue to ride as a unit and drag them back.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:07:03+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:07:03.635Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8d61d3fd-5911-45a3-b869-33056ff1e7e9\">Swift gets back into the break but missing a chunk out of his right thigh and elbow.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:06:43+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:06:43.485Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-attack\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-attack\"><span>Attack<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-3ac56a7c-f385-4a55-a5b0-07925345dbff\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Stan Dewulf (Decathlon-CMA CGM)<br \/>Magnus Sheffield (Ineos Grenadiers)<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">But this isn&#8217;t being allowed to go.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:06:02+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:06:02.794Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fdb4d54e-7f92-4ea6-bebd-861039115c2c\">Mechanical for Per Strand Hagenes (Visma-Lease a Bike).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:05:36+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:05:36.920Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-dfdc5b8c-7bb4-4bb5-9dd3-13b84120c851\">The peloton splits and Christophe Laporte (Visma-Lease a Bike) is leading it with Van der Poel and Gregoire also in this split but Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe gets it back together again.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:03:13+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:03:13.214Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6f1c88f8-1c94-462e-a8c3-0cd9be4e71f3\">Mechanical for cyclocross star, Too Aerts (Lotto-Intermarche). The 32 year old making his debut today.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:02:43+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:02:43.916Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b8a69141-bd1c-47bc-980d-51302e4f686f\">Suddenly, Van der Poel appears right on the front alongside Evenepoel. First time seeing Poga\u010dar&#8217;s teammate, Antonio Morgado, as his rocking shoulders come to the front.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:00:32+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:00:32.016Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ad9af934-368a-41b6-a748-b3aa5e509dbb\">Mechanical for Floris Van Tricht (NSN).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T12:00:04+00:00\">2026-04-05T12:00:04.119Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-crash\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-crash\"><span>Crash<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-040149f5-5f6d-4329-9ddf-cf006a4a4cad\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Connor Swift (Ineos Grenadiers)<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The Yorkshireman goes down as he was trying to sort his radio wire and he just went down over the curb and slid along the ground for about 10 metres. Straight back up and riding again.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:58:57+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:58:57.679Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-597342c5-0157-4368-8be9-3a3b4ffe71a8\">Bike change at the bottom of the Eikenberg for Benoit Cosnefroy (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:57:36+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:57:36.595Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7923f478-77e3-4d66-ac81-8266bc339c7c\">Gianni Vermeersch (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) had a bike change a couple of KMs ago but makes it back in at the bottom of the climb.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:56:57+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:56:57.738Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-149d70ed-21ca-473f-8dd8-5a9fa529eed6\">The peloton now come onto the Eikenberg with Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe and UAE Team Emirates-XRG leading the way. They&#8217;re joined by Soudal-QuickStep for the first time today.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:54:57+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:54:57.630Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-120km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-120km-to-go\"><span>120km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-0e25e13e-1f32-446a-9608-ae03f74df704\">Unibet Rose Rockets, Groupama-FDJ United, TotalEnergies and a lone Tadej Poga\u010dar on the front. The latter getting swamped by Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe including Evenepoel.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:53:26+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:53:26.700Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-484b4b62-d939-40e5-bec8-ef9dadb20c8e\">Matthew Brennan (Visma-Lease a Bike) is now working very hard on the front for Van Aert. Interesting that the Brit is doing so much work early on.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:52:26+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:52:26.332Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3bb0e6e3-2230-4d98-8cba-4a9c86857320\">Onto to 1.2km Eikenberg with a max kick of 10%. Known as the red door climb to pros and locals due to, funnily enough, there being a house with a big red door at the bottom.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:51:29+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:51:29.728Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a99008e9-ba38-4927-85a9-adc99a0fdb13\">Owain Doull (Visma-Lease a Bike) and Sam Welsford (Ineos Grenadiers) agreeing on the pace in the peloton but Groupama-FDJ United, Movistar, XDS Astana, Lotto-Intermarche and NSN all come up the other side to try and swamp.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:50:33+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:50:33.857Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b2b66749-2fcb-49a4-b716-7f6a62ba5b1d\">Multiple teams lead the peloton with the gap to the break still sat at 4&#8217;50&#8221; with the Eikenberg coming up soon.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:47:40+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:47:40.012Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b4ee7389-8a60-4615-90b0-896be23596f6\">Bjerg returns to the front of the peloton leading his team&#8217;s train against XDS Astana&#8217;s train that has Arjen Livyns at the back.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:45:46+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:45:46.944Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-crash\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-crash\"><span>Crash<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-2f333cb0-5774-425a-a507-1b8f0e90d20d\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Riley Sheehan (NSN)<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">He ended up in the ditch after the feed zone.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:40:21+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:40:21.155Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-45489862-e553-48fc-95ce-0d470b965575\">Pedersen is the first big name in the peloton followed by Evenepoel then Poga\u010dar with Van Aert and Van der Poel staying very calm a little further back.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:39:40+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:39:40.838Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e1aa7d1d-460d-4329-81bc-1fd8e8f9b6ec\">You wouldn&#8217;t know it was raining about an hour ago. It is a beautiful sunny spring day on the Oude Kwaremont with gigantic crowds spilling out of the beer tents that seem to double in size every year.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:38:09+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:38:09.872Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-14ddf3ea-a8eb-492c-867f-2714f8b4a52c\">Haller now takes control of the peloton for Tudor who have two extremally talented riders in Matteo Trentin and previous fourth place finisher, Luca Mozzato.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:37:26+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:37:26.733Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-crash\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-crash\"><span>Crash<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-e4b7738f-e578-4e14-b2fd-0a81d12550fe\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Clement Alleno (Burgos-Burpellet-BH)<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">A few other riders having to unclip.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:36:18+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:36:18.203Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-644a66d7-e631-43cf-9280-ff246bf992b5\">Sam Welsford (Tudor), Jan Tratnik (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe), Mattias Norsgaard (Lidl-Trek) and Sam Welsford (Ineos Grenadiers) leading the way for the peloton as they start the cobbles.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:35:26+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:35:26.309Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-04f0595d-4dc2-4651-814b-4f865bd588d7\">The Mongolian rider, Sainbayar, leads the break over the top of the 1st ascent of the Oude Kwaremont.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:33:18+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:33:18.779Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-19fb3ae0-0a64-4624-b987-bfcb57aa0315\">Zamperini is leading the breaakway on the famous old cobbles of the 6.6% average gradient climb. Famous average, even gives the alcohol volume to the beer that shares it&#8217;s name.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-52c727ba-53e8-4dda-ab08-a70ac96244ff\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/giwnzEVaCXKvpKrRxEakPJ.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: A general view of the breakaway passing through the Oude Kwaremont cobblestones sector while fans cheer during the 110th Tour of Flanders - Ronde van Vlaanderen 2026 - Men&amp;amp;amp;apos;s Elite a 278.6km one day race from Antwerp to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:32:21+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:32:21.690Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-first-passage-of-oude-kwaremont\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-first-passage-of-oude-kwaremont\"><span>First passage of Oude Kwaremont <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-e27acfb2-ef34-4a47-af25-19f9d1cd535c\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The breakaway are now on the Oude Kwaremont as the peloton the peloton are absolutely flying. Van Aert and Van der Poel are pushed back a fair bit with Ineos Grenadiers and Uno-X Mobility leading the way to the climb.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:29:50+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:29:50.781Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-140km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-140km-to-go\"><span>140km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-755087b3-e5ae-4183-9b0d-7e80f1e44d5a\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The riders are over halfway through today with the Oude Kwaremont beckoning. The gap to the peloton has grown to 5&#8217;26&#8221; between the break and the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:27:06+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:27:06.265Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4260d3ca-26f7-45a0-8209-099a9ad7c29f\">Florian Vermeerch (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) spoke out about being shocked by receiving online abuse after chasing Van Aert at the recent Dwars door Vlaanderen&#8230;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&gt;&gt;&gt; <strong>&#8216;It shook me for a while&#8217; &#8211; Florian Vermeersch opens up about online abuse he received after helping chase down Wout van Aert at Dwars door Vlaanderen<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-189c94a4-39c9-4afa-93a0-c49970ece9a5\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DAchWE2JfDMLSBfdrLFSaA.jpg\" alt=\"Belgian Florian Vermeersch of UAE Team Emirates-XRG pictured in action during the &amp;#039;E3 Saxo Bank Classic&amp;#039; one day cycling race, 208,8km from and to Harelbeke, on Friday 27 March 2026. BELGA PHOTO JASPER JACOBS (Photo by JASPER JACOBS \/ BELGA MAG \/ Belga via AFP)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:22:07+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:22:07.009Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8b98e785-6283-45ec-ab84-1e811f32ac8b\">Van Aert is back at the car yet again. He&#8217;s been back and forth all morning. About 5km from the Oude Kwaremont now and he is right at the back as several teams are spread across the road.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:19:19+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:19:19.598Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-68353183-41d0-4e1c-aa86-a9c12a0da899\">Just 8km to the base of the Oude Kwaremont.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:16:33+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:16:33.920Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-49a76656-8d6f-4165-8819-aff00f52982a\">The gap drifts back up to over five minutes again as Ineos Grenadiers, once again, come to the front behind Bjerg and Oliveira.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:15:27+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:15:27.959Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d1c50143-712b-4976-9dc0-a584d8c28fd6\">Back in 1913, Oudenaarde had a very different relationship with the race. The first edition, won by Paul Deman, was stalled a bit as Oudenaarde refused to let the race pass through the town. How times change! Now, the town hosts the finish of the men&#8217;s race as well as the start and finish of the women&#8217;s race.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:13:14+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:13:14.822Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-32b3a407-9607-4260-ab76-571fdd03b594\">The break ride through the centre of Oudenaarde, passed the square and the Tour of Flanders Museum.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:09:02+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:09:02.042Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-659ee0bf-8f2a-4990-a863-d3bfbcf5d4d0\">The rain begins to fall yet again. 15km to the first ascent of three on the Oude Kwaremont.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:07:17+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:07:17.943Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c0bbfe62-f0c0-4a92-9cf2-fd1f3514586f\">Just about 4km until the first look at Oudenaarde as the two pelotons come back together again. 4&#8217;42&#8221; up to the breakaway.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:06:02+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:06:02.592Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-15b361e9-3efb-48f2-ab62-dd9396c568d2\">The second peloton is about 10 to 15 seconds behind the front part of the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:03:31+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:03:31.354Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-58e9b7cf-906a-4cbb-be44-9aff51dfedca\">Paul Magnier (Soudal-QuickStep) caught out of the back. He&#8217;s at the car but there&#8217;s no stress in the bunch.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:02:31+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:02:31.350Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ba9cedee-50a2-448b-a11f-11da7994deb1\">Over a minute has been taken out of the breakaway since starting the Lippenhovestraat. 4&#8217;27&#8221; between the break and the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T11:01:37+00:00\">2026-04-05T11:01:37.993Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7b24be79-2da0-4bc8-b9c5-7c4c3ed762f6\">There&#8217;s a split in the peloton after the Padestraat. Bjerg continued a very high pace and there&#8217;s a huge group that has missed this split with Pinarello-Q36.5, Groupama-FDJ United and Movistar leading the chase.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T10:57:07+00:00\">2026-04-05T10:57:07.786Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-160km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-160km-to-go\"><span>160km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-556ef33c-404d-4114-a64e-973b8a58ff81\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Into the final 100 miles and the break has a gap of 4&#8217;34&#8221;.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T10:56:12+00:00\">2026-04-05T10:56:12.495Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ce352f5f-cb31-4e5c-87b6-91bf110cc85a\">UAE Team Emirates-XRG have complete control of the peloton on these early cobbled sections.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T10:51:08+00:00\">2026-04-05T10:51:08.558Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a01780c5-d465-4642-b16a-f221346b2895\">Van der Poel, Poga\u010dar, Evenepoel, Van Aert, Pedersen and the other big names all moved to the front of the peloton as they begin the Lippenhovestraat. Bjerg leads the peloton onto the cobbles.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T10:49:06+00:00\">2026-04-05T10:49:06.426Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c9de6bc4-3f28-4c52-9837-12abdee5c724\">The break finishes the Lippenhovestraat and head onto the Padestraat shortly afterwards.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T10:48:41+00:00\">2026-04-05T10:48:41.266Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ca7310c3-08a1-404d-9388-9d579c655ad7\">UAE Team Emirates-XRG have really powered on the pace led by Bjerg, of course.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-9a9b3f43-eaeb-444a-aab8-e85649764141\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S63WNx4cBrmnaq5UDimUo7.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: Mikkel Bjerg of Denmark and UAE Team Emirates - XRG leads the peloton during the 110th Tour of Flanders - Ronde van Vlaanderen 2026 - Men&amp;amp;amp;apos;s Elite a 278.6km one day race from Antwerp to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T10:46:52+00:00\">2026-04-05T10:46:52.111Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-first-cobbled-section\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-first-cobbled-section\"><span>First cobbled section<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-bfedd0a7-7393-40e3-ae70-9b3ca5ece111\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The breakaway leads the 2026 Tour of Flanders onto the Lippenhovestraat.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-5038f651-578b-46a4-acd7-4fb8ce9f7b5c\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/faZBdzbo7uqd3DUHmCYKGS.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: Edoardo Zamperini of Italy and Team Cofidis leads the breakaway during the 110th Tour of Flanders - Ronde van Vlaanderen 2026 - Men&amp;amp;amp;apos;s Elite a 278.6km one day race from Antwerp to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T10:42:40+00:00\">2026-04-05T10:42:40.975Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c0bdc697-850f-4dc0-9f9d-2121a18d59b8\">The Kiwi added his thoughts on the day itself:<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;It&#8217;s quite a heavy headwind, so the first 120km will be pretty hard, I&#8217;d say. Just, long. But yeah, once we get into the decisive moments, there&#8217;s a lot of cross tailwind, so it&#8217;ll be super fast, and yeah, if you&#8217;re in a back group, you probably won&#8217;t come back.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T10:40:47+00:00\">2026-04-05T10:40:47.741Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-54015410-0880-4f9d-9edb-fc0ae7990cdf\">Laurence Pithie talking to <em>James Moultrie <\/em>before the start today about the inclusion of Evenepoel in the race:<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;It changes a lot. It doesn&#8217;t change the vibe too much, we&#8217;ve had a very good vibe all Classics period, and now we&#8217;re here. He&#8217;s coming in (Evenepoel). But, we still have the same vibe.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<p id=\"elk-54015410-0880-4f9d-9edb-fc0ae7990cdf-2\">&#8220;It is different when you have someone like Remco who can really change a race. His confidence, his motivation, it&#8217;s crazy to see the champion mindset like his.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I think he is super enthusiastic to go full, and we&#8217;re also super enthusiastic to help him as much as we can. Arguably, you could say we have one of the strongest lineups just without the superstar. So, now Remco has come in, I think he&#8217;s set.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T10:34:02+00:00\">2026-04-05T10:34:02.969Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cbf4c8e3-ff47-4739-83af-1ab8e1837164\">Van Aert back at the car yet again getting rid of his wet weather gear.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T10:32:03+00:00\">2026-04-05T10:32:03.550Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c9f2e195-d180-446b-8056-5271e501b797\">The gap is stable at 5&#8217;13&#8221; for the race with the break riding so well at the front ahead of the peloton that is still led by Bjerg.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T10:30:12+00:00\">2026-04-05T10:30:12.305Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-180km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-180km-to-go\"><span>180km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-f8b1e684-a897-45b7-9fd6-bf104590ed76\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Very nearly 100km of racing done and the cobbles are close to beginning with the Lippenhovestraat coming in just over 10km.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T10:26:20+00:00\">2026-04-05T10:26:20.098Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-58533bab-4fcf-4cbd-ba2f-e7d7c0dc02ba\">Two hours done and the average speed is still up to 45kph.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T10:20:44+00:00\">2026-04-05T10:20:44.956Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-055bcdee-060a-467c-9bd0-b8b441228141\">The time gap has dropped to just over five minutes. Bjerg is doing well but Oliveira has joined him in the chase.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T10:18:04+00:00\">2026-04-05T10:18:04.981Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ca7ba8ba-e036-4995-b16e-c9a85a2651cf\">Enjoying our live race coverage? Subscribe to Cyclingnews for an all-access pass to our unrivalled reporting of WorldTour racing, bike tech and exclusive in-depth features. Plus, access to the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on-the-go! <strong>Find out more<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T10:10:45+00:00\">2026-04-05T10:10:45.101Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-39786691-0610-44fb-8357-55b20e6c6e30\">The peloton in one long line as Bjerg continues his pace setting.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T10:07:34+00:00\">2026-04-05T10:07:34.765Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1bf7850b-3f50-4349-8064-13ed326ef6bd\">Fortunately for the riders, the rain has stopped.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T10:07:07+00:00\">2026-04-05T10:07:07.766Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-200km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-200km-to-go\"><span>200km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-26318192-2992-4cff-aab4-a0d4f4a3a140\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Almost 75km of racing done. Bjerg still leads the peloton with the break holding 5&#8217;13&#8221; on the chasing pack.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:58:59+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:58:59.792Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cdcd60f0-87cf-40f0-be01-1e9b309a3e60\">Lots of riders stopping to get wet weather gear.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:57:40+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:57:40.763Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7c736103-ebac-49d0-8f7b-9bf3e4a43e3d\">Van Aert back at the car to get a rain jacket on.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:55:52+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:55:52.074Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d1bb0bee-3edd-458a-80e8-e6c9e142b26e\">It is raining! The roads are wet and this will add another layer of difficulty.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:52:57+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:52:57.982Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-01d530a7-7dc7-424a-b49a-3597b4ecca34\">UAE come to the front en masse now and are pushing much harder as the break has 5&#8217;08&#8221; on the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:52:16+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:52:16.377Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-743bd699-ec45-4df1-b643-a87c13e94ae7\">The peloton has now lost a minute and a half on the break with over five minutes splitting them.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:51:40+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:51:40.089Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b10f85e1-bca4-4dd5-91a9-0f088210b123\">Evenepoel is in the group with Poga\u010dar. But the peloton are coming back led by Alpecin-Premier Tech and Visma-Lease a Bike.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:50:50+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:50:50.761Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-race-neutralised\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-race-neutralised\"><span>Race neutralised <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-d69cf7da-4b46-4289-9764-ae2dad18207a\">The front part of the peloton has been neutralised after the level crossing closed. The UAE riders are not happy but Poga\u010dar seems absolutely fine with it. As all of their riders have made it through. Van der Poel has been caught in the split.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:47:45+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:47:45.108Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e3851021-79a2-4128-bd88-ebe3cf318fb2\">The peloton has been split into two due to a level crossing closing!<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&gt;&gt;&gt; <strong>2026 Tour of Flanders Men briefly neutralised after over half peloton stopped at level crossing<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-c43e597e-4283-43d4-a998-9c7e083fb6b5\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2uTc6MWEffMuGkfaTgFCFE.jpg\" alt=\"2026 Tour of Flanders: riders blocked at a level crossing\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:47:02+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:47:02.454Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3d661204-8750-4e5b-b6c9-c8959fcc2892\">Jasper Stuyven (Soudal-QuickStep) is hoping to take his rivals off guard and take a surprise win, just like he did a few years ago at Milan-San Remo.<\/p>\n<p>&gt;&gt;&gt; <strong>&#8216;I\u2019m not going to wait for an attack&#8217; \u2013 Jasper Stuyven hopes to put Soudal-QuickStep\u2019s classics campaign back on course at the Tour of Flanders<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-0eda6222-6c08-4024-81a3-fd67f4f8395a\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fp4qtqtFM9svCURqdLYDUj.jpg\" alt=\"Belgian Jasper Stuyven of Soudal Quick-Step is pictured during a press conference of the Soudal - Quick-Step cycling team ahead of the Ronde van Vlaanderen \/ Tour des Flandres \/ Tour of Flanders cycling race, Friday 03 April 2026 in Antwerp. The 110th edition of the cycling race will take place on Sunday 5th April. BELGA PHOTO JONAS ROOSENS (Photo by JONAS ROOSENS \/ BELGA MAG \/ Belga \/ AFP via Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:45:46+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:45:46.276Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a0e2b48f-531b-401d-8714-de28f023f73f\">The break are riding really well and the gap is up to 3&#8217;20&#8221; over the peloton.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-37f3f802-f079-4249-9078-834022581b97\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dbptYzZ54REEVkdzpJWdG6.jpg\" alt=\"The pack rides during the men&amp;#039;s race of the &amp;#039;Ronde van Vlaanderen\/ Tour des Flandres\/ Tour of Flanders&amp;#039; UCI WorldTour one day cycling race, 278 km from Antwerp to Oudenaarde, on April 5, 2026. (Photo by DAVID PINTENS \/ Belga \/ AFP) \/ Belgium OUT\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:43:42+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:43:42.723Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3a783b1d-2706-4ac9-922a-8481f35e4172\">It is interesting watching teams come and go from the front and you don&#8217;t really notice it happen. Ineos Grenadiers have disappeared and now XDS Astana and Picnic-PostNL are the teams up to the front with a rider from Tudor and TotalEnergies just behind Bjerg.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:38:08+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:38:08.510Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-220km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-220km-to-go\"><span>220km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-51a485e8-4996-4523-bbd4-669dc6acf15e\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Ineos Grenadiers take over as the main presence behind the lone UAE rider, Bjerg replaces Politt on the point of the peloton again. Over three minutes to the break.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:35:41+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:35:41.517Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2511f588-4ae3-4c4b-b077-be7c6c04132c\">The first abandon of the day comes as a blow for Evenepoel as it is the Austalian leadout man, Jarrad Drizners (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) who had left the race before reaching the first cobbles of the day.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:34:47+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:34:47.260Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-688e2672-b5c5-46eb-8941-102a6339bfae\">Bike change for Martijn Rasenberg (Unibet Rose Rockets).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:32:16+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:32:16.482Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5731a414-cd91-4d74-8f5b-74e6872d9be9\">Lamperti back at the car in the break for a new bidon and some gels. Maybe a bit of Easter egg as well?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:31:26+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:31:26.482Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d41aed32-ac51-4f35-b546-604b4ab9b177\">Tadej Poga\u010dar speaking before the start today&#8230;<\/p>\n<div class=\"instagram-embed\" id=\"elk-DWvkBb0jK2p\">\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version=\"6\">\n<p>A post shared by Cyclingnews (@cyclingnews_feed)<\/p>\n<p>A photo posted by on <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:30:13+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:30:13.565Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2ec8482b-c2dd-4b7c-a8d7-63733eec08e5\">Just over an hour done and the average speed is around 46kph. It has been a rapid start.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:28:42+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:28:42.338Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1da77a58-c474-46f6-ba6d-ed980e12d95a\">Nils Politt (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) comes back to the front again ahead of a large group of Groupama-FDJ United riders, interestingly. Romain Gr\u00e9goire performed well at Dwars door Vlaanderen but couldn&#8217;t follow the attack of Van Aert on the Nokereberg.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:26:35+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:26:35.892Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7ae07845-583c-4ffc-b333-ca6fd4ad9611\">De Pooter has finally got his overshoes off and he hands them back to the team car.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:25:15+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:25:15.938Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e836f24f-1f7f-48b4-853f-0b63236e3109\">The gap grows to 2&#8217;20&#8221; on the peloton. Bjerg looking around and is on the radio as well.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:23:34+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:23:34.321Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-crash\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-crash\"><span>Crash<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-b4f28c3d-14f5-4e2c-8130-37163b204ad9\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Florian Dauphin (TotalEnergies)<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The Frenchman has a ripped shorts but seems okay.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:18:45+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:18:45.173Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8cb5ea85-7276-407f-a2e5-09d3c02d2dea\">Interestingly, Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe have a rider in second wheel behind Bjerg. Alpecin-Premier Tech, Lidl-Trek and Tudor also have a presence near the front.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:17:20+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:17:20.217Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f8b707e0-8ec6-4d4d-96e6-0e8881a1241f\">The gap is continuing to grow for the 12 man break with a gap of 1&#8217;47&#8221; between them and the Bjerg led peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:14:54+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:14:54.637Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8c2b6057-88af-4cc8-aadc-a65749026b2c\">Van der Poel before the start today&#8230;<\/p>\n<div class=\"instagram-embed\" id=\"elk-DWvjRRNjOnW\">\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version=\"6\">\n<p>A post shared by Cyclingnews (@cyclingnews_feed)<\/p>\n<p>A photo posted by on <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:11:44+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:11:44.223Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0fe68517-73a1-4f3b-89d7-ad8dabe9b6a6\">De Pooter at the back of the break attempting to take his overshoes off but the pace is high so it he is having a bit of trouble.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:08:12+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:08:12.411Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-de52760f-610e-46f5-a4e6-4307c54d20bb\">It looks like the peloton is gone but Mikkel Bjerg (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) is on the front and still has the peloton rather strung out. However, lots of riders are taking the chance to have a natural break.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:05:52+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:05:52.646Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-643fcb47-8050-487c-a938-b96d1fecba4b\">Dillier isn&#8217;t doing any work in the break.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:05:39+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:05:39.974Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7f342c01-b6c0-4f7f-b17d-a98cd4f50fcb\">The break now have over 40&#8243; on the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:04:45+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:04:45.798Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-03724484-8032-46bf-9092-26897389b999\"><strong>Breakaway:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Silvan Dillier (Alpecin-Premier Tech)<br \/>Frederik Frison (Pinarello-Q36.5)<br \/>Connor Swift (Ineos Grenadiers)<br \/>Luke Lamperti (EF Education-EasyPost)<br \/>Luca Van Boven (Lotto-Intermarche)<br \/>Kamil Gradek (Bahrain Victorious)<br \/>Dries De Pooter (Jayco-AlUla)<br \/>Julius van den Berg (Picnic-PostNL)<br \/>Jambaljamts Sainbayar (Burgos-Burpellet-BH)<br \/>Edoardo Zamperini (Cofidis)<br \/>Hartthijs de Vries (Unibet Rose Rockets)<br \/>Victor Vercouillie (Flanders-Baloise)<br \/>Eric Fagundez (Burgos-Burpellet-BH)<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T09:00:08+00:00\">2026-04-05T09:00:08.219Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d5c6d231-3c68-4118-bf21-623e54a41b63\">A break is forming! About 15 riders involved.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Silvan Dillier (Alpecin-Premier Tech) is a surprising addition and, immediately, UAE Team Emirates-XRG scramble a chase.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:58:38+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:58:38.936Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4791051d-c5d4-4753-8afc-0172981c7471\">Van der Poel joins Van Aert in rejecting favourite status and pushes all the pressure on Poga\u010dar&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>&gt;&gt;&gt; <strong>&#8216;He&#8217;s one level above all the rest&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel rejects status as favourite to beat Tadej Poga\u010dar in Tour of Flanders<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-53d8c255-2b33-4d39-8e31-f58c6af6f660\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XE9xXss84hR8iWw3AbXeFR.jpg\" alt=\"2026 Tour of Flanders: Mathieu van der Poel before the start\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:53:22+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:53:22.735Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9e625cb5-93f4-4471-8ad8-00b4bd81fa09\">Tom\u00e1\u0161 Kopeck\u00fd (Unibet Rose Rockets) is the next lone rider to get a gap on the peloton as they ride into Sint-Niklaas. Kopeck\u00fd is joined by a rider from Bahrain Victorious and Pinarello-Q36.5 but TotalEnergies is leading the string of riders that will bring the peloton back to them yet again.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:50:48+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:50:48.036Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-95f3e861-d9e0-464c-8eb6-9a809e448f66\">Half an hour in and there is still no break. One Flanders-Baloise rider has a small gap but, yet again, it is swiftly closed down.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:49:58+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:49:58.354Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9912098b-e329-4b87-bf78-700ea51ae057\">Van Aert gets back in with Stan Dewulf (Decathlon-CMA CGM) immediately starting up a conversation with him.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:48:00+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:48:00.993Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e8c7e82d-2021-4087-8677-688569c375a3\">Van Aert rolling back into the peloton after a natural break and a quick chat at the car.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-d98d1617-d5cc-4432-85c9-2967f50772b7\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BSaPfQiCajZ3BJAsqi4iQK.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: Wout van Aert of Belgium and Team Visma | Lease a Bike competes during the 110th Tour of Flanders - Ronde van Vlaanderen 2026 - Men&amp;#039;s Elite a 278.6km one day race from Antwerp to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:46:52+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:46:52.660Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5cca1aa2-5e8f-40c3-8449-edd4fc02a660\">Evenepoel is making his debut at the race today&#8230;<\/p>\n<div class=\"instagram-embed\" id=\"elk-DWvcZ_QjB6t\">\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version=\"6\">\n<p>A post shared by Cyclingnews (@cyclingnews_feed)<\/p>\n<p>A photo posted by on <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:45:05+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:45:05.072Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-260km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-260km-to-go\"><span>260km to go<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-4aaff9ba-35c8-4924-9d2a-58facd5cc5ef\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Flanders-Baloise, Movistar, Tudor and Picnic-PostNL have been involved in every move so far with Pinarello-Q36.5, Burgos-Burpellet-BH, EF Education-EasyPost and Unibet Rose Rockets all regularly involved too.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:43:43+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:43:43.579Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5c2ab31d-cf69-4315-b61d-048b66a6cc57\">There is a strong headwind which is killing any attacker&#8217;s momentum.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-eda2ba83-b825-43c6-b567-2fe4a2c906d1\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/36rsYNQpRXnimbD4xva8C6.jpg\" alt=\"OUDENAARDE, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: A general view of the peloton competing while fans cheer during the 110th Tour of Flanders - Ronde van Vlaanderen 2026 - Men&amp;amp;amp;apos;s Elite a 278.6km one day race from Antwerp to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Oudenaarde, Belgium. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:43:17+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:43:17.551Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-decc7d70-2934-4119-ba35-43756f0011c4\">It&#8217;s wave after wave of attacks but the peloton don&#8217;t even seem to be trying and just manage to bring it back every time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:41:35+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:41:35.724Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-57b37724-1a6d-4379-a350-c779f15f2c36\">The moves continue to come bit they just aren&#8217;t getting the gap. Marco Haller (Tudor) involved in this latest move with Jon Barrenetxea (Movistar) and a few others. The Spaniard has been riding really well in this Classics season with a couple of 12th places in Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne and Dwars door Vlaanderen.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:37:07+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:37:07.804Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bfc5fc99-f770-4f2e-ae31-d003cb1e68c5\">Matthew Brennan (Visma-Lease a Bike) is at the team car with radio issues.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:36:31+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:36:31.793Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-834330a7-fb54-429b-934d-2bd49055d61e\">Simmons brought back but now Sam Welsford (Ineos Grenadiers) drags three other riders clear including Fredrik Frison (Pinarello-Q36.5) but Albert Torres (Movistar) closes things down again.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:33:51+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:33:51.949Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fa49047a-cfce-49d7-8eba-3d0c38c8622e\">Colby Simmons (EF Education-EasyPost) launches clear and has a gap. Riders trying to join but the headwind is meaning that attackers just drag the rest of the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:31:40+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:31:40.594Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-21d6d289-93e8-484b-a954-abe5fa3bc470\">Puncture for Fabian Lienhard (Tudor).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:30:57+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:30:57.057Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1cc02d76-93ba-477b-922d-6d2aa25999b2\">Hugo de la Calle (Burgos-Burpellet-BH) is the next to try a move but nothing is going for the moment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:28:31+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:28:31.675Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e1e3f60d-1135-4581-ab2d-2116af94856f\">Nils Politt (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) begins to control the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:28:15+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:28:15.172Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-321afb8f-001e-4e38-b47e-6750a908aeb1\">Attack by Victor Vercouillie (Flanders-Baloise) but nothing is being allowed to go just yet.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:23:51+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:23:51.883Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-745b4090-99a5-402e-82bf-9190b335e5c0\">No break for the moment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:23:05+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:23:05.114Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9f2664e8-1cc7-46bb-8929-469820064a23\">Unibet Rose Rockets are the next to launch a move and he gets a gap but he&#8217;s dragged back.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:20:53+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:20:53.798Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-278-2km-to-go\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-278-2km-to-go\"><span>278.2km to go!<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-d5371643-db5e-467e-a834-44d0156430c8\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Racing begins and Picnic-PostNL begin the attacks.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:19:39+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:19:39.204Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4c8765db-a6a7-4e79-8f05-0066f89e180b\">The startlist is absolutely stacked! Tadej Poga\u010dar, Mathieu van der Poel, Wout Van Aert, Mads Pedersen and Remco Evenepoel among a long list of super talents.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-c8fce5c8-4d8d-4f87-84aa-22a1cb1a4afc\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QCs326X5zLNC728LHPnW3T.jpg\" alt=\"ANTWERP, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: (L-R) Remco Evenepoel of Belgium and Team Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe, Mads Pedersen of Denmark and Team Lidl - Trek, Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates - XRG, Wout van Aert of Belgium and Team Visma | Lease a Bike and Mathieu van der Poel of Netherlands and Team Alpecin-Premier Tech prior to the 110th Tour of Flanders - Ronde van Vlaanderen 2026 - Men&amp;amp;amp;apos;s Elite a 278.6km one day race from Antwerp to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Antwerp, Belgium. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:05:56+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:05:56.557Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-002c1eb6-aae5-4199-be65-b7ea6bc96415\">The riders have started the neutral zone. Rui Oliveira (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) clipped a wheel as they started and hit the barriers. He is back riding.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:04:19+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:04:19.874Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-50e41604-4f10-4bd2-9e04-0ddec33a351d\">Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech) seems very pleased that Evenepoel has decided to debut at the Ronde this year&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>&gt;&gt;&gt; <strong>&#8216;Not a disadvantage for me&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel welcomes addition of Remco Evenepoel to Tour of Flanders but warns against underestimating debutant<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-6f79a7cb-814c-48b7-ad8c-71b792d678a9\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E5dqAv8QTj8CEBHYY4GxpA.jpg\" alt=\"MIDDELKERKE, BELGIUM - MARCH 29: Mathieu van der Poel of Alpecin-Premier Tech of Netherlands, Ben Turner of INEOS Grenadiers of Great Britain during the Flanders Fields Men Elite at the Wevelgem on March 29, 2026 in Middelkerke Belgium (Photo by Pim Waslander\/Soccrates\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T08:01:48+00:00\">2026-04-05T08:01:48.853Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f2a55217-8bf5-425c-9a6f-78bbe3719a6a\">Wout Van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike) refuses to be included in the discussion when it comes to the biggest names of the sport&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>&gt;&gt;&gt; <strong>&#8216;I don&#8217;t consider myself in the big four&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert &#8216;older and wiser&#8217; but avoids talking himself up for major Tour of Flanders battle<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-b1209542-8c5c-4634-9f4f-df50b2c434ec\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/v2f6yDEapxtfhcsY9Wmqi5.jpg\" alt=\"A side shot of Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike) riding up a cobbled climb during In Flanders Fields, with excited fans cheering behind a barrier\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Zac Williams\/SWpix.com)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T07:59:10+00:00\">2026-04-05T07:59:10.063Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5ca300fa-0c7a-412a-805d-04d11659f662\">Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) is, obviously, the big favourite for today. However, he is a bit concerned about the ability of Evenepoel and his unpredictability&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>&gt;&gt;&gt; <strong>&#8216;He can attack in the most random places&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar ponders potential tactical headache of Remco Evenepoel at Tour of Flanders<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-effaa0ba-8fa4-4a2b-a418-fc3df5b7de7b\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TRo4eCDSYkD6hHXQ2YpsaM.jpg\" alt=\"ANTWERP, BELGIUM - APRIL 05: Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates - XRG prior to the 110th Tour of Flanders - Ronde van Vlaanderen 2026 - Men&amp;amp;amp;apos;s Elite a 278.6km one day race from Antwerp to Oudenaarde \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 05, 2026 in Antwerp, Belgium. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T07:54:48+00:00\">2026-04-05T07:54:48.185Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-182a36c2-b515-48ad-a9df-69d7a45901ca\">Hello and welcome to <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>&#8216; live report of the men&#8217;s Tour of Flanders\/Ronde Van Vlaanderen 2026!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"live-feed-ad-unit ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<p id=\"elk-ef6d9112-128d-477d-b480-fbf0df8e946e\">It was a surprise on April Fool&#8217;s Day that the announcement of Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) wasn&#8217;t a joke and very definitely is happening! Whether you like how they did the announcement or not, it captured the attention of the cycling world!<\/p>\n<p>&gt;&gt;&gt; <strong>&#8216;I deliberately got rid of my social media for two weeks&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel addresses drama of surprise Tour of Flanders debut and says he wouldn&#8217;t be starting if victory wasn&#8217;t possible<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-e2997f55-492c-4b06-a047-118fa69e4217\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EpeEMUPeVXkyiWBiWyugWE.jpg\" alt=\"Belgian Remco Evenepoel of Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe pictured during a press conference of the Red Bull - Bora - Hansgrohe cycling team ahead of the Ronde van Vlaanderen \/ Tour des Flandres \/ Tour of Flanders cycling race, Friday 03 April 2026 in Ledegem. The 110th edition of the cycling race will take place on Sunday 5th April. BELGA PHOTO DAVID PINTENS (Photo by DAVID PINTENS \/ BELGA MAG \/ Belga \/ AFP via Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"inline\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"><\/aside>\n<div id=\"mid-article-leaderboard\" class=\"ad-unit sm:hidden block\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"viafoura-comments\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\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=\"relative h-[--truncate-height] sm:h-[--truncate-desktop-height] overflow-hidden transition-[height] duration-150\" data-test-id=\"container\" data-component-name=\"Util:Truncate\" id=\"viafoura-comments-container\">\n<div class=\"relative z-10 viafoura\" id=\"viafoura-comment-wrapper\" data-test-id=\"content\">\n<div class=\"viafoura\">\n<div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"absolute bg-gradient-to-t from-[--truncate-gradient-color,white] from-50% h-28 z-20 w-full bottom-0 flex items-end justify-center px-0 rounded-none\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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<div class=\"related-articles-block\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/live\/tour-of-flanders-men-live-an-easter-extravaganza-on-the-belgian-cobbles\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E5o84x7h25gDjCwtptDrXD-2560-80.jpg&#8221;] Pro Cycling Racing Road Tour of Flanders As it happened: Winning record equalled at Tour of Flanders 2026 Tadej Poga\u010dar took the win ahead of Mathieu van der Poel and debutant Remco Evenepoel. Live-reports By Tim Bonville-Ginn last updated 5 April 2026 1 Comment Join the conversation When you purchase through links [&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-1867050","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\/1867050","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=1867050"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1867050\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1867050"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1867050"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1867050"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}