{"id":1867292,"date":"2026-04-05T20:17:55","date_gmt":"2026-04-05T17:17:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1867292"},"modified":"2026-04-05T20:17:55","modified_gmt":"2026-04-05T17:17:55","slug":"the-messi-or-ronaldo-of-cycling-tadej-pogacar-remains-a-cut-above-at-tour-of-flanders-despite-superstars-aligning-to-challenge-him","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1867292","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;The Messi or Ronaldo of cycling&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar remains a cut above at Tour of Flanders despite superstars aligning to challenge him"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY-1024-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;The Messi or Ronaldo of cycling&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar remains a cut above at Tour of Flanders despite superstars aligning to challenge him<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T20:17:55Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n5 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">World Champion credits fellow superstars for continued improvement, says they &#8216;are pushing each other to another level&#8217;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Poga\u010dar drops Van der Poel on the Oude Kwaremont<\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"!m-0\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 sm:ml-1.5 font-base text-xs\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div role=\"dialog\" class=\"hidden fixed inset-0 z-[999999999999999999] bg-[#33333370] flex items-center justify-center p-6 newsletter-modal\" data-batch-endpoint=\"https:\/\/newsletter-subscribe.futureplc.com\/v2\/submission\/submit_batch\" data-batch-source=\"302\" data-component-name=\"Newsletter:Modal\">\n<div class=\"bg-neutral-100 rounded-xl shadow-xl w-full lg:w-2\/3 xl:w-1\/2 p-6 relative max-h-[95vh] overflow-y-auto\">\n<div id=\"newsletter-capture-modal\">\n<div class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0 bg-inherit font-ui-heading\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base font-article-copy\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<div data-component-name=\"Newsletter:NewsletterForm\">\n<hr class=\"modal_hr mt-3 mb-4 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"modal_footer block text-left opacity-80 text-[.8em] leading-[1.3em] mt-2 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline font-article-copy\">\nBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-cd4c94a9-bf42-47a5-a4bd-7fc64254cd89\">Before the 2026 Tour of Flanders, Tadej Poga\u010dar, Mathieu van der Poel, Remco Evenepoel and Wout van Aert had only met on the start line of two one-day races together. Both times were at the World Championships, in 2022 and 2023. But on Sunday, they faced off for an epic, rare battle on the road from Antwerp to Oudenaarde and, in a memorable edition, the phenomenal Slovenian emerged victorious for his 12th Monument success.<\/p>\n<p>This moves Poga\u010dar to second place on the all-time leaderboard for victories at cycling&#8217;s five most prestigious one-day races, ahead of Roger De Vlaeminck and with only Eddy Merckx&#8217;s, in theory, untouchable total of 19 left to chase.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cd4c94a9-bf42-47a5-a4bd-7fc64254cd89-2\">The stats are endless and the superlatives are all exhausted \u2013 so much so that Evenepoel&#8217;s DS Klaas Lodewyck turned to another sport to muster up a comparison: &#8220;He&#8217;s brilliant. He&#8217;s the Messi or Ronaldo of cycling,&#8221; he told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> \u2013 and his rivals simply have no answers in 2026.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3XGwPPwmVshszv733ZKf7f-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3XGwPPwmVshszv733ZKf7f-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Tour of Flanders: Indomitable Tadej Poga\u010dar solos to repeat victory after Oude Kwaremont attack<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uCmxNhfiSJsDMJJQA5V9f-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uCmxNhfiSJsDMJJQA5V9f-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I was riding 650 watts and still couldn&#8217;t follow&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel cracks to finish second again behind &#8216;unbeatable&#8217; Tadej Poga\u010dar in Tour of Flanders<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XE9xXss84hR8iWw3AbXeFR-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XE9xXss84hR8iWw3AbXeFR-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;He&#8217;s one level above all the rest&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel names Tadej Poga\u010dar as top favourite to win 2026 Tour of Flanders<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">From just his three race days of racing in Strade Bianche, Milan-San Remo and now De Ronde, he has a 100% win record. While it was anything but, by his own admission, he made his latest success look easy.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;When you go to the biggest races of the year, you never can expect it to be easy, and today was really hard,&#8221; said Poga\u010dar as he sat down for his winner&#8217;s press conference, some time after he crossed the line alone with his fist in the air.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;All of the competitors were super strong, and everybody raced really aggressively. Everybody left everything out on the road today, and it was a beautiful race in the end. Obviously, in Flanders, you need to have exceptional legs, and you need to be in the shape of the day, and I was lucky to have it today.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Poga\u010dar repeated what he did in 2023 and 2025, attacking away finally on the final of three reps up the Oude Kwaremont climb, but this came after his team blew the race to pieces at 102km to go on the Molenberg.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-aGyRJ7LDWhZQTLXPaVih7K\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-aGyRJ7LDWhZQTLXPaVih7K slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Florian Vermeersch did the damage with the rainbow jersey in his wheel, drawing 16 of the top riders out of the peloton to form a group of favourites, and then Poga\u010dar put everyone to the sword on the second time up the Kwaremont, where only Van der Poel and debutant Evenepoel could follow.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-b444db1e-2e63-4d65-81e1-c4737cf502bd\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FugKBkG55n4xDkXEm6e85D-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FugKBkG55n4xDkXEm6e85D-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FugKBkG55n4xDkXEm6e85D-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FugKBkG55n4xDkXEm6e85D-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FugKBkG55n4xDkXEm6e85D-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FugKBkG55n4xDkXEm6e85D-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Nils Politt and Florian Vermeersch split the bunch for their leader <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-aee05212-6809-4e4e-ba64-2ab6eaf4152e\">He dispatched with Evenepoel on the next ascent, the Paterberg, before working to ensure he never caught back on to the leading duo \u2013 despite his best efforts \u2013 and that it would be man-against-man with Van der Poel heading into the final loop of the key climbs. This is where he calmly dealt with him, too, and rode 18km solo to the finish in Oudenaarde, making history as the eighth man to win a record third Tour of Flanders.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;No, for sure you [have doubts] when you don&#8217;t know what he&#8217;s feeling; maybe he&#8217;s bluffing, maybe not,&#8221; said Poga\u010dar of how he played things with the Dutchman. &#8220;You always need to think twice, but I think Mathieu rode really well and honest, like he always does.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BcsRcgkWHBDX9EfiTWzseS-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BcsRcgkWHBDX9EfiTWzseS-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">The 10 greatest victories of Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s career<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Reflections from the men&#8217;s Milan-San Remo \u2013 Poga\u010dar overcomes the chaos, prefers focaccia to a 2027 return, McNulty&#8217;s work, and praise for Van der Poel and Pedersen<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zAAf2cy6Vdo8jfjbvVofiH-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zAAf2cy6Vdo8jfjbvVofiH-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I heard some rumours&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar says he wasn&#8217;t too surprised by Remco Evenepoel making shock Tour of Flanders debut<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>After Van der Poel had referred to his stunning power numbers and how he himself had to concede in the face of someone who is just better as he thinks he&#8217;s at career-best shape, Poga\u010dar was asked directly if he felt the same was true of his current form, which seems to only be increasing.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m quite lucky to still be able to improve, or still see some room for improvement in certain ways,&#8221; he said, before actually crediting the likes of the Dutchman and Evenepoel for it.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I think the biggest help is the other competitors. We are pushing each other to another level, I think, but for sure, at some point we&#8217;ll go down.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>With pushback following the Slovenian wherever he races in 2026, for both his total domination of the biggest races, and often the method he uses to do so \u2013 long solo moves \u2013 Poga\u010dar was questioned on the potential effect his presence has on the rest of the WorldTour field.<\/p>\n<p>Asked if he thinks his rivals enjoy riding against him anymore, Poga\u010dar half shrugged, before saying, &#8220;Maybe some people not, and some people yes, I don&#8217;t know,&#8221; but he was more serious when the journalist asking the question said if he were them, he would be turning desperate at this point.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Yeah, but I don&#8217;t\u2026 I have three race days. You know how many races there have been this year already?&#8221; said Poga\u010dar, with his next race set to be another thrilling appointment at Paris-Roubaix, continuing his calendar of only the grandest appointments.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-6169b73b-374a-4df1-8626-0f2ee79933a6\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9yfQ9LsrUASDQkVuHxvzA5-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9yfQ9LsrUASDQkVuHxvzA5-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9yfQ9LsrUASDQkVuHxvzA5-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9yfQ9LsrUASDQkVuHxvzA5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9yfQ9LsrUASDQkVuHxvzA5-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9yfQ9LsrUASDQkVuHxvzA5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Vollering and Poga\u010dar, the winners of the 2026 Tours of Flanders <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-7a3547ef-8e9c-4db9-9d9a-dfe914ab1c71\">He was second there on debut in 2025 after a late mistake saw Van der Poel get ahead and complete his hat-trick, but he will be back and hungry for more in a week&#8217;s time, with now having the experience and his current form making for an ominous prospect that Van der Poel and co. will all have to contend with.<\/p>\n<p>If Poga\u010dar does succeed, he will look likely to become the first rider ever to win all five Monuments in the same season and will become the fourth rider, and first non-Belgian, to win all of Milan-San Remo, Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix, Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge and Il Lombardia in their career.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s two out of five, now, let&#8217;s not get ahead of ourselves,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Let&#8217;s enjoy the moment, enjoy this victory today, go with motivation to Roubaix, and we&#8217;ll see what happens.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>He may be tempering expectations, but after this, the latest display of his all-conquering power, victory in the Roubaix Velodrome is looking more possible by the minute. Van der Poel will be on favoured, flatter terrain once again, and the main challenger, but even he was some distance from the World Champion&#8217;s level today. It&#8217;s Poga\u010dar&#8217;s sport, and everyone else just has to live in it.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled 2026 Spring Classics coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-aGyRJ7LDWhZQTLXPaVih7K\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-aGyRJ7LDWhZQTLXPaVih7K slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">James Moultrie<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>James Moultrie is a gold-standard NCTJ journalist who joined\u00a0Cyclingnews\u00a0as a News Writer in 2023 after originally contributing as a freelancer for eight months, during which time he also wrote for Eurosport, Rouleur and Cycling Weekly. Prior to joining the team he reported on races such as Paris-Roubaix and the Giro d\u2019Italia Donne for Eurosport and has interviewed some of the sport\u2019s top riders in Chlo\u00e9 Dygert, Lizzie Deignan and Wout van Aert. Outside of cycling, he spends the majority of his time watching other sports \u2013 rugby, football, cricket, and American Football to name a few.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3XGwPPwmVshszv733ZKf7f-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3XGwPPwmVshszv733ZKf7f-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3XGwPPwmVshszv733ZKf7f-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3XGwPPwmVshszv733ZKf7f-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3XGwPPwmVshszv733ZKf7f-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour of Flanders: Indomitable Tadej Poga\u010dar solos to repeat victory after Oude Kwaremont attack<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uCmxNhfiSJsDMJJQA5V9f-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uCmxNhfiSJsDMJJQA5V9f-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uCmxNhfiSJsDMJJQA5V9f-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uCmxNhfiSJsDMJJQA5V9f-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uCmxNhfiSJsDMJJQA5V9f-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I was riding 650 watts and still couldn&#8217;t follow&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel cracks to finish second again behind &#8216;unbeatable&#8217; Tadej Poga\u010dar in Tour of Flanders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XE9xXss84hR8iWw3AbXeFR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XE9xXss84hR8iWw3AbXeFR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XE9xXss84hR8iWw3AbXeFR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XE9xXss84hR8iWw3AbXeFR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XE9xXss84hR8iWw3AbXeFR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;He&#8217;s one level above all the rest&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel names Tadej Poga\u010dar as top favourite to win 2026 Tour of Flanders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BcsRcgkWHBDX9EfiTWzseS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BcsRcgkWHBDX9EfiTWzseS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BcsRcgkWHBDX9EfiTWzseS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BcsRcgkWHBDX9EfiTWzseS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BcsRcgkWHBDX9EfiTWzseS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The 10 greatest victories of Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s career<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Reflections from the men&#8217;s Milan-San Remo \u2013 Poga\u010dar overcomes the chaos, prefers focaccia to a 2027 return, McNulty&#8217;s work, and praise for Van der Poel and Pedersen<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zAAf2cy6Vdo8jfjbvVofiH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zAAf2cy6Vdo8jfjbvVofiH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zAAf2cy6Vdo8jfjbvVofiH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zAAf2cy6Vdo8jfjbvVofiH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zAAf2cy6Vdo8jfjbvVofiH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I heard some rumours&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar says he wasn&#8217;t too surprised by Remco Evenepoel making shock Tour of Flanders debut<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f3zvCtE6GbvAo5UHRwbBsX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f3zvCtE6GbvAo5UHRwbBsX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f3zvCtE6GbvAo5UHRwbBsX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f3zvCtE6GbvAo5UHRwbBsX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f3zvCtE6GbvAo5UHRwbBsX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The win was not in our reach today&#8217; \u2013 Loss of Lorena Wiebes on Koppenberg costly for Lotte Kopecky in Tour of Flanders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cr2RTiBiu8RcetVeVCih9X-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cr2RTiBiu8RcetVeVCih9X-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cr2RTiBiu8RcetVeVCih9X-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cr2RTiBiu8RcetVeVCih9X-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cr2RTiBiu8RcetVeVCih9X-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Cresting the Koppenberg with leaders &#8216;gave me a few goosebumps&#8217; \u2013 Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt impresses with fifth in Tour of Flanders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uCmxNhfiSJsDMJJQA5V9f-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uCmxNhfiSJsDMJJQA5V9f-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uCmxNhfiSJsDMJJQA5V9f-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uCmxNhfiSJsDMJJQA5V9f-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uCmxNhfiSJsDMJJQA5V9f-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I was riding 650 watts and still couldn&#8217;t follow&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel cracks to finish second again behind &#8216;unbeatable&#8217; Tadej Poga\u010dar in Tour of Flanders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXzA3ycmk4ezhoaj3JThwd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXzA3ycmk4ezhoaj3JThwd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXzA3ycmk4ezhoaj3JThwd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXzA3ycmk4ezhoaj3JThwd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXzA3ycmk4ezhoaj3JThwd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Tadej didn&#8217;t want to let me come back&#8217;  \u2013 Remco Evenepoel bullish on cobbled Classics after taking third in his Tour of Flanders debut<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j3eKsyZ8Nbe2vtT8HFmDxe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j3eKsyZ8Nbe2vtT8HFmDxe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j3eKsyZ8Nbe2vtT8HFmDxe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j3eKsyZ8Nbe2vtT8HFmDxe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j3eKsyZ8Nbe2vtT8HFmDxe-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;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<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2uTc6MWEffMuGkfaTgFCFE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2uTc6MWEffMuGkfaTgFCFE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2uTc6MWEffMuGkfaTgFCFE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2uTc6MWEffMuGkfaTgFCFE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2uTc6MWEffMuGkfaTgFCFE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">2026 Tour of Flanders Men briefly neutralised after over half peloton stopped at level crossing<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f3zvCtE6GbvAo5UHRwbBsX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f3zvCtE6GbvAo5UHRwbBsX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f3zvCtE6GbvAo5UHRwbBsX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f3zvCtE6GbvAo5UHRwbBsX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f3zvCtE6GbvAo5UHRwbBsX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The win was not in our reach today&#8217; \u2013 Loss of Lorena Wiebes on Koppenberg costly for Lotte Kopecky in Tour of Flanders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cr2RTiBiu8RcetVeVCih9X-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cr2RTiBiu8RcetVeVCih9X-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cr2RTiBiu8RcetVeVCih9X-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cr2RTiBiu8RcetVeVCih9X-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cr2RTiBiu8RcetVeVCih9X-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Cresting the Koppenberg with leaders &#8216;gave me a few goosebumps&#8217; \u2013 Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt impresses with fifth in Tour of Flanders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uCmxNhfiSJsDMJJQA5V9f-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uCmxNhfiSJsDMJJQA5V9f-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uCmxNhfiSJsDMJJQA5V9f-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uCmxNhfiSJsDMJJQA5V9f-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uCmxNhfiSJsDMJJQA5V9f-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I was riding 650 watts and still couldn&#8217;t follow&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel cracks to finish second again behind &#8216;unbeatable&#8217; Tadej Poga\u010dar in Tour of Flanders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SJ3h4zAQURHGko72eHPuei-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SJ3h4zAQURHGko72eHPuei-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SJ3h4zAQURHGko72eHPuei-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SJ3h4zAQURHGko72eHPuei-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SJ3h4zAQURHGko72eHPuei-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Rules<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Riders who ran level crossing red light during men&#8217;s Tour of Flanders could face fines and short driving bans, says Flemish prosecutor<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXzA3ycmk4ezhoaj3JThwd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXzA3ycmk4ezhoaj3JThwd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXzA3ycmk4ezhoaj3JThwd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXzA3ycmk4ezhoaj3JThwd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXzA3ycmk4ezhoaj3JThwd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Tadej didn&#8217;t want to let me come back&#8217;  \u2013 Remco Evenepoel bullish on cobbled Classics after taking third in his Tour of Flanders debut<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s cycling (races)<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#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<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;The Messi or Ronaldo of cycling&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar remains a cut above at Tour of Flanders despite superstars aligning to challenge him<\/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;The win was not in our reach today&#8217; \u2013 Loss of Lorena Wiebes on Koppenberg costly for Lotte Kopecky 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\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Cresting the Koppenberg with leaders &#8216;gave me a few goosebumps&#8217; \u2013 Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt impresses with fifth 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\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Riders who ran level crossing red light during men&#8217;s Tour of Flanders could face fines and short driving bans, says Flemish prosecutor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;I was riding 650 watts and still couldn&#8217;t follow&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel cracks to finish second again behind &#8216;unbeatable&#8217; Tadej Poga\u010dar in Tour of Flanders<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;The Messi or Ronaldo of cycling&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar remains a cut above at Tour of Flanders despite superstars aligning to challenge him<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T20:17:55Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n5 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">World Champion credits fellow superstars for continued improvement, says they &#8216;are pushing each other to another level&#8217;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Poga\u010dar drops Van der Poel on the Oude Kwaremont<\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"!m-0\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 sm:ml-1.5 font-base text-xs\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div role=\"dialog\" class=\"hidden fixed inset-0 z-[999999999999999999] bg-[#33333370] flex items-center justify-center p-6 newsletter-modal\" data-batch-endpoint=\"https:\/\/newsletter-subscribe.futureplc.com\/v2\/submission\/submit_batch\" data-batch-source=\"302\" data-component-name=\"Newsletter:Modal\">\n<div class=\"bg-neutral-100 rounded-xl shadow-xl w-full lg:w-2\/3 xl:w-1\/2 p-6 relative max-h-[95vh] overflow-y-auto\">\n<div id=\"newsletter-capture-modal\">\n<div class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0 bg-inherit font-ui-heading\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base font-article-copy\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<div data-component-name=\"Newsletter:NewsletterForm\">\n<hr class=\"modal_hr mt-3 mb-4 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"modal_footer block text-left opacity-80 text-[.8em] leading-[1.3em] mt-2 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline font-article-copy\">\nBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-cd4c94a9-bf42-47a5-a4bd-7fc64254cd89\">Before the 2026 Tour of Flanders, Tadej Poga\u010dar, Mathieu van der Poel, Remco Evenepoel and Wout van Aert had only met on the start line of two one-day races together. Both times were at the World Championships, in 2022 and 2023. But on Sunday, they faced off for an epic, rare battle on the road from Antwerp to Oudenaarde and, in a memorable edition, the phenomenal Slovenian emerged victorious for his 12th Monument success.<\/p>\n<p>This moves Poga\u010dar to second place on the all-time leaderboard for victories at cycling&#8217;s five most prestigious one-day races, ahead of Roger De Vlaeminck and with only Eddy Merckx&#8217;s, in theory, untouchable total of 19 left to chase.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cd4c94a9-bf42-47a5-a4bd-7fc64254cd89-2\">The stats are endless and the superlatives are all exhausted \u2013 so much so that Evenepoel&#8217;s DS Klaas Lodewyck turned to another sport to muster up a comparison: &#8220;He&#8217;s brilliant. He&#8217;s the Messi or Ronaldo of cycling,&#8221; he told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> \u2013 and his rivals simply have no answers in 2026.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3XGwPPwmVshszv733ZKf7f-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3XGwPPwmVshszv733ZKf7f-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Tour of Flanders: Indomitable Tadej Poga\u010dar solos to repeat victory after Oude Kwaremont attack<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uCmxNhfiSJsDMJJQA5V9f-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uCmxNhfiSJsDMJJQA5V9f-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I was riding 650 watts and still couldn&#8217;t follow&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel cracks to finish second again behind &#8216;unbeatable&#8217; Tadej Poga\u010dar in Tour of Flanders<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XE9xXss84hR8iWw3AbXeFR-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XE9xXss84hR8iWw3AbXeFR-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;He&#8217;s one level above all the rest&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel names Tadej Poga\u010dar as top favourite to win 2026 Tour of Flanders<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">From just his three race days of racing in Strade Bianche, Milan-San Remo and now De Ronde, he has a 100% win record. While it was anything but, by his own admission, he made his latest success look easy.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;When you go to the biggest races of the year, you never can expect it to be easy, and today was really hard,&#8221; said Poga\u010dar as he sat down for his winner&#8217;s press conference, some time after he crossed the line alone with his fist in the air.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;All of the competitors were super strong, and everybody raced really aggressively. Everybody left everything out on the road today, and it was a beautiful race in the end. Obviously, in Flanders, you need to have exceptional legs, and you need to be in the shape of the day, and I was lucky to have it today.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Poga\u010dar repeated what he did in 2023 and 2025, attacking away finally on the final of three reps up the Oude Kwaremont climb, but this came after his team blew the race to pieces at 102km to go on the Molenberg.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-aGyRJ7LDWhZQTLXPaVih7K\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-aGyRJ7LDWhZQTLXPaVih7K slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Florian Vermeersch did the damage with the rainbow jersey in his wheel, drawing 16 of the top riders out of the peloton to form a group of favourites, and then Poga\u010dar put everyone to the sword on the second time up the Kwaremont, where only Van der Poel and debutant Evenepoel could follow.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-b444db1e-2e63-4d65-81e1-c4737cf502bd\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FugKBkG55n4xDkXEm6e85D-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FugKBkG55n4xDkXEm6e85D-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FugKBkG55n4xDkXEm6e85D-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FugKBkG55n4xDkXEm6e85D-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FugKBkG55n4xDkXEm6e85D-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FugKBkG55n4xDkXEm6e85D-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Nils Politt and Florian Vermeersch split the bunch for their leader <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-aee05212-6809-4e4e-ba64-2ab6eaf4152e\">He dispatched with Evenepoel on the next ascent, the Paterberg, before working to ensure he never caught back on to the leading duo \u2013 despite his best efforts \u2013 and that it would be man-against-man with Van der Poel heading into the final loop of the key climbs. This is where he calmly dealt with him, too, and rode 18km solo to the finish in Oudenaarde, making history as the eighth man to win a record third Tour of Flanders.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;No, for sure you [have doubts] when you don&#8217;t know what he&#8217;s feeling; maybe he&#8217;s bluffing, maybe not,&#8221; said Poga\u010dar of how he played things with the Dutchman. &#8220;You always need to think twice, but I think Mathieu rode really well and honest, like he always does.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BcsRcgkWHBDX9EfiTWzseS-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BcsRcgkWHBDX9EfiTWzseS-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">The 10 greatest victories of Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s career<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Reflections from the men&#8217;s Milan-San Remo \u2013 Poga\u010dar overcomes the chaos, prefers focaccia to a 2027 return, McNulty&#8217;s work, and praise for Van der Poel and Pedersen<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zAAf2cy6Vdo8jfjbvVofiH-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zAAf2cy6Vdo8jfjbvVofiH-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I heard some rumours&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar says he wasn&#8217;t too surprised by Remco Evenepoel making shock Tour of Flanders debut<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>After Van der Poel had referred to his stunning power numbers and how he himself had to concede in the face of someone who is just better as he thinks he&#8217;s at career-best shape, Poga\u010dar was asked directly if he felt the same was true of his current form, which seems to only be increasing.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m quite lucky to still be able to improve, or still see some room for improvement in certain ways,&#8221; he said, before actually crediting the likes of the Dutchman and Evenepoel for it.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I think the biggest help is the other competitors. We are pushing each other to another level, I think, but for sure, at some point we&#8217;ll go down.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>With pushback following the Slovenian wherever he races in 2026, for both his total domination of the biggest races, and often the method he uses to do so \u2013 long solo moves \u2013 Poga\u010dar was questioned on the potential effect his presence has on the rest of the WorldTour field.<\/p>\n<p>Asked if he thinks his rivals enjoy riding against him anymore, Poga\u010dar half shrugged, before saying, &#8220;Maybe some people not, and some people yes, I don&#8217;t know,&#8221; but he was more serious when the journalist asking the question said if he were them, he would be turning desperate at this point.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Yeah, but I don&#8217;t\u2026 I have three race days. You know how many races there have been this year already?&#8221; said Poga\u010dar, with his next race set to be another thrilling appointment at Paris-Roubaix, continuing his calendar of only the grandest appointments.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-6169b73b-374a-4df1-8626-0f2ee79933a6\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9yfQ9LsrUASDQkVuHxvzA5-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9yfQ9LsrUASDQkVuHxvzA5-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9yfQ9LsrUASDQkVuHxvzA5-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9yfQ9LsrUASDQkVuHxvzA5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9yfQ9LsrUASDQkVuHxvzA5-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9yfQ9LsrUASDQkVuHxvzA5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Vollering and Poga\u010dar, the winners of the 2026 Tours of Flanders <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-7a3547ef-8e9c-4db9-9d9a-dfe914ab1c71\">He was second there on debut in 2025 after a late mistake saw Van der Poel get ahead and complete his hat-trick, but he will be back and hungry for more in a week&#8217;s time, with now having the experience and his current form making for an ominous prospect that Van der Poel and co. will all have to contend with.<\/p>\n<p>If Poga\u010dar does succeed, he will look likely to become the first rider ever to win all five Monuments in the same season and will become the fourth rider, and first non-Belgian, to win all of Milan-San Remo, Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix, Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge and Il Lombardia in their career.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s two out of five, now, let&#8217;s not get ahead of ourselves,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Let&#8217;s enjoy the moment, enjoy this victory today, go with motivation to Roubaix, and we&#8217;ll see what happens.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>He may be tempering expectations, but after this, the latest display of his all-conquering power, victory in the Roubaix Velodrome is looking more possible by the minute. Van der Poel will be on favoured, flatter terrain once again, and the main challenger, but even he was some distance from the World Champion&#8217;s level today. It&#8217;s Poga\u010dar&#8217;s sport, and everyone else just has to live in it.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled 2026 Spring Classics coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-aGyRJ7LDWhZQTLXPaVih7K\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-aGyRJ7LDWhZQTLXPaVih7K slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">James Moultrie<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>James Moultrie is a gold-standard NCTJ journalist who joined\u00a0Cyclingnews\u00a0as a News Writer in 2023 after originally contributing as a freelancer for eight months, during which time he also wrote for Eurosport, Rouleur and Cycling Weekly. Prior to joining the team he reported on races such as Paris-Roubaix and the Giro d\u2019Italia Donne for Eurosport and has interviewed some of the sport\u2019s top riders in Chlo\u00e9 Dygert, Lizzie Deignan and Wout van Aert. Outside of cycling, he spends the majority of his time watching other sports \u2013 rugby, football, cricket, and American Football to name a few.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3XGwPPwmVshszv733ZKf7f-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3XGwPPwmVshszv733ZKf7f-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3XGwPPwmVshszv733ZKf7f-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3XGwPPwmVshszv733ZKf7f-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3XGwPPwmVshszv733ZKf7f-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour of Flanders: Indomitable Tadej Poga\u010dar solos to repeat victory after Oude Kwaremont attack<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uCmxNhfiSJsDMJJQA5V9f-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uCmxNhfiSJsDMJJQA5V9f-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uCmxNhfiSJsDMJJQA5V9f-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uCmxNhfiSJsDMJJQA5V9f-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uCmxNhfiSJsDMJJQA5V9f-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I was riding 650 watts and still couldn&#8217;t follow&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel cracks to finish second again behind &#8216;unbeatable&#8217; Tadej Poga\u010dar in Tour of Flanders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XE9xXss84hR8iWw3AbXeFR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XE9xXss84hR8iWw3AbXeFR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XE9xXss84hR8iWw3AbXeFR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XE9xXss84hR8iWw3AbXeFR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XE9xXss84hR8iWw3AbXeFR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;He&#8217;s one level above all the rest&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel names Tadej Poga\u010dar as top favourite to win 2026 Tour of Flanders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BcsRcgkWHBDX9EfiTWzseS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BcsRcgkWHBDX9EfiTWzseS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BcsRcgkWHBDX9EfiTWzseS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BcsRcgkWHBDX9EfiTWzseS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BcsRcgkWHBDX9EfiTWzseS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The 10 greatest victories of Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s career<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Reflections from the men&#8217;s Milan-San Remo \u2013 Poga\u010dar overcomes the chaos, prefers focaccia to a 2027 return, McNulty&#8217;s work, and praise for Van der Poel and Pedersen<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zAAf2cy6Vdo8jfjbvVofiH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zAAf2cy6Vdo8jfjbvVofiH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zAAf2cy6Vdo8jfjbvVofiH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zAAf2cy6Vdo8jfjbvVofiH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zAAf2cy6Vdo8jfjbvVofiH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I heard some rumours&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar says he wasn&#8217;t too surprised by Remco Evenepoel making shock Tour of Flanders debut<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f3zvCtE6GbvAo5UHRwbBsX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f3zvCtE6GbvAo5UHRwbBsX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f3zvCtE6GbvAo5UHRwbBsX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f3zvCtE6GbvAo5UHRwbBsX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f3zvCtE6GbvAo5UHRwbBsX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The win was not in our reach today&#8217; \u2013 Loss of Lorena Wiebes on Koppenberg costly for Lotte Kopecky in Tour of Flanders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cr2RTiBiu8RcetVeVCih9X-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cr2RTiBiu8RcetVeVCih9X-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cr2RTiBiu8RcetVeVCih9X-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cr2RTiBiu8RcetVeVCih9X-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cr2RTiBiu8RcetVeVCih9X-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Cresting the Koppenberg with leaders &#8216;gave me a few goosebumps&#8217; \u2013 Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt impresses with fifth in Tour of Flanders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uCmxNhfiSJsDMJJQA5V9f-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uCmxNhfiSJsDMJJQA5V9f-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uCmxNhfiSJsDMJJQA5V9f-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uCmxNhfiSJsDMJJQA5V9f-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uCmxNhfiSJsDMJJQA5V9f-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I was riding 650 watts and still couldn&#8217;t follow&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel cracks to finish second again behind &#8216;unbeatable&#8217; Tadej Poga\u010dar in Tour of Flanders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXzA3ycmk4ezhoaj3JThwd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXzA3ycmk4ezhoaj3JThwd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXzA3ycmk4ezhoaj3JThwd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXzA3ycmk4ezhoaj3JThwd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXzA3ycmk4ezhoaj3JThwd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Tadej didn&#8217;t want to let me come back&#8217;  \u2013 Remco Evenepoel bullish on cobbled Classics after taking third in his Tour of Flanders debut<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j3eKsyZ8Nbe2vtT8HFmDxe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j3eKsyZ8Nbe2vtT8HFmDxe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j3eKsyZ8Nbe2vtT8HFmDxe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j3eKsyZ8Nbe2vtT8HFmDxe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j3eKsyZ8Nbe2vtT8HFmDxe-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;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<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2uTc6MWEffMuGkfaTgFCFE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2uTc6MWEffMuGkfaTgFCFE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2uTc6MWEffMuGkfaTgFCFE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2uTc6MWEffMuGkfaTgFCFE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2uTc6MWEffMuGkfaTgFCFE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">2026 Tour of Flanders Men briefly neutralised after over half peloton stopped at level crossing<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f3zvCtE6GbvAo5UHRwbBsX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f3zvCtE6GbvAo5UHRwbBsX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f3zvCtE6GbvAo5UHRwbBsX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f3zvCtE6GbvAo5UHRwbBsX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f3zvCtE6GbvAo5UHRwbBsX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The win was not in our reach today&#8217; \u2013 Loss of Lorena Wiebes on Koppenberg costly for Lotte Kopecky in Tour of Flanders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cr2RTiBiu8RcetVeVCih9X-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cr2RTiBiu8RcetVeVCih9X-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cr2RTiBiu8RcetVeVCih9X-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cr2RTiBiu8RcetVeVCih9X-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cr2RTiBiu8RcetVeVCih9X-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Cresting the Koppenberg with leaders &#8216;gave me a few goosebumps&#8217; \u2013 Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt impresses with fifth in Tour of Flanders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uCmxNhfiSJsDMJJQA5V9f-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uCmxNhfiSJsDMJJQA5V9f-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uCmxNhfiSJsDMJJQA5V9f-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uCmxNhfiSJsDMJJQA5V9f-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uCmxNhfiSJsDMJJQA5V9f-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I was riding 650 watts and still couldn&#8217;t follow&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel cracks to finish second again behind &#8216;unbeatable&#8217; Tadej Poga\u010dar in Tour of Flanders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SJ3h4zAQURHGko72eHPuei-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SJ3h4zAQURHGko72eHPuei-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SJ3h4zAQURHGko72eHPuei-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SJ3h4zAQURHGko72eHPuei-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SJ3h4zAQURHGko72eHPuei-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Rules<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Riders who ran level crossing red light during men&#8217;s Tour of Flanders could face fines and short driving bans, says Flemish prosecutor<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXzA3ycmk4ezhoaj3JThwd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXzA3ycmk4ezhoaj3JThwd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXzA3ycmk4ezhoaj3JThwd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXzA3ycmk4ezhoaj3JThwd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXzA3ycmk4ezhoaj3JThwd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Tadej didn&#8217;t want to let me come back&#8217;  \u2013 Remco Evenepoel bullish on cobbled Classics after taking third in his Tour of Flanders debut<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s cycling (races)<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#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<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;The Messi or Ronaldo of cycling&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar remains a cut above at Tour of Flanders despite superstars aligning to challenge him<\/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;The win was not in our reach today&#8217; \u2013 Loss of Lorena Wiebes on Koppenberg costly for Lotte Kopecky 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\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Cresting the Koppenberg with leaders &#8216;gave me a few goosebumps&#8217; \u2013 Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt impresses with fifth 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\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Riders who ran level crossing red light during men&#8217;s Tour of Flanders could face fines and short driving bans, says Flemish prosecutor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;I was riding 650 watts and still couldn&#8217;t follow&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel cracks to finish second again behind &#8216;unbeatable&#8217; Tadej Poga\u010dar in Tour of Flanders<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;The Messi or Ronaldo of cycling&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar remains a cut above at Tour of Flanders despite superstars aligning to challenge him<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T20:17:55Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n5 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">World Champion credits fellow superstars for continued improvement, says they &#8216;are pushing each other to another level&#8217;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. 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Both times were at the World Championships, in 2022 and 2023. But on Sunday, they faced off for an epic, rare battle on the road from Antwerp to Oudenaarde and, in a memorable edition, the phenomenal Slovenian emerged victorious for his 12th Monument success.<\/p>\n<p>This moves Poga\u010dar to second place on the all-time leaderboard for victories at cycling&#8217;s five most prestigious one-day races, ahead of Roger De Vlaeminck and with only Eddy Merckx&#8217;s, in theory, untouchable total of 19 left to chase.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cd4c94a9-bf42-47a5-a4bd-7fc64254cd89-2\">The stats are endless and the superlatives are all exhausted \u2013 so much so that Evenepoel&#8217;s DS Klaas Lodewyck turned to another sport to muster up a comparison: &#8220;He&#8217;s brilliant. He&#8217;s the Messi or Ronaldo of cycling,&#8221; he told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> \u2013 and his rivals simply have no answers in 2026.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3XGwPPwmVshszv733ZKf7f-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3XGwPPwmVshszv733ZKf7f-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Tour of Flanders: Indomitable Tadej Poga\u010dar solos to repeat victory after Oude Kwaremont attack<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uCmxNhfiSJsDMJJQA5V9f-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uCmxNhfiSJsDMJJQA5V9f-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I was riding 650 watts and still couldn&#8217;t follow&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel cracks to finish second again behind &#8216;unbeatable&#8217; Tadej Poga\u010dar in Tour of Flanders<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XE9xXss84hR8iWw3AbXeFR-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XE9xXss84hR8iWw3AbXeFR-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;He&#8217;s one level above all the rest&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel names Tadej Poga\u010dar as top favourite to win 2026 Tour of Flanders<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">From just his three race days of racing in Strade Bianche, Milan-San Remo and now De Ronde, he has a 100% win record. While it was anything but, by his own admission, he made his latest success look easy.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;When you go to the biggest races of the year, you never can expect it to be easy, and today was really hard,&#8221; said Poga\u010dar as he sat down for his winner&#8217;s press conference, some time after he crossed the line alone with his fist in the air.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;All of the competitors were super strong, and everybody raced really aggressively. Everybody left everything out on the road today, and it was a beautiful race in the end. Obviously, in Flanders, you need to have exceptional legs, and you need to be in the shape of the day, and I was lucky to have it today.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Poga\u010dar repeated what he did in 2023 and 2025, attacking away finally on the final of three reps up the Oude Kwaremont climb, but this came after his team blew the race to pieces at 102km to go on the Molenberg.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-aGyRJ7LDWhZQTLXPaVih7K\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-aGyRJ7LDWhZQTLXPaVih7K slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Florian Vermeersch did the damage with the rainbow jersey in his wheel, drawing 16 of the top riders out of the peloton to form a group of favourites, and then Poga\u010dar put everyone to the sword on the second time up the Kwaremont, where only Van der Poel and debutant Evenepoel could follow.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-b444db1e-2e63-4d65-81e1-c4737cf502bd\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FugKBkG55n4xDkXEm6e85D-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FugKBkG55n4xDkXEm6e85D-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FugKBkG55n4xDkXEm6e85D-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FugKBkG55n4xDkXEm6e85D-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FugKBkG55n4xDkXEm6e85D-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FugKBkG55n4xDkXEm6e85D-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Nils Politt and Florian Vermeersch split the bunch for their leader <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-aee05212-6809-4e4e-ba64-2ab6eaf4152e\">He dispatched with Evenepoel on the next ascent, the Paterberg, before working to ensure he never caught back on to the leading duo \u2013 despite his best efforts \u2013 and that it would be man-against-man with Van der Poel heading into the final loop of the key climbs. This is where he calmly dealt with him, too, and rode 18km solo to the finish in Oudenaarde, making history as the eighth man to win a record third Tour of Flanders.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;No, for sure you [have doubts] when you don&#8217;t know what he&#8217;s feeling; maybe he&#8217;s bluffing, maybe not,&#8221; said Poga\u010dar of how he played things with the Dutchman. &#8220;You always need to think twice, but I think Mathieu rode really well and honest, like he always does.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BcsRcgkWHBDX9EfiTWzseS-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BcsRcgkWHBDX9EfiTWzseS-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">The 10 greatest victories of Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s career<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Reflections from the men&#8217;s Milan-San Remo \u2013 Poga\u010dar overcomes the chaos, prefers focaccia to a 2027 return, McNulty&#8217;s work, and praise for Van der Poel and Pedersen<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zAAf2cy6Vdo8jfjbvVofiH-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zAAf2cy6Vdo8jfjbvVofiH-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I heard some rumours&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar says he wasn&#8217;t too surprised by Remco Evenepoel making shock Tour of Flanders debut<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>After Van der Poel had referred to his stunning power numbers and how he himself had to concede in the face of someone who is just better as he thinks he&#8217;s at career-best shape, Poga\u010dar was asked directly if he felt the same was true of his current form, which seems to only be increasing.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m quite lucky to still be able to improve, or still see some room for improvement in certain ways,&#8221; he said, before actually crediting the likes of the Dutchman and Evenepoel for it.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I think the biggest help is the other competitors. We are pushing each other to another level, I think, but for sure, at some point we&#8217;ll go down.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>With pushback following the Slovenian wherever he races in 2026, for both his total domination of the biggest races, and often the method he uses to do so \u2013 long solo moves \u2013 Poga\u010dar was questioned on the potential effect his presence has on the rest of the WorldTour field.<\/p>\n<p>Asked if he thinks his rivals enjoy riding against him anymore, Poga\u010dar half shrugged, before saying, &#8220;Maybe some people not, and some people yes, I don&#8217;t know,&#8221; but he was more serious when the journalist asking the question said if he were them, he would be turning desperate at this point.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Yeah, but I don&#8217;t\u2026 I have three race days. You know how many races there have been this year already?&#8221; said Poga\u010dar, with his next race set to be another thrilling appointment at Paris-Roubaix, continuing his calendar of only the grandest appointments.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-6169b73b-374a-4df1-8626-0f2ee79933a6\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9yfQ9LsrUASDQkVuHxvzA5-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9yfQ9LsrUASDQkVuHxvzA5-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9yfQ9LsrUASDQkVuHxvzA5-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9yfQ9LsrUASDQkVuHxvzA5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9yfQ9LsrUASDQkVuHxvzA5-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9yfQ9LsrUASDQkVuHxvzA5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Vollering and Poga\u010dar, the winners of the 2026 Tours of Flanders <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-7a3547ef-8e9c-4db9-9d9a-dfe914ab1c71\">He was second there on debut in 2025 after a late mistake saw Van der Poel get ahead and complete his hat-trick, but he will be back and hungry for more in a week&#8217;s time, with now having the experience and his current form making for an ominous prospect that Van der Poel and co. will all have to contend with.<\/p>\n<p>If Poga\u010dar does succeed, he will look likely to become the first rider ever to win all five Monuments in the same season and will become the fourth rider, and first non-Belgian, to win all of Milan-San Remo, Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix, Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge and Il Lombardia in their career.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s two out of five, now, let&#8217;s not get ahead of ourselves,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Let&#8217;s enjoy the moment, enjoy this victory today, go with motivation to Roubaix, and we&#8217;ll see what happens.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>He may be tempering expectations, but after this, the latest display of his all-conquering power, victory in the Roubaix Velodrome is looking more possible by the minute. Van der Poel will be on favoured, flatter terrain once again, and the main challenger, but even he was some distance from the World Champion&#8217;s level today. It&#8217;s Poga\u010dar&#8217;s sport, and everyone else just has to live in it.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled 2026 Spring Classics coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/the-messi-or-ronaldo-of-cycling-tadej-pogacar-remains-a-cut-above-at-tour-of-flanders-despite-superstars-aligning-to-challenge-him-with-only-eddy-merckx-left-to-chase\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY-1024-80.jpg&#8221;] Pro Cycling Racing &#8216;The Messi or Ronaldo of cycling&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar remains a cut above at Tour of Flanders despite superstars aligning to challenge him News By James Moultrie published 5 April 2026 World Champion credits fellow superstars for continued improvement, says they &#8216;are pushing each other to another level&#8217; When [&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-1867292","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\/1867292","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=1867292"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1867292\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1867292"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1867292"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1867292"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}