{"id":1868436,"date":"2026-04-06T11:39:42","date_gmt":"2026-04-06T08:39:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1868436"},"modified":"2026-04-06T11:39:42","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T08:39:42","slug":"sean-kellys-classics-column-tadej-pogacar-turns-tour-of-flanders-into-a-torture-fest-as-remco-evenepoel-silences-critics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1868436","title":{"rendered":"Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: Tadej Poga\u010dar turns Tour of Flanders into a torture-fest as Remco Evenepoel silences critics"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-1920-80.png&#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<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: Tadej Poga\u010dar turns Tour of Flanders into a torture-fest as Remco Evenepoel silences critics<\/h1>\n<div class=\"kiosq-member-label\"><span class=\"kiosq-member-label-text\"><b>MEMBER EXCLUSIVE<\/b><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nFeatures<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nSean Kelly <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T11:39:42Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n6 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">The nine-time Monument winner breaks down another Poga\u010dar masterclass in Flanders, Vollering&#8217;s tactical domination, and Evenepoel&#8217;s promising performance <\/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\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-1920-80.png.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-1920-80.png.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-1440-80.png.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-1280-80.png.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Poga\u010dar and UAE Team Emirates-XRG made the Tour of Flanders a horrible race for their rivals<\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Dario Belingheri\/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] 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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-172a0661-5770-469e-a467-b3a62464222a\">The Tour of Flanders is a tough race at the best of times, but yesterday&#8217;s edition was frankly brutal. What a day of racing we had at De Ronde.<\/p>\n<p>I was commentating on the men&#8217;s race, and even early on, the difficulty caused by the pace of UAE Team Emirates-XRG was clear to see. After that big break had got away down the road and built up a healthy advantage, Mikkel Bjerg and Nils Politt were set to work.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-172a0661-5770-469e-a467-b3a62464222a-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The way they were riding, you could see riders clinging to the back of the bunch saying &#8216;My God, what&#8217;s this about?&#8217; and then we had big downpours of showers, too. Even when the peloton was momentarily split in two by a level-crossing and the break were able to eke out an extra two minutes, it didn&#8217;t hamper their efforts.<\/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\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: The alternative way to beat the big hitters, and why Lorena Wiebes is a master<\/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\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: Sometimes Poga\u010dar doesn&#8217;t need tactics to win<\/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\/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<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">If you weren&#8217;t feeling good, this wasn&#8217;t a race for you. If it was your first Tour of Flanders, you were probably saying &#8216;What the f*** is this all about?&#8217; because in the first 50 kilometres you could see the riders feeling it already and the bunch lined out.<\/p>\n<p>Yep, it was a horrible, torture-fest of a race for some, but a great race for others who thrive on that difficulty. Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) wanted it to be hard all day, and he ensured that was the case in the final stages.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"pogacar-s-power-proved-too-much-3\">Poga\u010dar&#8217;s power proved too much<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-c2c06d45-61f9-419c-8a05-6ebf56b21a67\">I suspect a lot of riders were thinking that the race would only ignite when the Oude Kwaremont was hit for a second time, but my God, the men&#8217;s race came to life before we even hit the Molenberg. There was a side wind to contend with too, so UAE ramped the pace up to the limit there, putting rivals into the gutter before the climb and that certainly caught a few people out, Wout van Aert included.<\/p>\n<p>The Belgian managed to get back into a good position, but there were others who missed the train for good, and they didn&#8217;t see the front of the race again.<\/p>\n<p>Naturally, Poga\u010dar was riding a lot, but I think Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) contributed too much for my liking, considering that he had teammates like Gianni Vermeersch and the Van Dijke brothers still within the group.<\/p>\n<p>It was always going to be a race that came down to who could push that little bit more than others in the key moments, and of course, Poga\u010dar lived up to the billing on the second ascent of the Kwaremont, as he forced a selection. Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech) was momentarily out of position when the move was made, and perhaps he was playing cute there, not having his nose in the wind, but he did have to make an effort to move up. While he did it very well, every little effort can add up, come the decisive moments.<\/p>\n<p>When the five-rider group of Poga\u010dar, Van der Poel, Evenepoel, Van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike), and Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) went clear, it was one of those iconic Classics moments, but that high pace meant it didn&#8217;t last long.<\/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\/tpvSkeCzvqy3q8KAbjLPRj-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tpvSkeCzvqy3q8KAbjLPRj-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classic column: Tadej Poga\u010dar is unbeatable, but thank God for Paul Seixas<\/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\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Van der Poel, Van Aert lead challenge against Poga\u010dar, but can debutant Evenepoel spoil the party in rare matchup? \u2013 Analysing the favourites for the men&#8217;s Tour of Flanders<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Reflections from the men&#8217;s Milan-San Remo \u2013 Poga\u010dar overcomes the chaos, prefers focaccia to a 2027 return, McNulty&#8217;s work, and praise for Van der Poel and Pedersen<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Van der Poel and Evenepoel were doing their fair share of the work until the Belgian was dropped. Van der Poel still came through afterwards, but he wasn&#8217;t pushing on in the same way. He was thinking &#8216;Okay, I have to just conserve here. conserve energy and leave Poga\u010dar to do the brunt of the work.&#8217;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure full-width-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-5daffec6-b526-4dd4-b487-9fd1fbe436b4\">\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\/PpkTzk7TpyE2bKEtL7NVGS-2560-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PpkTzk7TpyE2bKEtL7NVGS-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PpkTzk7TpyE2bKEtL7NVGS-1440-80.jpg.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PpkTzk7TpyE2bKEtL7NVGS-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PpkTzk7TpyE2bKEtL7NVGS-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PpkTzk7TpyE2bKEtL7NVGS-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PpkTzk7TpyE2bKEtL7NVGS-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PpkTzk7TpyE2bKEtL7NVGS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PpkTzk7TpyE2bKEtL7NVGS-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PpkTzk7TpyE2bKEtL7NVGS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" full-width-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The 2026 Tour of Flanders added another chapter to the Poga\u010dar-Van der Poel rivalry <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Billy Ceusters\/Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-4025bf27-c6c0-43fd-8f5c-a275d14d3371\">The Dutchman knew what was coming, and when Evenepoel tried to come back, and got within 100m at one point, Poga\u010dar just turned up the gas again, which is telling of the really good form he is in.<\/p>\n<p>It was the same case on the final time up the Kwaremont. On TV, Poga\u010dar&#8217;s attacks don&#8217;t look that difficult, but when you&#8217;re out there and think about the way the entire race was ridden, my God. Everybody was on the limit in that final, even with 50km to go for some, but Tadej, he had a lot more in the tank than anyone else.<\/p>\n<p>Poga\u010dar&#8217;s victory means that he could feasibly be the first rider to hold all five Monument titles at the same time if fortune favours him next weekend at Paris-Roubaix. That&#8217;s a big &#8216;if&#8217; given the mechanicals and type of race that Roubaix is. Nonetheless, if someone had said to me four or five years ago that a rider would be able to win all five Monuments within 12 months, I&#8217;d say you&#8217;re totally crazy.<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s very likely that we&#8217;ll see a Poga\u010dar-Van der Poel battle once again, especially with how the Slovenian fared in his Roubaix debut last year, but the lack of climbs will swing the odds away from Poga\u010dar and towards the larger, more powerful riders like Van Aert, Filippo Ganna (Ineos Grenadiers) and Van der Poel.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"evenepoel-puts-doubts-to-bed-on-debut-3\">Evenepoel puts doubts to bed on debut<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-85cd4df4-640e-4a68-9b66-64b9ea11e089\">I was actually a bit afraid for Evenepoel coming into Sunday&#8217;s race, should he get into difficulty fighting for position ahead of the key points of the route, but the Olympic champion impressed me on his Flanders debut.<\/p>\n<p>Even if he&#8217;d announced his debut six months earlier, there would be huge pressure on him given his status in Flemish cycling, but to do it like he did, keeping it secret until days before the race, there was always going to be more pressure. If he didn&#8217;t perform yesterday, the Belgian press would knock him for the way he played it, but fortunately, he put those thoughts to bed.<\/p>\n<p>And okay, he rode a bit too much for my liking, but that&#8217;s because he wanted the race to be difficult and a thinner field, where fighting for position was less important. It turned into the perfect scenario for him, but ultimately, he paid for those earlier efforts where he tried to force the pace.<\/p>\n<p>The ride he did afterwards, though, when he was alone, and almost regaining contact, was impressive. He clearly had a lot to give, but maybe just lacked that experience.<\/p>\n<p>Will he be back next year? That will be interesting to see. After his performance today, it&#8217;s certainly possible for him to win this race, and it could well change how he looks at the calendar, especially with riders like Isaac del Toro (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) and Paul Seixas (Decathlon CMA CGM) also coming through. Either way, he will have gained a lot of confidence from the way he performed yesterday.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure full-width-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-e6efb717-b37b-499c-979d-4f689fe70bab\">\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\/XnQweTCMVkpHsjmJBjXLJ6-2000-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XnQweTCMVkpHsjmJBjXLJ6-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XnQweTCMVkpHsjmJBjXLJ6-1440-80.jpg.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XnQweTCMVkpHsjmJBjXLJ6-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XnQweTCMVkpHsjmJBjXLJ6-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XnQweTCMVkpHsjmJBjXLJ6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XnQweTCMVkpHsjmJBjXLJ6-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XnQweTCMVkpHsjmJBjXLJ6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XnQweTCMVkpHsjmJBjXLJ6-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XnQweTCMVkpHsjmJBjXLJ6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" full-width-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Franzie Koch moves aside as Vollering puts her rivals to the sword <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Luc Claessen\/Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"vollering-wins-battle-of-position-and-power-3\">Vollering wins battle of position and power <\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-0ee96faa-6c45-45de-8a8a-aa23fd5d8bb8\">In a similar vein to Poga\u010dar, when Demi Vollering (FDJ United-SUEZ) is on good form, and her teammates, notably Franzi Koch who was up there right until the decisive point, are able to put the rest of the bunch in difficulty and inflict damage, it can almost make the victory look effortless.<\/p>\n<p>Yet Vollering was in a dominant mood and when she attacked, chasing her down was always going to be very difficult for Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot (Visma-Lease a Bike), Lotte Kopecky (SD Worx-ProTime) and Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Premier Tech).<\/p>\n<p>Across the two races, there weren&#8217;t many crashes, but those that did occur, were quite influential, especially for the women&#8217;s field. Both Marlen Reusser (Movistar) and Kim Le Court-Pienaar (AG Insurance-Soudal) were forced out of the race before the action started after a nasty crash, so that certainly made Vollering&#8217;s task slightly easier.<\/p>\n<p>Then, when it came to the Kwaremont, she pushed her rivals into the red, and that makes it incredibly hard to come back from. Only 15 or so male riders tackled the final ascent of the Kwaremont faster than Vollering, which shows just how powerful she is when she&#8217;s on her day and delivered into the position where she needs to be.<\/p>\n<p>For the chase groups behind, even when they started to work together, Vollering was always in control, right up to the line.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bc7d30bc-1720-42bd-913e-e4ec25a48fb5\"><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-5RiqT9Z4854rSTZJVLcouR\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-5RiqT9Z4854rSTZJVLcouR 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\/vmD8LbesKYYgEy3Vh8ZQUe-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vmD8LbesKYYgEy3Vh8ZQUe.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vmD8LbesKYYgEy3Vh8ZQUe.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vmD8LbesKYYgEy3Vh8ZQUe.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\">Sean Kelly<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>&#8220;King Kelly&#8221;, the greatest Irish cyclist to have graced the peloton, brought the Emerald Isle to the fore alongside compatriot Stephen Roche in the 1980s. Points winner at the Tour de France four times, GC in the 1988 Vuelta, and a record-breaking seven consecutive wins at Paris-Nice feature during his glittering career \u2013 alongside double victories at Paris-Roubaix, Milan-San Remo and Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge.<\/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\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: The alternative way to beat the big hitters, and why Lorena Wiebes is a master<\/span><\/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\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: Sometimes Poga\u010dar doesn&#8217;t need tactics to win<\/span><\/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\/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>\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\/tpvSkeCzvqy3q8KAbjLPRj-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tpvSkeCzvqy3q8KAbjLPRj-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tpvSkeCzvqy3q8KAbjLPRj-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tpvSkeCzvqy3q8KAbjLPRj-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tpvSkeCzvqy3q8KAbjLPRj-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classic column: Tadej Poga\u010dar is unbeatable, but thank God for Paul Seixas<\/span><\/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\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Van der Poel, Van Aert lead challenge against Poga\u010dar, but can debutant Evenepoel spoil the party in rare matchup? \u2013 Analysing the favourites for the men&#8217;s Tour of Flanders<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\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>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar has changed E3 Saxo Classic&#8217;s status but it remains the best Flanders form guide \u2013 A closer look at the contenders for Friday&#8217;s race<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Why Poga\u010dar and Van Aert&#8217;s teams aren&#8217;t sensing weakness for the Tour of Flanders despite Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s near-miss at E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\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\/nhL5w9TTdpSK5vfCUQkdLh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhL5w9TTdpSK5vfCUQkdLh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhL5w9TTdpSK5vfCUQkdLh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhL5w9TTdpSK5vfCUQkdLh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhL5w9TTdpSK5vfCUQkdLh-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\">Milan-San Remo: Tadej Poga\u010dar strikes in closing metres to hold off Tom Pidcock in electrifying two-rider finish and earns masterful victory<\/span><\/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\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY-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;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<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe have the makings of a great Tour of Flanders team, but is Remco Evenepoel the missing piece for taking on Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel?<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\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\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-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\">The cobbled Classics storylines we&#8217;re looking forward to \u2013 From Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar on the cusp of history to a different Demi Vollering and a resurgent Mads Pedersen<\/span><\/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 Pro Cycling<\/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\/isXfdqrBbNK6aQTNXVwnk5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isXfdqrBbNK6aQTNXVwnk5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isXfdqrBbNK6aQTNXVwnk5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isXfdqrBbNK6aQTNXVwnk5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isXfdqrBbNK6aQTNXVwnk5-320-80.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\">Top cobbled Classics support rider for Tadej Poga\u010dar reportedly extends contract for several seasons with UAE Team Emirates-XRG<\/span><\/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\/HWpAZBAgUw4PXXAigT3Rgk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HWpAZBAgUw4PXXAigT3Rgk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HWpAZBAgUw4PXXAigT3Rgk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HWpAZBAgUw4PXXAigT3Rgk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HWpAZBAgUw4PXXAigT3Rgk-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\">Itzulia Basque Country 2026: stage 1 time trial start times<\/span><\/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\/jcwvRUEuzovt7SHYCg2xNG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jcwvRUEuzovt7SHYCg2xNG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jcwvRUEuzovt7SHYCg2xNG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jcwvRUEuzovt7SHYCg2xNG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jcwvRUEuzovt7SHYCg2xNG-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\">Teams confirm Marlen Reusser and Kim Le Court-Pienaar both suffered fractures due to Tour of Flanders crash<\/span><\/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\/7sE99ZAQ2hoyR9PKgpYGTH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7sE99ZAQ2hoyR9PKgpYGTH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7sE99ZAQ2hoyR9PKgpYGTH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7sE99ZAQ2hoyR9PKgpYGTH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7sE99ZAQ2hoyR9PKgpYGTH-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;The pressure is low, like the tyres will be&#8217; \u2013 Liberated from Milan-San Remo and after latest Flanders exhibition, is the most ruthless Tadej Poga\u010dar yet heading for Paris-Roubaix?<\/span><\/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\/k47VnaNj4P9D65LaecgLFk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k47VnaNj4P9D65LaecgLFk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k47VnaNj4P9D65LaecgLFk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k47VnaNj4P9D65LaecgLFk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k47VnaNj4P9D65LaecgLFk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;m missing something&#8217; \u2013 Mads Pedersen feels impact of injury break at Tour of Flanders but encouraged by still powerful performance<\/span><\/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\/dNXJHS5WBEQ92bf9uQVsfZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dNXJHS5WBEQ92bf9uQVsfZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dNXJHS5WBEQ92bf9uQVsfZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dNXJHS5WBEQ92bf9uQVsfZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dNXJHS5WBEQ92bf9uQVsfZ-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;Everybody knows somebody who is struggling&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Powered by meditation, tearful Demi Vollering embraces emotions of first Tour of Flanders triumph<\/span><\/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\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY-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;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<\/span><\/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\/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>\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>\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>\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>\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>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Features<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/v2f6yDEapxtfhcsY9Wmqi5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/v2f6yDEapxtfhcsY9Wmqi5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/v2f6yDEapxtfhcsY9Wmqi5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/v2f6yDEapxtfhcsY9Wmqi5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/v2f6yDEapxtfhcsY9Wmqi5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;High trees catch a lot of wind&#8217; \u2013 From intense media scrutiny to social media abuse, the Classics bring out the pressure of expectation in Belgium<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\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\/yN5KaYUdxVizZ7fQmeidq6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yN5KaYUdxVizZ7fQmeidq6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yN5KaYUdxVizZ7fQmeidq6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yN5KaYUdxVizZ7fQmeidq6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yN5KaYUdxVizZ7fQmeidq6-320-80.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\">What can Remco Evenepoel learn from Poga\u010dar, Nibali, and Valverde? 5 memorable Tour of Flanders debuts from big-name cobbles newbies<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LsHmBtnTxiYK3jFBQJLi7S-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LsHmBtnTxiYK3jFBQJLi7S-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LsHmBtnTxiYK3jFBQJLi7S-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LsHmBtnTxiYK3jFBQJLi7S-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LsHmBtnTxiYK3jFBQJLi7S-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We lost three experienced riders, and replaced them with really young riders&#8217; \u2013 Can Lidl-Trek&#8217;s changed Classics core do enough for Mads Pedersen at the Tour of Flanders?<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LicjXPEYhXddW3XAUkQwgK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LicjXPEYhXddW3XAUkQwgK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LicjXPEYhXddW3XAUkQwgK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LicjXPEYhXddW3XAUkQwgK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LicjXPEYhXddW3XAUkQwgK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Culture<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Quiz! Can you name all the Tour of Flanders winners since 2000?<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bHLxGrWU2fCg4Mw43wZRES-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bHLxGrWU2fCg4Mw43wZRES-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bHLxGrWU2fCg4Mw43wZRES-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bHLxGrWU2fCg4Mw43wZRES-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bHLxGrWU2fCg4Mw43wZRES-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Why Remco Evenepoel is right to make his Tour of Flanders debut now, and how he could challenge Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q3J95fBiX8AU8aJKCfy8gT-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q3J95fBiX8AU8aJKCfy8gT-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q3J95fBiX8AU8aJKCfy8gT-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q3J95fBiX8AU8aJKCfy8gT-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q3J95fBiX8AU8aJKCfy8gT-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Instagram DMs, quiet Belgian side streets, and phone calls with parents \u2013 Inside the race to snap up cycling&#8217;s next top talents<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rcETCoJsDCpoif83S8uocA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rcETCoJsDCpoif83S8uocA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rcETCoJsDCpoif83S8uocA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rcETCoJsDCpoif83S8uocA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rcETCoJsDCpoif83S8uocA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">A clinical Jonas Vingegaard and a long list of riders MIA \u2013 Philippa York analyses the Volta a Catalunya<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\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\/MKWBaDLoZMm6zxaaaxGDTA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MKWBaDLoZMm6zxaaaxGDTA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MKWBaDLoZMm6zxaaaxGDTA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MKWBaDLoZMm6zxaaaxGDTA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MKWBaDLoZMm6zxaaaxGDTA-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\">Soft pulls, subtle digs: The Tour of Flanders mind games have already begun \u2013 Analysis<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe have the makings of a great Tour of Flanders team, but is Remco Evenepoel the missing piece for taking on Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel?<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\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\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: The alternative way to beat the big hitters, and why Lorena Wiebes is a master<\/span><\/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\/RFsQPgVqh9mBM2sQpfTau8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFsQPgVqh9mBM2sQpfTau8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFsQPgVqh9mBM2sQpfTau8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFsQPgVqh9mBM2sQpfTau8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFsQPgVqh9mBM2sQpfTau8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;She&#8217;s a real go-getter&#8217; \u2013 Who is Fleur Moors, the rapidly rising star who has challenged Lorena Wiebes twice already this season?<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Why Poga\u010dar and Van Aert&#8217;s teams aren&#8217;t sensing weakness for the Tour of Flanders despite Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s near-miss at E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\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\/isXfdqrBbNK6aQTNXVwnk5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isXfdqrBbNK6aQTNXVwnk5-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isXfdqrBbNK6aQTNXVwnk5-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isXfdqrBbNK6aQTNXVwnk5-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isXfdqrBbNK6aQTNXVwnk5.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isXfdqrBbNK6aQTNXVwnk5.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isXfdqrBbNK6aQTNXVwnk5.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\">Top cobbled Classics support rider for Tadej Poga\u010dar reportedly extends contract for several seasons with UAE Team Emirates-XRG<\/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\">Itzulia Basque Country 2026: stage 1 time trial start times<\/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\">&#8216;The pressure is low, like the tyres will be&#8217; \u2013 Liberated from Milan-San Remo and after latest Flanders exhibition, is the most ruthless Tadej Poga\u010dar yet heading for Paris-Roubaix?<\/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\">Teams confirm Marlen Reusser and Kim Le Court-Pienaar both suffered fractures due to Tour of Flanders crash<\/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;Everybody knows somebody who is struggling&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Powered by meditation, tearful Demi Vollering embraces emotions of first Tour of Flanders triumph<\/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<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: Tadej Poga\u010dar turns Tour of Flanders into a torture-fest as Remco Evenepoel silences critics<\/h1>\n<div class=\"kiosq-member-label\"><span class=\"kiosq-member-label-text\"><b>MEMBER EXCLUSIVE<\/b><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nFeatures<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nSean Kelly <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T11:39:42Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n6 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">The nine-time Monument winner breaks down another Poga\u010dar masterclass in Flanders, Vollering&#8217;s tactical domination, and Evenepoel&#8217;s promising performance <\/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\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-1920-80.png.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-1920-80.png.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-1440-80.png.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-1280-80.png.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Poga\u010dar and UAE Team Emirates-XRG made the Tour of Flanders a horrible race for their rivals<\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Dario Belingheri\/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] 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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 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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-172a0661-5770-469e-a467-b3a62464222a\">The Tour of Flanders is a tough race at the best of times, but yesterday&#8217;s edition was frankly brutal. What a day of racing we had at De Ronde.<\/p>\n<p>I was commentating on the men&#8217;s race, and even early on, the difficulty caused by the pace of UAE Team Emirates-XRG was clear to see. After that big break had got away down the road and built up a healthy advantage, Mikkel Bjerg and Nils Politt were set to work.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-172a0661-5770-469e-a467-b3a62464222a-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The way they were riding, you could see riders clinging to the back of the bunch saying &#8216;My God, what&#8217;s this about?&#8217; and then we had big downpours of showers, too. Even when the peloton was momentarily split in two by a level-crossing and the break were able to eke out an extra two minutes, it didn&#8217;t hamper their efforts.<\/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\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: The alternative way to beat the big hitters, and why Lorena Wiebes is a master<\/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\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: Sometimes Poga\u010dar doesn&#8217;t need tactics to win<\/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\/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<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">If you weren&#8217;t feeling good, this wasn&#8217;t a race for you. If it was your first Tour of Flanders, you were probably saying &#8216;What the f*** is this all about?&#8217; because in the first 50 kilometres you could see the riders feeling it already and the bunch lined out.<\/p>\n<p>Yep, it was a horrible, torture-fest of a race for some, but a great race for others who thrive on that difficulty. Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) wanted it to be hard all day, and he ensured that was the case in the final stages.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"pogacar-s-power-proved-too-much-3\">Poga\u010dar&#8217;s power proved too much<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-c2c06d45-61f9-419c-8a05-6ebf56b21a67\">I suspect a lot of riders were thinking that the race would only ignite when the Oude Kwaremont was hit for a second time, but my God, the men&#8217;s race came to life before we even hit the Molenberg. There was a side wind to contend with too, so UAE ramped the pace up to the limit there, putting rivals into the gutter before the climb and that certainly caught a few people out, Wout van Aert included.<\/p>\n<p>The Belgian managed to get back into a good position, but there were others who missed the train for good, and they didn&#8217;t see the front of the race again.<\/p>\n<p>Naturally, Poga\u010dar was riding a lot, but I think Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) contributed too much for my liking, considering that he had teammates like Gianni Vermeersch and the Van Dijke brothers still within the group.<\/p>\n<p>It was always going to be a race that came down to who could push that little bit more than others in the key moments, and of course, Poga\u010dar lived up to the billing on the second ascent of the Kwaremont, as he forced a selection. Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech) was momentarily out of position when the move was made, and perhaps he was playing cute there, not having his nose in the wind, but he did have to make an effort to move up. While he did it very well, every little effort can add up, come the decisive moments.<\/p>\n<p>When the five-rider group of Poga\u010dar, Van der Poel, Evenepoel, Van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike), and Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) went clear, it was one of those iconic Classics moments, but that high pace meant it didn&#8217;t last long.<\/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\/tpvSkeCzvqy3q8KAbjLPRj-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tpvSkeCzvqy3q8KAbjLPRj-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classic column: Tadej Poga\u010dar is unbeatable, but thank God for Paul Seixas<\/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\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Van der Poel, Van Aert lead challenge against Poga\u010dar, but can debutant Evenepoel spoil the party in rare matchup? \u2013 Analysing the favourites for the men&#8217;s Tour of Flanders<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Reflections from the men&#8217;s Milan-San Remo \u2013 Poga\u010dar overcomes the chaos, prefers focaccia to a 2027 return, McNulty&#8217;s work, and praise for Van der Poel and Pedersen<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Van der Poel and Evenepoel were doing their fair share of the work until the Belgian was dropped. Van der Poel still came through afterwards, but he wasn&#8217;t pushing on in the same way. He was thinking &#8216;Okay, I have to just conserve here. conserve energy and leave Poga\u010dar to do the brunt of the work.&#8217;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure full-width-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-5daffec6-b526-4dd4-b487-9fd1fbe436b4\">\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\/PpkTzk7TpyE2bKEtL7NVGS-2560-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PpkTzk7TpyE2bKEtL7NVGS-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PpkTzk7TpyE2bKEtL7NVGS-1440-80.jpg.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PpkTzk7TpyE2bKEtL7NVGS-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PpkTzk7TpyE2bKEtL7NVGS-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PpkTzk7TpyE2bKEtL7NVGS-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PpkTzk7TpyE2bKEtL7NVGS-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PpkTzk7TpyE2bKEtL7NVGS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PpkTzk7TpyE2bKEtL7NVGS-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PpkTzk7TpyE2bKEtL7NVGS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" full-width-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The 2026 Tour of Flanders added another chapter to the Poga\u010dar-Van der Poel rivalry <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Billy Ceusters\/Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-4025bf27-c6c0-43fd-8f5c-a275d14d3371\">The Dutchman knew what was coming, and when Evenepoel tried to come back, and got within 100m at one point, Poga\u010dar just turned up the gas again, which is telling of the really good form he is in.<\/p>\n<p>It was the same case on the final time up the Kwaremont. On TV, Poga\u010dar&#8217;s attacks don&#8217;t look that difficult, but when you&#8217;re out there and think about the way the entire race was ridden, my God. Everybody was on the limit in that final, even with 50km to go for some, but Tadej, he had a lot more in the tank than anyone else.<\/p>\n<p>Poga\u010dar&#8217;s victory means that he could feasibly be the first rider to hold all five Monument titles at the same time if fortune favours him next weekend at Paris-Roubaix. That&#8217;s a big &#8216;if&#8217; given the mechanicals and type of race that Roubaix is. Nonetheless, if someone had said to me four or five years ago that a rider would be able to win all five Monuments within 12 months, I&#8217;d say you&#8217;re totally crazy.<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s very likely that we&#8217;ll see a Poga\u010dar-Van der Poel battle once again, especially with how the Slovenian fared in his Roubaix debut last year, but the lack of climbs will swing the odds away from Poga\u010dar and towards the larger, more powerful riders like Van Aert, Filippo Ganna (Ineos Grenadiers) and Van der Poel.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"evenepoel-puts-doubts-to-bed-on-debut-3\">Evenepoel puts doubts to bed on debut<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-85cd4df4-640e-4a68-9b66-64b9ea11e089\">I was actually a bit afraid for Evenepoel coming into Sunday&#8217;s race, should he get into difficulty fighting for position ahead of the key points of the route, but the Olympic champion impressed me on his Flanders debut.<\/p>\n<p>Even if he&#8217;d announced his debut six months earlier, there would be huge pressure on him given his status in Flemish cycling, but to do it like he did, keeping it secret until days before the race, there was always going to be more pressure. If he didn&#8217;t perform yesterday, the Belgian press would knock him for the way he played it, but fortunately, he put those thoughts to bed.<\/p>\n<p>And okay, he rode a bit too much for my liking, but that&#8217;s because he wanted the race to be difficult and a thinner field, where fighting for position was less important. It turned into the perfect scenario for him, but ultimately, he paid for those earlier efforts where he tried to force the pace.<\/p>\n<p>The ride he did afterwards, though, when he was alone, and almost regaining contact, was impressive. He clearly had a lot to give, but maybe just lacked that experience.<\/p>\n<p>Will he be back next year? That will be interesting to see. After his performance today, it&#8217;s certainly possible for him to win this race, and it could well change how he looks at the calendar, especially with riders like Isaac del Toro (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) and Paul Seixas (Decathlon CMA CGM) also coming through. Either way, he will have gained a lot of confidence from the way he performed yesterday.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure full-width-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-e6efb717-b37b-499c-979d-4f689fe70bab\">\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\/XnQweTCMVkpHsjmJBjXLJ6-2000-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XnQweTCMVkpHsjmJBjXLJ6-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XnQweTCMVkpHsjmJBjXLJ6-1440-80.jpg.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XnQweTCMVkpHsjmJBjXLJ6-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XnQweTCMVkpHsjmJBjXLJ6-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XnQweTCMVkpHsjmJBjXLJ6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XnQweTCMVkpHsjmJBjXLJ6-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XnQweTCMVkpHsjmJBjXLJ6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XnQweTCMVkpHsjmJBjXLJ6-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XnQweTCMVkpHsjmJBjXLJ6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" full-width-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Franzie Koch moves aside as Vollering puts her rivals to the sword <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Luc Claessen\/Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"vollering-wins-battle-of-position-and-power-3\">Vollering wins battle of position and power <\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-0ee96faa-6c45-45de-8a8a-aa23fd5d8bb8\">In a similar vein to Poga\u010dar, when Demi Vollering (FDJ United-SUEZ) is on good form, and her teammates, notably Franzi Koch who was up there right until the decisive point, are able to put the rest of the bunch in difficulty and inflict damage, it can almost make the victory look effortless.<\/p>\n<p>Yet Vollering was in a dominant mood and when she attacked, chasing her down was always going to be very difficult for Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot (Visma-Lease a Bike), Lotte Kopecky (SD Worx-ProTime) and Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Premier Tech).<\/p>\n<p>Across the two races, there weren&#8217;t many crashes, but those that did occur, were quite influential, especially for the women&#8217;s field. Both Marlen Reusser (Movistar) and Kim Le Court-Pienaar (AG Insurance-Soudal) were forced out of the race before the action started after a nasty crash, so that certainly made Vollering&#8217;s task slightly easier.<\/p>\n<p>Then, when it came to the Kwaremont, she pushed her rivals into the red, and that makes it incredibly hard to come back from. Only 15 or so male riders tackled the final ascent of the Kwaremont faster than Vollering, which shows just how powerful she is when she&#8217;s on her day and delivered into the position where she needs to be.<\/p>\n<p>For the chase groups behind, even when they started to work together, Vollering was always in control, right up to the line.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bc7d30bc-1720-42bd-913e-e4ec25a48fb5\"><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-5RiqT9Z4854rSTZJVLcouR\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-5RiqT9Z4854rSTZJVLcouR 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\/vmD8LbesKYYgEy3Vh8ZQUe-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vmD8LbesKYYgEy3Vh8ZQUe.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vmD8LbesKYYgEy3Vh8ZQUe.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vmD8LbesKYYgEy3Vh8ZQUe.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\">Sean Kelly<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>&#8220;King Kelly&#8221;, the greatest Irish cyclist to have graced the peloton, brought the Emerald Isle to the fore alongside compatriot Stephen Roche in the 1980s. Points winner at the Tour de France four times, GC in the 1988 Vuelta, and a record-breaking seven consecutive wins at Paris-Nice feature during his glittering career \u2013 alongside double victories at Paris-Roubaix, Milan-San Remo and Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge.<\/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\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: The alternative way to beat the big hitters, and why Lorena Wiebes is a master<\/span><\/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\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: Sometimes Poga\u010dar doesn&#8217;t need tactics to win<\/span><\/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\/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>\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\/tpvSkeCzvqy3q8KAbjLPRj-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tpvSkeCzvqy3q8KAbjLPRj-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tpvSkeCzvqy3q8KAbjLPRj-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tpvSkeCzvqy3q8KAbjLPRj-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tpvSkeCzvqy3q8KAbjLPRj-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classic column: Tadej Poga\u010dar is unbeatable, but thank God for Paul Seixas<\/span><\/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\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Van der Poel, Van Aert lead challenge against Poga\u010dar, but can debutant Evenepoel spoil the party in rare matchup? \u2013 Analysing the favourites for the men&#8217;s Tour of Flanders<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\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>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar has changed E3 Saxo Classic&#8217;s status but it remains the best Flanders form guide \u2013 A closer look at the contenders for Friday&#8217;s race<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Why Poga\u010dar and Van Aert&#8217;s teams aren&#8217;t sensing weakness for the Tour of Flanders despite Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s near-miss at E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\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\/nhL5w9TTdpSK5vfCUQkdLh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhL5w9TTdpSK5vfCUQkdLh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhL5w9TTdpSK5vfCUQkdLh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhL5w9TTdpSK5vfCUQkdLh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhL5w9TTdpSK5vfCUQkdLh-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\">Milan-San Remo: Tadej Poga\u010dar strikes in closing metres to hold off Tom Pidcock in electrifying two-rider finish and earns masterful victory<\/span><\/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\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY-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;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<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe have the makings of a great Tour of Flanders team, but is Remco Evenepoel the missing piece for taking on Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel?<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\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\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-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\">The cobbled Classics storylines we&#8217;re looking forward to \u2013 From Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar on the cusp of history to a different Demi Vollering and a resurgent Mads Pedersen<\/span><\/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 Pro Cycling<\/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\/isXfdqrBbNK6aQTNXVwnk5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isXfdqrBbNK6aQTNXVwnk5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isXfdqrBbNK6aQTNXVwnk5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isXfdqrBbNK6aQTNXVwnk5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isXfdqrBbNK6aQTNXVwnk5-320-80.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\">Top cobbled Classics support rider for Tadej Poga\u010dar reportedly extends contract for several seasons with UAE Team Emirates-XRG<\/span><\/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\/HWpAZBAgUw4PXXAigT3Rgk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HWpAZBAgUw4PXXAigT3Rgk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HWpAZBAgUw4PXXAigT3Rgk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HWpAZBAgUw4PXXAigT3Rgk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HWpAZBAgUw4PXXAigT3Rgk-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\">Itzulia Basque Country 2026: stage 1 time trial start times<\/span><\/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\/jcwvRUEuzovt7SHYCg2xNG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jcwvRUEuzovt7SHYCg2xNG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jcwvRUEuzovt7SHYCg2xNG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jcwvRUEuzovt7SHYCg2xNG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jcwvRUEuzovt7SHYCg2xNG-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\">Teams confirm Marlen Reusser and Kim Le Court-Pienaar both suffered fractures due to Tour of Flanders crash<\/span><\/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\/7sE99ZAQ2hoyR9PKgpYGTH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7sE99ZAQ2hoyR9PKgpYGTH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7sE99ZAQ2hoyR9PKgpYGTH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7sE99ZAQ2hoyR9PKgpYGTH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7sE99ZAQ2hoyR9PKgpYGTH-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;The pressure is low, like the tyres will be&#8217; \u2013 Liberated from Milan-San Remo and after latest Flanders exhibition, is the most ruthless Tadej Poga\u010dar yet heading for Paris-Roubaix?<\/span><\/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\/k47VnaNj4P9D65LaecgLFk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k47VnaNj4P9D65LaecgLFk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k47VnaNj4P9D65LaecgLFk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k47VnaNj4P9D65LaecgLFk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k47VnaNj4P9D65LaecgLFk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;m missing something&#8217; \u2013 Mads Pedersen feels impact of injury break at Tour of Flanders but encouraged by still powerful performance<\/span><\/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\/dNXJHS5WBEQ92bf9uQVsfZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dNXJHS5WBEQ92bf9uQVsfZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dNXJHS5WBEQ92bf9uQVsfZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dNXJHS5WBEQ92bf9uQVsfZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dNXJHS5WBEQ92bf9uQVsfZ-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;Everybody knows somebody who is struggling&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Powered by meditation, tearful Demi Vollering embraces emotions of first Tour of Flanders triumph<\/span><\/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\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY-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;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<\/span><\/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\/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>\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>\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>\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>\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>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Features<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/v2f6yDEapxtfhcsY9Wmqi5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/v2f6yDEapxtfhcsY9Wmqi5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/v2f6yDEapxtfhcsY9Wmqi5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/v2f6yDEapxtfhcsY9Wmqi5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/v2f6yDEapxtfhcsY9Wmqi5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;High trees catch a lot of wind&#8217; \u2013 From intense media scrutiny to social media abuse, the Classics bring out the pressure of expectation in Belgium<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\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\/yN5KaYUdxVizZ7fQmeidq6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yN5KaYUdxVizZ7fQmeidq6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yN5KaYUdxVizZ7fQmeidq6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yN5KaYUdxVizZ7fQmeidq6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yN5KaYUdxVizZ7fQmeidq6-320-80.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\">What can Remco Evenepoel learn from Poga\u010dar, Nibali, and Valverde? 5 memorable Tour of Flanders debuts from big-name cobbles newbies<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LsHmBtnTxiYK3jFBQJLi7S-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LsHmBtnTxiYK3jFBQJLi7S-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LsHmBtnTxiYK3jFBQJLi7S-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LsHmBtnTxiYK3jFBQJLi7S-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LsHmBtnTxiYK3jFBQJLi7S-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We lost three experienced riders, and replaced them with really young riders&#8217; \u2013 Can Lidl-Trek&#8217;s changed Classics core do enough for Mads Pedersen at the Tour of Flanders?<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LicjXPEYhXddW3XAUkQwgK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LicjXPEYhXddW3XAUkQwgK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LicjXPEYhXddW3XAUkQwgK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LicjXPEYhXddW3XAUkQwgK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LicjXPEYhXddW3XAUkQwgK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Culture<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Quiz! Can you name all the Tour of Flanders winners since 2000?<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bHLxGrWU2fCg4Mw43wZRES-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bHLxGrWU2fCg4Mw43wZRES-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bHLxGrWU2fCg4Mw43wZRES-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bHLxGrWU2fCg4Mw43wZRES-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bHLxGrWU2fCg4Mw43wZRES-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Why Remco Evenepoel is right to make his Tour of Flanders debut now, and how he could challenge Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q3J95fBiX8AU8aJKCfy8gT-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q3J95fBiX8AU8aJKCfy8gT-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q3J95fBiX8AU8aJKCfy8gT-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q3J95fBiX8AU8aJKCfy8gT-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q3J95fBiX8AU8aJKCfy8gT-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Instagram DMs, quiet Belgian side streets, and phone calls with parents \u2013 Inside the race to snap up cycling&#8217;s next top talents<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rcETCoJsDCpoif83S8uocA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rcETCoJsDCpoif83S8uocA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rcETCoJsDCpoif83S8uocA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rcETCoJsDCpoif83S8uocA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rcETCoJsDCpoif83S8uocA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">A clinical Jonas Vingegaard and a long list of riders MIA \u2013 Philippa York analyses the Volta a Catalunya<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\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\/MKWBaDLoZMm6zxaaaxGDTA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MKWBaDLoZMm6zxaaaxGDTA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MKWBaDLoZMm6zxaaaxGDTA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MKWBaDLoZMm6zxaaaxGDTA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MKWBaDLoZMm6zxaaaxGDTA-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\">Soft pulls, subtle digs: The Tour of Flanders mind games have already begun \u2013 Analysis<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5GZmJZf8qmx8Kyc3E4yqyX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe have the makings of a great Tour of Flanders team, but is Remco Evenepoel the missing piece for taking on Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel?<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\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\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: The alternative way to beat the big hitters, and why Lorena Wiebes is a master<\/span><\/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\/RFsQPgVqh9mBM2sQpfTau8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFsQPgVqh9mBM2sQpfTau8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFsQPgVqh9mBM2sQpfTau8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFsQPgVqh9mBM2sQpfTau8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFsQPgVqh9mBM2sQpfTau8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;She&#8217;s a real go-getter&#8217; \u2013 Who is Fleur Moors, the rapidly rising star who has challenged Lorena Wiebes twice already this season?<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Why Poga\u010dar and Van Aert&#8217;s teams aren&#8217;t sensing weakness for the Tour of Flanders despite Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s near-miss at E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\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\/isXfdqrBbNK6aQTNXVwnk5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isXfdqrBbNK6aQTNXVwnk5-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isXfdqrBbNK6aQTNXVwnk5-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isXfdqrBbNK6aQTNXVwnk5-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isXfdqrBbNK6aQTNXVwnk5.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isXfdqrBbNK6aQTNXVwnk5.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isXfdqrBbNK6aQTNXVwnk5.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\">Top cobbled Classics support rider for Tadej Poga\u010dar reportedly extends contract for several seasons with UAE Team Emirates-XRG<\/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\">Itzulia Basque Country 2026: stage 1 time trial start times<\/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\">&#8216;The pressure is low, like the tyres will be&#8217; \u2013 Liberated from Milan-San Remo and after latest Flanders exhibition, is the most ruthless Tadej Poga\u010dar yet heading for Paris-Roubaix?<\/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\">Teams confirm Marlen Reusser and Kim Le Court-Pienaar both suffered fractures due to Tour of Flanders crash<\/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;Everybody knows somebody who is struggling&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Powered by meditation, tearful Demi Vollering embraces emotions of first Tour of Flanders triumph<\/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<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: Tadej Poga\u010dar turns Tour of Flanders into a torture-fest as Remco Evenepoel silences critics<\/h1>\n<div class=\"kiosq-member-label\"><span class=\"kiosq-member-label-text\"><b>MEMBER EXCLUSIVE<\/b><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nFeatures<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nSean Kelly <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T11:39:42Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n6 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">The nine-time Monument winner breaks down another Poga\u010dar masterclass in Flanders, Vollering&#8217;s tactical domination, and Evenepoel&#8217;s promising performance <\/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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What a day of racing we had at De Ronde.<\/p>\n<p>I was commentating on the men&#8217;s race, and even early on, the difficulty caused by the pace of UAE Team Emirates-XRG was clear to see. After that big break had got away down the road and built up a healthy advantage, Mikkel Bjerg and Nils Politt were set to work.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-172a0661-5770-469e-a467-b3a62464222a-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The way they were riding, you could see riders clinging to the back of the bunch saying &#8216;My God, what&#8217;s this about?&#8217; and then we had big downpours of showers, too. Even when the peloton was momentarily split in two by a level-crossing and the break were able to eke out an extra two minutes, it didn&#8217;t hamper their efforts.<\/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\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h46gUSG89XyXEozhPuUTX8-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: The alternative way to beat the big hitters, and why Lorena Wiebes is a master<\/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\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: Sometimes Poga\u010dar doesn&#8217;t need tactics to win<\/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\/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<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">If you weren&#8217;t feeling good, this wasn&#8217;t a race for you. If it was your first Tour of Flanders, you were probably saying &#8216;What the f*** is this all about?&#8217; because in the first 50 kilometres you could see the riders feeling it already and the bunch lined out.<\/p>\n<p>Yep, it was a horrible, torture-fest of a race for some, but a great race for others who thrive on that difficulty. Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) wanted it to be hard all day, and he ensured that was the case in the final stages.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"pogacar-s-power-proved-too-much-3\">Poga\u010dar&#8217;s power proved too much<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-c2c06d45-61f9-419c-8a05-6ebf56b21a67\">I suspect a lot of riders were thinking that the race would only ignite when the Oude Kwaremont was hit for a second time, but my God, the men&#8217;s race came to life before we even hit the Molenberg. There was a side wind to contend with too, so UAE ramped the pace up to the limit there, putting rivals into the gutter before the climb and that certainly caught a few people out, Wout van Aert included.<\/p>\n<p>The Belgian managed to get back into a good position, but there were others who missed the train for good, and they didn&#8217;t see the front of the race again.<\/p>\n<p>Naturally, Poga\u010dar was riding a lot, but I think Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) contributed too much for my liking, considering that he had teammates like Gianni Vermeersch and the Van Dijke brothers still within the group.<\/p>\n<p>It was always going to be a race that came down to who could push that little bit more than others in the key moments, and of course, Poga\u010dar lived up to the billing on the second ascent of the Kwaremont, as he forced a selection. Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech) was momentarily out of position when the move was made, and perhaps he was playing cute there, not having his nose in the wind, but he did have to make an effort to move up. While he did it very well, every little effort can add up, come the decisive moments.<\/p>\n<p>When the five-rider group of Poga\u010dar, Van der Poel, Evenepoel, Van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike), and Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) went clear, it was one of those iconic Classics moments, but that high pace meant it didn&#8217;t last long.<\/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\/tpvSkeCzvqy3q8KAbjLPRj-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tpvSkeCzvqy3q8KAbjLPRj-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classic column: Tadej Poga\u010dar is unbeatable, but thank God for Paul Seixas<\/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\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Van der Poel, Van Aert lead challenge against Poga\u010dar, but can debutant Evenepoel spoil the party in rare matchup? \u2013 Analysing the favourites for the men&#8217;s Tour of Flanders<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Reflections from the men&#8217;s Milan-San Remo \u2013 Poga\u010dar overcomes the chaos, prefers focaccia to a 2027 return, McNulty&#8217;s work, and praise for Van der Poel and Pedersen<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Van der Poel and Evenepoel were doing their fair share of the work until the Belgian was dropped. Van der Poel still came through afterwards, but he wasn&#8217;t pushing on in the same way. He was thinking &#8216;Okay, I have to just conserve here. conserve energy and leave Poga\u010dar to do the brunt of the work.&#8217;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure full-width-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-5daffec6-b526-4dd4-b487-9fd1fbe436b4\">\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\/PpkTzk7TpyE2bKEtL7NVGS-2560-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PpkTzk7TpyE2bKEtL7NVGS-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PpkTzk7TpyE2bKEtL7NVGS-1440-80.jpg.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PpkTzk7TpyE2bKEtL7NVGS-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PpkTzk7TpyE2bKEtL7NVGS-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PpkTzk7TpyE2bKEtL7NVGS-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PpkTzk7TpyE2bKEtL7NVGS-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PpkTzk7TpyE2bKEtL7NVGS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PpkTzk7TpyE2bKEtL7NVGS-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PpkTzk7TpyE2bKEtL7NVGS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" full-width-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The 2026 Tour of Flanders added another chapter to the Poga\u010dar-Van der Poel rivalry <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Billy Ceusters\/Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-4025bf27-c6c0-43fd-8f5c-a275d14d3371\">The Dutchman knew what was coming, and when Evenepoel tried to come back, and got within 100m at one point, Poga\u010dar just turned up the gas again, which is telling of the really good form he is in.<\/p>\n<p>It was the same case on the final time up the Kwaremont. On TV, Poga\u010dar&#8217;s attacks don&#8217;t look that difficult, but when you&#8217;re out there and think about the way the entire race was ridden, my God. Everybody was on the limit in that final, even with 50km to go for some, but Tadej, he had a lot more in the tank than anyone else.<\/p>\n<p>Poga\u010dar&#8217;s victory means that he could feasibly be the first rider to hold all five Monument titles at the same time if fortune favours him next weekend at Paris-Roubaix. That&#8217;s a big &#8216;if&#8217; given the mechanicals and type of race that Roubaix is. Nonetheless, if someone had said to me four or five years ago that a rider would be able to win all five Monuments within 12 months, I&#8217;d say you&#8217;re totally crazy.<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s very likely that we&#8217;ll see a Poga\u010dar-Van der Poel battle once again, especially with how the Slovenian fared in his Roubaix debut last year, but the lack of climbs will swing the odds away from Poga\u010dar and towards the larger, more powerful riders like Van Aert, Filippo Ganna (Ineos Grenadiers) and Van der Poel.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"evenepoel-puts-doubts-to-bed-on-debut-3\">Evenepoel puts doubts to bed on debut<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-85cd4df4-640e-4a68-9b66-64b9ea11e089\">I was actually a bit afraid for Evenepoel coming into Sunday&#8217;s race, should he get into difficulty fighting for position ahead of the key points of the route, but the Olympic champion impressed me on his Flanders debut.<\/p>\n<p>Even if he&#8217;d announced his debut six months earlier, there would be huge pressure on him given his status in Flemish cycling, but to do it like he did, keeping it secret until days before the race, there was always going to be more pressure. If he didn&#8217;t perform yesterday, the Belgian press would knock him for the way he played it, but fortunately, he put those thoughts to bed.<\/p>\n<p>And okay, he rode a bit too much for my liking, but that&#8217;s because he wanted the race to be difficult and a thinner field, where fighting for position was less important. It turned into the perfect scenario for him, but ultimately, he paid for those earlier efforts where he tried to force the pace.<\/p>\n<p>The ride he did afterwards, though, when he was alone, and almost regaining contact, was impressive. He clearly had a lot to give, but maybe just lacked that experience.<\/p>\n<p>Will he be back next year? That will be interesting to see. After his performance today, it&#8217;s certainly possible for him to win this race, and it could well change how he looks at the calendar, especially with riders like Isaac del Toro (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) and Paul Seixas (Decathlon CMA CGM) also coming through. Either way, he will have gained a lot of confidence from the way he performed yesterday.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure full-width-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-e6efb717-b37b-499c-979d-4f689fe70bab\">\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\/XnQweTCMVkpHsjmJBjXLJ6-2000-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XnQweTCMVkpHsjmJBjXLJ6-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XnQweTCMVkpHsjmJBjXLJ6-1440-80.jpg.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XnQweTCMVkpHsjmJBjXLJ6-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XnQweTCMVkpHsjmJBjXLJ6-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XnQweTCMVkpHsjmJBjXLJ6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XnQweTCMVkpHsjmJBjXLJ6-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XnQweTCMVkpHsjmJBjXLJ6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XnQweTCMVkpHsjmJBjXLJ6-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XnQweTCMVkpHsjmJBjXLJ6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" full-width-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Franzie Koch moves aside as Vollering puts her rivals to the sword <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Luc Claessen\/Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"vollering-wins-battle-of-position-and-power-3\">Vollering wins battle of position and power <\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-0ee96faa-6c45-45de-8a8a-aa23fd5d8bb8\">In a similar vein to Poga\u010dar, when Demi Vollering (FDJ United-SUEZ) is on good form, and her teammates, notably Franzi Koch who was up there right until the decisive point, are able to put the rest of the bunch in difficulty and inflict damage, it can almost make the victory look effortless.<\/p>\n<p>Yet Vollering was in a dominant mood and when she attacked, chasing her down was always going to be very difficult for Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot (Visma-Lease a Bike), Lotte Kopecky (SD Worx-ProTime) and Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Premier Tech).<\/p>\n<p>Across the two races, there weren&#8217;t many crashes, but those that did occur, were quite influential, especially for the women&#8217;s field. Both Marlen Reusser (Movistar) and Kim Le Court-Pienaar (AG Insurance-Soudal) were forced out of the race before the action started after a nasty crash, so that certainly made Vollering&#8217;s task slightly easier.<\/p>\n<p>Then, when it came to the Kwaremont, she pushed her rivals into the red, and that makes it incredibly hard to come back from. Only 15 or so male riders tackled the final ascent of the Kwaremont faster than Vollering, which shows just how powerful she is when she&#8217;s on her day and delivered into the position where she needs to be.<\/p>\n<p>For the chase groups behind, even when they started to work together, Vollering was always in control, right up to the line.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bc7d30bc-1720-42bd-913e-e4ec25a48fb5\"><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\/sean-kellys-classics-column-tadej-pogacar-turns-tour-of-flanders-into-a-torture-fest-as-remco-evenepoel-silences-critics\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-1920-80.png&#8221;] Pro Cycling Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: Tadej Poga\u010dar turns Tour of Flanders into a torture-fest as Remco Evenepoel silences critics MEMBER EXCLUSIVE Features By Sean Kelly published 6 April 2026 The nine-time Monument winner breaks down another Poga\u010dar masterclass in Flanders, Vollering&#8217;s tactical domination, and Evenepoel&#8217;s promising performance When you purchase through [&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-1868436","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\/1868436","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=1868436"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1868436\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1868436"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1868436"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1868436"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}