{"id":1869412,"date":"2026-04-06T18:46:20","date_gmt":"2026-04-06T15:46:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1869412"},"modified":"2026-04-06T18:46:20","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T15:46:20","slug":"everything-the-tour-of-flanders-can-tell-us-about-paris-roubaix-the-monument-quintuple-no-remco-evenepoel-and-lotte-kopeckys-chances","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1869412","title":{"rendered":"Everything the Tour of Flanders can tell us about Paris-Roubaix \u2013 The Monument quintuple, no Remco Evenepoel, and Lotte Kopecky&#8217;s chances"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-2560-80.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<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Everything the Tour of Flanders can tell us about Paris-Roubaix \u2013 The Monument quintuple, no Remco Evenepoel, and Lotte Kopecky&#8217;s chances<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nFeatures<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nMatilda Price, James Moultrie <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T18:46:20Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n6 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Cyclingnews&#8217; key takeaways from Sunday&#8217;s race, amid the build-up to a Sunday in Hell<\/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\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-1920-80.png.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Tadej Pogacar and Mathieu van der Poel racing at the 2026 Tour of Flanders<\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 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id=\"elk-0967d861-0dcb-42cb-9f77-cc0fd068a1b8\">After an epic Sunday of racing at the Tour of Flanders on Sunday, the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s pelotons have little time to rest before the next big appointment at Paris-Roubaix arrives on April 12, with cycling&#8217;s Holy Week now turning focus to the pav\u00e9 of northern France.<\/p>\n<p>While both categorised as cobbled Monuments, the two Classics do differ, both in the amount of climbing, risk, and just how ruthless the placement of the cobblestones are, with the French race offering the flatter, but more dangerous and unpredictable parcours.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0967d861-0dcb-42cb-9f77-cc0fd068a1b8-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">With that said, the animators from this past weekend will largely be the same at Paris-Roubaix, with only the absolute best able to conquer the gruelling 260km of racing for men and 143km for women.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Van der Poel, Van Aert lead challenge against Poga\u010dar, but can debutant Evenepoel spoil the party in rare matchup? \u2013 Analysing the favourites for the men&#8217;s Tour of Flanders<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-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: Tadej Poga\u010dar turns Tour of Flanders into a torture-fest as Remco Evenepoel silences critics<br \/>\n<\/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\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">The 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><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>For the first time, the races will be run on the same day, with 30 iconic sectors in the former and 20 in the latter, and are set to decide two worthy winners in the iconic Roubaix V\u00e9lodrome (Andr\u00e9-P\u00e9trieux), but what clues about who that might be did Flanders provide?<\/p>\n<p>The superstars converged in both races, with Tadej Poga\u010dar defeating Mathieu van der Poel and Remco Evenepoel for a record-equalling third men&#8217;s title, while Demi Vollering climbed away from the field for her first Flanders triumph, beating Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot and Puck Pieterse in second and third.<\/p>\n<p>None of the women&#8217;s podium are down to race the third Monument of the season, so the action and tactics behind them is what Flanders signposted for Paris-Roubaix Femmes. But the men&#8217;s race is a different story, with Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel set to battle out the victory again, albeit this time on the favoured, flatter terrain of the Dutchman.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">With the dust just settling, here are <em>Cyclingnews&#8217;<\/em> key takeaways from the Tour of Flanders heading into another highly anticipated Sunday in Hell at Paris-Roubaix 2026.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-dwPRwogwZZNjQVELeXYJmn\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-dwPRwogwZZNjQVELeXYJmn slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"tadej-pogacar-winning-all-five-monuments-in-one-season-is-possible-and-looks-likely-3\">Tadej Poga\u010dar winning all five Monuments in one season is possible and looks likely<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-464e196e-41c1-4e46-9c03-c655d45ca937\">\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\/iijGiouHcaLThJHE4EScpj-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iijGiouHcaLThJHE4EScpj-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iijGiouHcaLThJHE4EScpj-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iijGiouHcaLThJHE4EScpj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iijGiouHcaLThJHE4EScpj-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iijGiouHcaLThJHE4EScpj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Poga\u010dar won the Tour of Flanders solo for the third time last Sunday <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-ab1d32d1-9547-4c73-a8be-21be36c46b13\">While only three riders have ever won all five of cycling&#8217;s Monuments, Eddy Merckx, Roger De Vlaeminck and Rik Van Looy, no one has ever conquered all of them in one season. That is not only possible for Tadej Poga\u010dar, but it also looks likely. However, Paris-Roubaix does represent his toughest challenge.<\/p>\n<p>For years, it was Milan-San Remo which he and UAE Team Emirates-XRG hadn&#8217;t quite figured out, but after he finally won it last month \u2013 in a thrilling fashion the team never would have drawn up \u2013 it&#8217;s just the pav\u00e9 of northern France which stands in his way of joining those three icons of yesteryear above.<\/p>\n<p>And he could go that one step further, as stated. A win next Sunday would maintain his perfect record and bring him the third of the five 2026 Monuments, with only Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge and Il Lombardia left to complete an unheard of Grand Slam this year, two races which are so difficult in terms of climbing that anything but a dominant fourth and sixth victory at each race, respectively, would be a huge surprise.<\/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\/Zg3H59SrqAJ8yUL58dyFQG-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zg3H59SrqAJ8yUL58dyFQG-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\">Lotte Kopecky, Demi Vollering and Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot face off in what could be an epic showdown  \u2013 Analysing the Tour of Flanders Women contenders<\/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\/Rk3esFqRGQfMaCDXoZMm9W-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rk3esFqRGQfMaCDXoZMm9W-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\">More than a Tour of Flanders warm-up \u2013 Analysing the contenders at Dwars door Vlaanderen<\/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\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Why Poga\u010dar and Van Aert&#8217;s teams aren&#8217;t sensing weakness for the Tour of Flanders despite Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s near-miss at E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Of course, his power over the cobbled climbs of the Flemish Ardennes translates to the jagged pav\u00e9 across the border, but he does lose his biggest advantage: the uphill gradients. So it may have to be an all-out battle of attrition and endurance that he and UAE create if he is to deny Mathieu van der Poel a fourth Cobblestone trophy in a row and make more history. (JM)<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"remco-evenepoel-won-t-be-there-this-year-but-he-wants-to-race-in-the-future-3\">Remco Evenepoel won&#8217;t be there this year, but he wants to race in the future<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1f2d3c49-2b7c-4cc1-8f3e-531242f74b9b\">\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\/g7HCzxfMNPvD4nGfmSGhXY-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g7HCzxfMNPvD4nGfmSGhXY-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g7HCzxfMNPvD4nGfmSGhXY-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g7HCzxfMNPvD4nGfmSGhXY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g7HCzxfMNPvD4nGfmSGhXY-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g7HCzxfMNPvD4nGfmSGhXY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Evenepoel impressed on Flanders debut, but a surprise Paris-Roubaix debut is not coming in 2026 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-d43c361c-0757-40dd-a493-6bc25cc6fa2d\">No sooner was Remco Evenepoel&#8217;s cobbled Classic debut over than he was already thinking about the next, and not just in the form of a return to Flanders. The Belgian has spoken about wanting to ride Paris-Roubaix a few times already, but seemed even more sure on Sunday that he would do it one day. In some interviews, he was simply leaving the door open, but in the mixed zone to the written press, he was more direct: &#8220;We still have a lot of time to discuss that, but for sure one day I will be there.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Though he might look like a small climber, we all know Evenepoel is one of the most powerful riders in the world on the flat, and there&#8217;s no reason why his TT strength couldn&#8217;t also reward him in Roubaix.<\/p>\n<p>In theory, he&#8217;s lacking the skills and experience involved for the Roubaix pav\u00e9, and usually the hectic race would be considered a massive risk for GC riders, but Tadej Poga\u010dar basically threw all of those notions in the bin with his debut last year, so why shouldn&#8217;t Evenepoel follow? (MP)<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"lotte-kopecky-will-be-more-motivated-than-ever-3\">Lotte Kopecky will be more motivated than ever<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bd5e8228-7a90-40fa-a604-e6872e27dac8\">\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\/6JNvX8KcAy8Z8H8v98VYQc-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6JNvX8KcAy8Z8H8v98VYQc-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6JNvX8KcAy8Z8H8v98VYQc-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6JNvX8KcAy8Z8H8v98VYQc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6JNvX8KcAy8Z8H8v98VYQc-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6JNvX8KcAy8Z8H8v98VYQc-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Kopecky sprinted to fourth at the line at Flanders, unable to match Vollering and the top climbers <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-ea75844b-05dd-40f3-8327-2cdcc2f75b9d\">By her own admission, Lotte Kopecky didn&#8217;t have a bad day in Flanders, but it still wasn&#8217;t enough to defend her title; indeed, she missed the podium altogether. Faced with the climbing strength of Demi Vollering, the Belgian wasn&#8217;t particularly disappointed in her day, but it will have added more fuel to the fire for Roubaix. She&#8217;s said already that winning Milan-San Remo relieved a lot of pressure for the Spring, but that&#8217;s not to say she won&#8217;t want to win the Hell of the North.<\/p>\n<p>Despite being fourth on the day, there&#8217;s nothing to suggest Kopecky is missing any of the power you need on the flat to win Roubaix, and her results so far this year show she&#8217;s very much back to her Classics-winning best. Lorena Wiebes, who also seems to be flying, will be a valuable help next Sunday \u2013 she crashed out of contention in Flanders \u2013 and with riders like Blanka Vas, Femke Gerritse and Marta Lach around her too, Kopecky will have one of the strongest teams next week. Plus, she&#8217;ll be very mentally motivated to try and add a second Roubaix to her palmar\u00e8s after missing out on a fourth Flanders. (MP)<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"individual-strength-is-important-but-it-s-still-a-numbers-game-3\">Individual strength is important, but it&#8217;s still a numbers game<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-f7060cdf-6e63-49fe-aa63-98fccbbf4075\">\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\/C9VNWv49exWUNn9HUQH3q6-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C9VNWv49exWUNn9HUQH3q6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C9VNWv49exWUNn9HUQH3q6-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C9VNWv49exWUNn9HUQH3q6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C9VNWv49exWUNn9HUQH3q6-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C9VNWv49exWUNn9HUQH3q6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Franzi Koch proved invaluable for Vollering at Flanders <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-2f01f5bd-4ea1-4d2a-8c6d-8c0e06708adf\">Men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s cycling are almost on converging trajectories when it comes to tactics and dynamics. In women&#8217;s races, it used to feel like it was often rider against rider, with the very top names going head-to-head based on strength, with the help of domestiques, more minor. In men&#8217;s, the teams always felt more important, but now the biggest races are very <em>mano a mano<\/em> between the favourites.<\/p>\n<p>Both of Sunday&#8217;s races were a reminder that team strength is perhaps the biggest asset any rider can have is committed teammates. FDJ smashed the race with a horribly fast pace in the women&#8217;s race, which obviously made Vollering&#8217;s attack more successful, whilst even the &#8216;Big 5&#8217; battle in the men&#8217;s was set up by a whole day of work from UAE, particularly Florian Vermeersch on the Molenberg.<\/p>\n<p>In Roubaix, having bodyguards who can keep you up front, keep the pace how you like it, and just help shepherd you through the chaos can be the difference between making the decisive move and crashing out. The finales will be decided by the rest riders, but keep an eye on what teams are bossing it earlier on \u2013 their leader will probably do pretty well. (MP)<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"paris-roubaix-parcours-returns-the-balance-in-mathieu-van-der-poel-s-favour-3\">Paris-Roubaix parcours returns the balance in Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s favour<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a8c6abce-db12-4d11-bd86-0c5569962e35\">\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\/xHMzbpqREpVteiafn82uQC-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xHMzbpqREpVteiafn82uQC-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xHMzbpqREpVteiafn82uQC-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xHMzbpqREpVteiafn82uQC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xHMzbpqREpVteiafn82uQC-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xHMzbpqREpVteiafn82uQC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Van der Poel will be back on favoured territory next Sunday at Roubaix <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-1853bb40-2efd-4a6c-82a3-f5f3dc491540\">Mathieu van der Poel may have been second best to Tadej Poga\u010dar at the Tour of Flanders, but that doesn&#8217;t make Paris-Roubaix a given for the Slovenian, far from it, with the lack of similar climbs, in difficulty and frequency, and the flatter pav\u00e9 playing more into the hands of the three-time winner.<\/p>\n<p>On his debut last year, Poga\u010dar was able to push Van der Poel close to his limit, but a mistake when he overshot a corner ultimately cost him the race. The Dutchman has won the last three editions for several reasons, one of them being luck, yes, but you often make your own in this sport, and his expert bike handling, superior legs and positioning are what have bailed him out of trouble.<\/p>\n<p>Matching Poga\u010dar up the Oude Kwaremont proved a step too far for the Alpecin-Premier Tech rider, but over the five-star Trou\u00e9e d&#8217;Arenberg and Carrefour de l&#8217;Arbre cobbled sectors, it will be advantage Van der Poel once again, and he will be after similar revenge that he got 12 months ago. (JM)<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"it-s-getting-harder-to-imagine-a-surprise-monument-winner-but-if-any-race-can-deliver-it-s-roubaix-3\">It&#8217;s getting harder to imagine a surprise Monument winner, but if any race can deliver, it&#8217;s Roubaix <\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1ab6c58f-8adc-4eef-abb8-81f7b7037ef7\">\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\/TLLDonf4h7MjEwBXFpeV4B-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TLLDonf4h7MjEwBXFpeV4B-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TLLDonf4h7MjEwBXFpeV4B-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TLLDonf4h7MjEwBXFpeV4B-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TLLDonf4h7MjEwBXFpeV4B-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TLLDonf4h7MjEwBXFpeV4B-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Jackson won in shock fashion at the 2023 Paris-Roubaix Femmes <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-94097d6c-7d70-49bd-b5a5-00bb5820fea0\">In the run-up to Flanders, me and James were talking quite a bit about who could be considered the last &#8216;surprise&#8217; Flanders winner (Alberto Bettiol, we reckon), and indeed if it&#8217;s even possible for another outside victory in the near future, given the dominance and control we see in this race. It&#8217;s a sentiment that extends to the Monuments in general, with the men&#8217;s Monuments dominated by the same riders for a few years now, whilst the last women&#8217;s surprise victor was perhaps Alison Jackson in Roubaix 2023.<\/p>\n<p>It is increasingly hard to imagine how a surprise might materialise in these big races this year, with the same strong riders and teams asserting themselves in both the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s pelotons, but if there&#8217;s any race that is prime for a wild result, it is Roubaix.<\/p>\n<p>As much as teams try \u2013 and succeed \u2013 Roubaix is inherently much, much harder to control than any of the other Monuments, and the elements of luck and chaos lend themselves more to unpredictable situations. With the way the spring has been raced so far, it does seem unlikely that anyone other than a favourite will win either race on Sunday, but let&#8217;s at least dream. (MP)<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mads-pedersen-and-wout-van-aert-can-t-be-counted-out-for-next-sunday-3\">Mads Pedersen and Wout van Aert can&#8217;t be counted out for next Sunday <\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-b8548853-c1ca-48b3-afc1-fbb00bc6c614\">\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\/Sg7iwRtRiTBn9yx4K9rPrV-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sg7iwRtRiTBn9yx4K9rPrV-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sg7iwRtRiTBn9yx4K9rPrV-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sg7iwRtRiTBn9yx4K9rPrV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sg7iwRtRiTBn9yx4K9rPrV-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sg7iwRtRiTBn9yx4K9rPrV-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Pedersen and Van Aert briefly joined forces in the chase during Flanders <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-86ef2c20-99d3-47dc-9cb6-1f4749266a08\">While a &#8216;big five&#8217; formed momentarily on the road from Antwerp to Oudenaarde on Sunday, with Poga\u010dar&#8217;s initial acceleration on the second Kwaremont drawing Wout van Aert, Mads Pedersen, Mathieu van der Poel and Remco Evenepoel into his wheel, predictions from the other superstars that it might in reality become a &#8216;big one&#8217; came true.<\/p>\n<p>The Slovenian was too strong on the climbs again and made even the top names in the sport struggle behind to finish way back, 2:04 in Van Aert&#8217;s case and 2:48 in Pedersen&#8217;s, with only Van der Poel finishing within a minute of the imperious World Champion.<\/p>\n<p>But as is the case for Van der Poel regaining status as the favourite, the flatter pav\u00e9 of Paris-Roubaix also returns Van Aert, but especially Pedersen, to his favoured terrain. An ill-timed puncture dropped the Dane out of the front group in last season&#8217;s race, so it&#8217;s unknown how he would have fared, but a second podium in succession suggests he wouldn&#8217;t have been far off the two world-beaters at all.<\/p>\n<p>For Van Aert, the 2026 Classics season has also seen him look more like himself again, and with third at Milan-San Remo and a valiant fourth-place ride at the Tour of Flanders to his name already, perhaps he can be paid off with the legs and luck he&#8217;s long missed at the races he wants to win most. (JM)<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0eefdf7a-0e61-4381-b526-e4143172149c\"><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 class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Tour of Flanders<\/p>\n<p>Paris-Roubaix<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-dwPRwogwZZNjQVELeXYJmn\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-dwPRwogwZZNjQVELeXYJmn slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">James Moultrie<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>James Moultrie is a gold-standard NCTJ journalist who joined\u00a0Cyclingnews\u00a0as a News Writer in 2023 after originally contributing as a freelancer for eight months, during which time he also wrote for Eurosport, Rouleur and Cycling Weekly. Prior to joining the team he reported on races such as Paris-Roubaix and the Giro d\u2019Italia Donne for Eurosport and has interviewed some of the sport\u2019s top riders in Chlo\u00e9 Dygert, Lizzie Deignan and Wout van Aert. Outside of cycling, he spends the majority of his time watching other sports \u2013 rugby, football, cricket, and American Football to name a few.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Van der Poel, Van Aert lead challenge against Poga\u010dar, but can debutant Evenepoel spoil the party in rare matchup? \u2013 Analysing the favourites for the men&#8217;s Tour of Flanders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-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\">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: Tadej Poga\u010dar turns Tour of Flanders into a torture-fest as Remco Evenepoel silences critics<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div 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 class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zg3H59SrqAJ8yUL58dyFQG-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zg3H59SrqAJ8yUL58dyFQG-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zg3H59SrqAJ8yUL58dyFQG-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zg3H59SrqAJ8yUL58dyFQG-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zg3H59SrqAJ8yUL58dyFQG-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Lotte Kopecky, Demi Vollering and Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot face off in what could be an epic showdown  \u2013 Analysing the Tour of Flanders Women contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rk3esFqRGQfMaCDXoZMm9W-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rk3esFqRGQfMaCDXoZMm9W-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rk3esFqRGQfMaCDXoZMm9W-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rk3esFqRGQfMaCDXoZMm9W-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rk3esFqRGQfMaCDXoZMm9W-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\">More than a Tour of Flanders warm-up \u2013 Analysing the contenders at Dwars door Vlaanderen<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Why Poga\u010dar and Van Aert&#8217;s teams aren&#8217;t sensing weakness for the Tour of Flanders despite Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s near-miss at E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Cat Ferguson&#8217;s Spring Classics column: Tour of Flanders is the toughest, most powerful race on the calendar, and that is felt in every pedal stroke<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B9bpUQRLuFY9kkbiqXRKEk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B9bpUQRLuFY9kkbiqXRKEk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B9bpUQRLuFY9kkbiqXRKEk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B9bpUQRLuFY9kkbiqXRKEk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B9bpUQRLuFY9kkbiqXRKEk-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\">Remco Evenepoel opts not to make debut at Paris-Roubaix, despite Tour of Flanders podium<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yu8FfueLi59MxA2QvpWoS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yu8FfueLi59MxA2QvpWoS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yu8FfueLi59MxA2QvpWoS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yu8FfueLi59MxA2QvpWoS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yu8FfueLi59MxA2QvpWoS-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: Paul Seixas pours on the power to win individual time trial opener and claim leader&#8217;s jersey<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6KqJ39QfbRbnCTKbsGZzKY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6KqJ39QfbRbnCTKbsGZzKY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6KqJ39QfbRbnCTKbsGZzKY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6KqJ39QfbRbnCTKbsGZzKY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6KqJ39QfbRbnCTKbsGZzKY-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\">Ronde de Mouscron: Clara Copponi blasts away opposition to clinch powerful bunch sprint victory<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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 class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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 class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Features<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Cat Ferguson&#8217;s Spring Classics column: Tour of Flanders is the toughest, most powerful race on the calendar, and that is felt in every pedal stroke<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-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\">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: Tadej Poga\u010dar turns Tour of Flanders into a torture-fest as Remco Evenepoel silences critics<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/v2f6yDEapxtfhcsY9Wmqi5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/v2f6yDEapxtfhcsY9Wmqi5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/v2f6yDEapxtfhcsY9Wmqi5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/v2f6yDEapxtfhcsY9Wmqi5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/v2f6yDEapxtfhcsY9Wmqi5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;High trees catch a lot of wind&#8217; \u2013 From intense media scrutiny to social media abuse, the Classics bring out the pressure of expectation in Belgium<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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 class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LsHmBtnTxiYK3jFBQJLi7S-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LsHmBtnTxiYK3jFBQJLi7S-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LsHmBtnTxiYK3jFBQJLi7S-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LsHmBtnTxiYK3jFBQJLi7S-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LsHmBtnTxiYK3jFBQJLi7S-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We lost three experienced riders, and replaced them with really young riders&#8217; \u2013 Can Lidl-Trek&#8217;s changed Classics core do enough for Mads Pedersen at the Tour of Flanders?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LicjXPEYhXddW3XAUkQwgK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LicjXPEYhXddW3XAUkQwgK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LicjXPEYhXddW3XAUkQwgK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LicjXPEYhXddW3XAUkQwgK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LicjXPEYhXddW3XAUkQwgK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Culture<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Quiz! Can you name all the Tour of Flanders winners since 2000?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-320-80.png.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-640-80.png.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-720-80.png.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-1280-80.png.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc.png\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc.png\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc.png\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Cat Ferguson&#8217;s Spring Classics column: Tour of Flanders is the toughest, most powerful race on the calendar, and that is felt in every pedal stroke<\/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\">The next Australians on the path to the WorldTour? Taking a closer look at the riders who shot to the top at the 2026 ProVelo Super League<\/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;I didn&#8217;t expect to win by such a margin&#8217; \u2013 A time trial triumph for Paul Seixas as he carves out first WorldTour stage victory and claims leader&#8217;s jersey at Itzulia Basque Country<\/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\">Everything the Tour of Flanders can tell us about Paris-Roubaix \u2013 The Monument quintuple, no Remco Evenepoel, and Lotte Kopecky&#8217;s chances<\/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\">Remco Evenepoel opts not to make debut at Paris-Roubaix, despite Tour of Flanders podium<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Everything the Tour of Flanders can tell us about Paris-Roubaix \u2013 The Monument quintuple, no Remco Evenepoel, and Lotte Kopecky&#8217;s chances<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nFeatures<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nMatilda Price, James Moultrie <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T18:46:20Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n6 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Cyclingnews&#8217; key takeaways from Sunday&#8217;s race, amid the build-up to a Sunday in Hell<\/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\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-1920-80.png.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Tadej Pogacar and Mathieu van der Poel racing at the 2026 Tour of Flanders<\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 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id=\"elk-0967d861-0dcb-42cb-9f77-cc0fd068a1b8\">After an epic Sunday of racing at the Tour of Flanders on Sunday, the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s pelotons have little time to rest before the next big appointment at Paris-Roubaix arrives on April 12, with cycling&#8217;s Holy Week now turning focus to the pav\u00e9 of northern France.<\/p>\n<p>While both categorised as cobbled Monuments, the two Classics do differ, both in the amount of climbing, risk, and just how ruthless the placement of the cobblestones are, with the French race offering the flatter, but more dangerous and unpredictable parcours.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0967d861-0dcb-42cb-9f77-cc0fd068a1b8-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">With that said, the animators from this past weekend will largely be the same at Paris-Roubaix, with only the absolute best able to conquer the gruelling 260km of racing for men and 143km for women.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Van der Poel, Van Aert lead challenge against Poga\u010dar, but can debutant Evenepoel spoil the party in rare matchup? \u2013 Analysing the favourites for the men&#8217;s Tour of Flanders<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-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: Tadej Poga\u010dar turns Tour of Flanders into a torture-fest as Remco Evenepoel silences critics<br \/>\n<\/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\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">The 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><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>For the first time, the races will be run on the same day, with 30 iconic sectors in the former and 20 in the latter, and are set to decide two worthy winners in the iconic Roubaix V\u00e9lodrome (Andr\u00e9-P\u00e9trieux), but what clues about who that might be did Flanders provide?<\/p>\n<p>The superstars converged in both races, with Tadej Poga\u010dar defeating Mathieu van der Poel and Remco Evenepoel for a record-equalling third men&#8217;s title, while Demi Vollering climbed away from the field for her first Flanders triumph, beating Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot and Puck Pieterse in second and third.<\/p>\n<p>None of the women&#8217;s podium are down to race the third Monument of the season, so the action and tactics behind them is what Flanders signposted for Paris-Roubaix Femmes. But the men&#8217;s race is a different story, with Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel set to battle out the victory again, albeit this time on the favoured, flatter terrain of the Dutchman.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">With the dust just settling, here are <em>Cyclingnews&#8217;<\/em> key takeaways from the Tour of Flanders heading into another highly anticipated Sunday in Hell at Paris-Roubaix 2026.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-dwPRwogwZZNjQVELeXYJmn\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-dwPRwogwZZNjQVELeXYJmn slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"tadej-pogacar-winning-all-five-monuments-in-one-season-is-possible-and-looks-likely-3\">Tadej Poga\u010dar winning all five Monuments in one season is possible and looks likely<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-464e196e-41c1-4e46-9c03-c655d45ca937\">\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\/iijGiouHcaLThJHE4EScpj-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iijGiouHcaLThJHE4EScpj-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iijGiouHcaLThJHE4EScpj-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iijGiouHcaLThJHE4EScpj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iijGiouHcaLThJHE4EScpj-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iijGiouHcaLThJHE4EScpj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Poga\u010dar won the Tour of Flanders solo for the third time last Sunday <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-ab1d32d1-9547-4c73-a8be-21be36c46b13\">While only three riders have ever won all five of cycling&#8217;s Monuments, Eddy Merckx, Roger De Vlaeminck and Rik Van Looy, no one has ever conquered all of them in one season. That is not only possible for Tadej Poga\u010dar, but it also looks likely. However, Paris-Roubaix does represent his toughest challenge.<\/p>\n<p>For years, it was Milan-San Remo which he and UAE Team Emirates-XRG hadn&#8217;t quite figured out, but after he finally won it last month \u2013 in a thrilling fashion the team never would have drawn up \u2013 it&#8217;s just the pav\u00e9 of northern France which stands in his way of joining those three icons of yesteryear above.<\/p>\n<p>And he could go that one step further, as stated. A win next Sunday would maintain his perfect record and bring him the third of the five 2026 Monuments, with only Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge and Il Lombardia left to complete an unheard of Grand Slam this year, two races which are so difficult in terms of climbing that anything but a dominant fourth and sixth victory at each race, respectively, would be a huge surprise.<\/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\/Zg3H59SrqAJ8yUL58dyFQG-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zg3H59SrqAJ8yUL58dyFQG-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\">Lotte Kopecky, Demi Vollering and Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot face off in what could be an epic showdown  \u2013 Analysing the Tour of Flanders Women contenders<\/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\/Rk3esFqRGQfMaCDXoZMm9W-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rk3esFqRGQfMaCDXoZMm9W-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\">More than a Tour of Flanders warm-up \u2013 Analysing the contenders at Dwars door Vlaanderen<\/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\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Why Poga\u010dar and Van Aert&#8217;s teams aren&#8217;t sensing weakness for the Tour of Flanders despite Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s near-miss at E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Of course, his power over the cobbled climbs of the Flemish Ardennes translates to the jagged pav\u00e9 across the border, but he does lose his biggest advantage: the uphill gradients. So it may have to be an all-out battle of attrition and endurance that he and UAE create if he is to deny Mathieu van der Poel a fourth Cobblestone trophy in a row and make more history. (JM)<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"remco-evenepoel-won-t-be-there-this-year-but-he-wants-to-race-in-the-future-3\">Remco Evenepoel won&#8217;t be there this year, but he wants to race in the future<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1f2d3c49-2b7c-4cc1-8f3e-531242f74b9b\">\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\/g7HCzxfMNPvD4nGfmSGhXY-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g7HCzxfMNPvD4nGfmSGhXY-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g7HCzxfMNPvD4nGfmSGhXY-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g7HCzxfMNPvD4nGfmSGhXY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g7HCzxfMNPvD4nGfmSGhXY-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g7HCzxfMNPvD4nGfmSGhXY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Evenepoel impressed on Flanders debut, but a surprise Paris-Roubaix debut is not coming in 2026 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-d43c361c-0757-40dd-a493-6bc25cc6fa2d\">No sooner was Remco Evenepoel&#8217;s cobbled Classic debut over than he was already thinking about the next, and not just in the form of a return to Flanders. The Belgian has spoken about wanting to ride Paris-Roubaix a few times already, but seemed even more sure on Sunday that he would do it one day. In some interviews, he was simply leaving the door open, but in the mixed zone to the written press, he was more direct: &#8220;We still have a lot of time to discuss that, but for sure one day I will be there.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Though he might look like a small climber, we all know Evenepoel is one of the most powerful riders in the world on the flat, and there&#8217;s no reason why his TT strength couldn&#8217;t also reward him in Roubaix.<\/p>\n<p>In theory, he&#8217;s lacking the skills and experience involved for the Roubaix pav\u00e9, and usually the hectic race would be considered a massive risk for GC riders, but Tadej Poga\u010dar basically threw all of those notions in the bin with his debut last year, so why shouldn&#8217;t Evenepoel follow? (MP)<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"lotte-kopecky-will-be-more-motivated-than-ever-3\">Lotte Kopecky will be more motivated than ever<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bd5e8228-7a90-40fa-a604-e6872e27dac8\">\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\/6JNvX8KcAy8Z8H8v98VYQc-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6JNvX8KcAy8Z8H8v98VYQc-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6JNvX8KcAy8Z8H8v98VYQc-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6JNvX8KcAy8Z8H8v98VYQc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6JNvX8KcAy8Z8H8v98VYQc-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6JNvX8KcAy8Z8H8v98VYQc-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Kopecky sprinted to fourth at the line at Flanders, unable to match Vollering and the top climbers <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-ea75844b-05dd-40f3-8327-2cdcc2f75b9d\">By her own admission, Lotte Kopecky didn&#8217;t have a bad day in Flanders, but it still wasn&#8217;t enough to defend her title; indeed, she missed the podium altogether. Faced with the climbing strength of Demi Vollering, the Belgian wasn&#8217;t particularly disappointed in her day, but it will have added more fuel to the fire for Roubaix. She&#8217;s said already that winning Milan-San Remo relieved a lot of pressure for the Spring, but that&#8217;s not to say she won&#8217;t want to win the Hell of the North.<\/p>\n<p>Despite being fourth on the day, there&#8217;s nothing to suggest Kopecky is missing any of the power you need on the flat to win Roubaix, and her results so far this year show she&#8217;s very much back to her Classics-winning best. Lorena Wiebes, who also seems to be flying, will be a valuable help next Sunday \u2013 she crashed out of contention in Flanders \u2013 and with riders like Blanka Vas, Femke Gerritse and Marta Lach around her too, Kopecky will have one of the strongest teams next week. Plus, she&#8217;ll be very mentally motivated to try and add a second Roubaix to her palmar\u00e8s after missing out on a fourth Flanders. (MP)<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"individual-strength-is-important-but-it-s-still-a-numbers-game-3\">Individual strength is important, but it&#8217;s still a numbers game<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-f7060cdf-6e63-49fe-aa63-98fccbbf4075\">\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\/C9VNWv49exWUNn9HUQH3q6-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C9VNWv49exWUNn9HUQH3q6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C9VNWv49exWUNn9HUQH3q6-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C9VNWv49exWUNn9HUQH3q6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C9VNWv49exWUNn9HUQH3q6-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C9VNWv49exWUNn9HUQH3q6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Franzi Koch proved invaluable for Vollering at Flanders <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-2f01f5bd-4ea1-4d2a-8c6d-8c0e06708adf\">Men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s cycling are almost on converging trajectories when it comes to tactics and dynamics. In women&#8217;s races, it used to feel like it was often rider against rider, with the very top names going head-to-head based on strength, with the help of domestiques, more minor. In men&#8217;s, the teams always felt more important, but now the biggest races are very <em>mano a mano<\/em> between the favourites.<\/p>\n<p>Both of Sunday&#8217;s races were a reminder that team strength is perhaps the biggest asset any rider can have is committed teammates. FDJ smashed the race with a horribly fast pace in the women&#8217;s race, which obviously made Vollering&#8217;s attack more successful, whilst even the &#8216;Big 5&#8217; battle in the men&#8217;s was set up by a whole day of work from UAE, particularly Florian Vermeersch on the Molenberg.<\/p>\n<p>In Roubaix, having bodyguards who can keep you up front, keep the pace how you like it, and just help shepherd you through the chaos can be the difference between making the decisive move and crashing out. The finales will be decided by the rest riders, but keep an eye on what teams are bossing it earlier on \u2013 their leader will probably do pretty well. (MP)<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"paris-roubaix-parcours-returns-the-balance-in-mathieu-van-der-poel-s-favour-3\">Paris-Roubaix parcours returns the balance in Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s favour<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a8c6abce-db12-4d11-bd86-0c5569962e35\">\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\/xHMzbpqREpVteiafn82uQC-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xHMzbpqREpVteiafn82uQC-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xHMzbpqREpVteiafn82uQC-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xHMzbpqREpVteiafn82uQC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xHMzbpqREpVteiafn82uQC-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xHMzbpqREpVteiafn82uQC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Van der Poel will be back on favoured territory next Sunday at Roubaix <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-1853bb40-2efd-4a6c-82a3-f5f3dc491540\">Mathieu van der Poel may have been second best to Tadej Poga\u010dar at the Tour of Flanders, but that doesn&#8217;t make Paris-Roubaix a given for the Slovenian, far from it, with the lack of similar climbs, in difficulty and frequency, and the flatter pav\u00e9 playing more into the hands of the three-time winner.<\/p>\n<p>On his debut last year, Poga\u010dar was able to push Van der Poel close to his limit, but a mistake when he overshot a corner ultimately cost him the race. The Dutchman has won the last three editions for several reasons, one of them being luck, yes, but you often make your own in this sport, and his expert bike handling, superior legs and positioning are what have bailed him out of trouble.<\/p>\n<p>Matching Poga\u010dar up the Oude Kwaremont proved a step too far for the Alpecin-Premier Tech rider, but over the five-star Trou\u00e9e d&#8217;Arenberg and Carrefour de l&#8217;Arbre cobbled sectors, it will be advantage Van der Poel once again, and he will be after similar revenge that he got 12 months ago. (JM)<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"it-s-getting-harder-to-imagine-a-surprise-monument-winner-but-if-any-race-can-deliver-it-s-roubaix-3\">It&#8217;s getting harder to imagine a surprise Monument winner, but if any race can deliver, it&#8217;s Roubaix <\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1ab6c58f-8adc-4eef-abb8-81f7b7037ef7\">\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\/TLLDonf4h7MjEwBXFpeV4B-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TLLDonf4h7MjEwBXFpeV4B-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TLLDonf4h7MjEwBXFpeV4B-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TLLDonf4h7MjEwBXFpeV4B-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TLLDonf4h7MjEwBXFpeV4B-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TLLDonf4h7MjEwBXFpeV4B-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Jackson won in shock fashion at the 2023 Paris-Roubaix Femmes <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-94097d6c-7d70-49bd-b5a5-00bb5820fea0\">In the run-up to Flanders, me and James were talking quite a bit about who could be considered the last &#8216;surprise&#8217; Flanders winner (Alberto Bettiol, we reckon), and indeed if it&#8217;s even possible for another outside victory in the near future, given the dominance and control we see in this race. It&#8217;s a sentiment that extends to the Monuments in general, with the men&#8217;s Monuments dominated by the same riders for a few years now, whilst the last women&#8217;s surprise victor was perhaps Alison Jackson in Roubaix 2023.<\/p>\n<p>It is increasingly hard to imagine how a surprise might materialise in these big races this year, with the same strong riders and teams asserting themselves in both the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s pelotons, but if there&#8217;s any race that is prime for a wild result, it is Roubaix.<\/p>\n<p>As much as teams try \u2013 and succeed \u2013 Roubaix is inherently much, much harder to control than any of the other Monuments, and the elements of luck and chaos lend themselves more to unpredictable situations. With the way the spring has been raced so far, it does seem unlikely that anyone other than a favourite will win either race on Sunday, but let&#8217;s at least dream. (MP)<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mads-pedersen-and-wout-van-aert-can-t-be-counted-out-for-next-sunday-3\">Mads Pedersen and Wout van Aert can&#8217;t be counted out for next Sunday <\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-b8548853-c1ca-48b3-afc1-fbb00bc6c614\">\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\/Sg7iwRtRiTBn9yx4K9rPrV-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sg7iwRtRiTBn9yx4K9rPrV-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sg7iwRtRiTBn9yx4K9rPrV-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sg7iwRtRiTBn9yx4K9rPrV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sg7iwRtRiTBn9yx4K9rPrV-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sg7iwRtRiTBn9yx4K9rPrV-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Pedersen and Van Aert briefly joined forces in the chase during Flanders <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-86ef2c20-99d3-47dc-9cb6-1f4749266a08\">While a &#8216;big five&#8217; formed momentarily on the road from Antwerp to Oudenaarde on Sunday, with Poga\u010dar&#8217;s initial acceleration on the second Kwaremont drawing Wout van Aert, Mads Pedersen, Mathieu van der Poel and Remco Evenepoel into his wheel, predictions from the other superstars that it might in reality become a &#8216;big one&#8217; came true.<\/p>\n<p>The Slovenian was too strong on the climbs again and made even the top names in the sport struggle behind to finish way back, 2:04 in Van Aert&#8217;s case and 2:48 in Pedersen&#8217;s, with only Van der Poel finishing within a minute of the imperious World Champion.<\/p>\n<p>But as is the case for Van der Poel regaining status as the favourite, the flatter pav\u00e9 of Paris-Roubaix also returns Van Aert, but especially Pedersen, to his favoured terrain. An ill-timed puncture dropped the Dane out of the front group in last season&#8217;s race, so it&#8217;s unknown how he would have fared, but a second podium in succession suggests he wouldn&#8217;t have been far off the two world-beaters at all.<\/p>\n<p>For Van Aert, the 2026 Classics season has also seen him look more like himself again, and with third at Milan-San Remo and a valiant fourth-place ride at the Tour of Flanders to his name already, perhaps he can be paid off with the legs and luck he&#8217;s long missed at the races he wants to win most. (JM)<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0eefdf7a-0e61-4381-b526-e4143172149c\"><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 class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Tour of Flanders<\/p>\n<p>Paris-Roubaix<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-dwPRwogwZZNjQVELeXYJmn\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-dwPRwogwZZNjQVELeXYJmn slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">James Moultrie<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>James Moultrie is a gold-standard NCTJ journalist who joined\u00a0Cyclingnews\u00a0as a News Writer in 2023 after originally contributing as a freelancer for eight months, during which time he also wrote for Eurosport, Rouleur and Cycling Weekly. Prior to joining the team he reported on races such as Paris-Roubaix and the Giro d\u2019Italia Donne for Eurosport and has interviewed some of the sport\u2019s top riders in Chlo\u00e9 Dygert, Lizzie Deignan and Wout van Aert. Outside of cycling, he spends the majority of his time watching other sports \u2013 rugby, football, cricket, and American Football to name a few.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Van der Poel, Van Aert lead challenge against Poga\u010dar, but can debutant Evenepoel spoil the party in rare matchup? \u2013 Analysing the favourites for the men&#8217;s Tour of Flanders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-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\">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: Tadej Poga\u010dar turns Tour of Flanders into a torture-fest as Remco Evenepoel silences critics<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div 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 class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zg3H59SrqAJ8yUL58dyFQG-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zg3H59SrqAJ8yUL58dyFQG-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zg3H59SrqAJ8yUL58dyFQG-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zg3H59SrqAJ8yUL58dyFQG-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zg3H59SrqAJ8yUL58dyFQG-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Lotte Kopecky, Demi Vollering and Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot face off in what could be an epic showdown  \u2013 Analysing the Tour of Flanders Women contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rk3esFqRGQfMaCDXoZMm9W-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rk3esFqRGQfMaCDXoZMm9W-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rk3esFqRGQfMaCDXoZMm9W-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rk3esFqRGQfMaCDXoZMm9W-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rk3esFqRGQfMaCDXoZMm9W-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\">More than a Tour of Flanders warm-up \u2013 Analysing the contenders at Dwars door Vlaanderen<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Why Poga\u010dar and Van Aert&#8217;s teams aren&#8217;t sensing weakness for the Tour of Flanders despite Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s near-miss at E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Cat Ferguson&#8217;s Spring Classics column: Tour of Flanders is the toughest, most powerful race on the calendar, and that is felt in every pedal stroke<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B9bpUQRLuFY9kkbiqXRKEk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B9bpUQRLuFY9kkbiqXRKEk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B9bpUQRLuFY9kkbiqXRKEk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B9bpUQRLuFY9kkbiqXRKEk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B9bpUQRLuFY9kkbiqXRKEk-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\">Remco Evenepoel opts not to make debut at Paris-Roubaix, despite Tour of Flanders podium<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yu8FfueLi59MxA2QvpWoS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yu8FfueLi59MxA2QvpWoS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yu8FfueLi59MxA2QvpWoS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yu8FfueLi59MxA2QvpWoS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yu8FfueLi59MxA2QvpWoS-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: Paul Seixas pours on the power to win individual time trial opener and claim leader&#8217;s jersey<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6KqJ39QfbRbnCTKbsGZzKY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6KqJ39QfbRbnCTKbsGZzKY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6KqJ39QfbRbnCTKbsGZzKY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6KqJ39QfbRbnCTKbsGZzKY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6KqJ39QfbRbnCTKbsGZzKY-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\">Ronde de Mouscron: Clara Copponi blasts away opposition to clinch powerful bunch sprint victory<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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 class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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 class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Features<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Cat Ferguson&#8217;s Spring Classics column: Tour of Flanders is the toughest, most powerful race on the calendar, and that is felt in every pedal stroke<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-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\">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: Tadej Poga\u010dar turns Tour of Flanders into a torture-fest as Remco Evenepoel silences critics<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/v2f6yDEapxtfhcsY9Wmqi5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/v2f6yDEapxtfhcsY9Wmqi5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/v2f6yDEapxtfhcsY9Wmqi5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/v2f6yDEapxtfhcsY9Wmqi5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/v2f6yDEapxtfhcsY9Wmqi5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;High trees catch a lot of wind&#8217; \u2013 From intense media scrutiny to social media abuse, the Classics bring out the pressure of expectation in Belgium<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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 class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LsHmBtnTxiYK3jFBQJLi7S-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LsHmBtnTxiYK3jFBQJLi7S-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LsHmBtnTxiYK3jFBQJLi7S-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LsHmBtnTxiYK3jFBQJLi7S-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LsHmBtnTxiYK3jFBQJLi7S-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We lost three experienced riders, and replaced them with really young riders&#8217; \u2013 Can Lidl-Trek&#8217;s changed Classics core do enough for Mads Pedersen at the Tour of Flanders?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LicjXPEYhXddW3XAUkQwgK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LicjXPEYhXddW3XAUkQwgK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LicjXPEYhXddW3XAUkQwgK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LicjXPEYhXddW3XAUkQwgK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LicjXPEYhXddW3XAUkQwgK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Culture<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Quiz! Can you name all the Tour of Flanders winners since 2000?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-320-80.png.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-640-80.png.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-720-80.png.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-1280-80.png.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc.png\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc.png\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc.png\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Cat Ferguson&#8217;s Spring Classics column: Tour of Flanders is the toughest, most powerful race on the calendar, and that is felt in every pedal stroke<\/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\">The next Australians on the path to the WorldTour? Taking a closer look at the riders who shot to the top at the 2026 ProVelo Super League<\/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;I didn&#8217;t expect to win by such a margin&#8217; \u2013 A time trial triumph for Paul Seixas as he carves out first WorldTour stage victory and claims leader&#8217;s jersey at Itzulia Basque Country<\/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\">Everything the Tour of Flanders can tell us about Paris-Roubaix \u2013 The Monument quintuple, no Remco Evenepoel, and Lotte Kopecky&#8217;s chances<\/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\">Remco Evenepoel opts not to make debut at Paris-Roubaix, despite Tour of Flanders podium<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Everything the Tour of Flanders can tell us about Paris-Roubaix \u2013 The Monument quintuple, no Remco Evenepoel, and Lotte Kopecky&#8217;s chances<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nFeatures<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nMatilda Price, James Moultrie <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T18:46:20Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n6 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Cyclingnews&#8217; key takeaways from Sunday&#8217;s race, amid the build-up to a Sunday in Hell<\/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 id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"!m-0\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li 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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-0967d861-0dcb-42cb-9f77-cc0fd068a1b8\">After an epic Sunday of racing at the Tour of Flanders on Sunday, the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s pelotons have little time to rest before the next big appointment at Paris-Roubaix arrives on April 12, with cycling&#8217;s Holy Week now turning focus to the pav\u00e9 of northern France.<\/p>\n<p>While both categorised as cobbled Monuments, the two Classics do differ, both in the amount of climbing, risk, and just how ruthless the placement of the cobblestones are, with the French race offering the flatter, but more dangerous and unpredictable parcours.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0967d861-0dcb-42cb-9f77-cc0fd068a1b8-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">With that said, the animators from this past weekend will largely be the same at Paris-Roubaix, with only the absolute best able to conquer the gruelling 260km of racing for men and 143km for women.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Van der Poel, Van Aert lead challenge against Poga\u010dar, but can debutant Evenepoel spoil the party in rare matchup? \u2013 Analysing the favourites for the men&#8217;s Tour of Flanders<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-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: Tadej Poga\u010dar turns Tour of Flanders into a torture-fest as Remco Evenepoel silences critics<br \/>\n<\/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\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">The 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><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>For the first time, the races will be run on the same day, with 30 iconic sectors in the former and 20 in the latter, and are set to decide two worthy winners in the iconic Roubaix V\u00e9lodrome (Andr\u00e9-P\u00e9trieux), but what clues about who that might be did Flanders provide?<\/p>\n<p>The superstars converged in both races, with Tadej Poga\u010dar defeating Mathieu van der Poel and Remco Evenepoel for a record-equalling third men&#8217;s title, while Demi Vollering climbed away from the field for her first Flanders triumph, beating Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot and Puck Pieterse in second and third.<\/p>\n<p>None of the women&#8217;s podium are down to race the third Monument of the season, so the action and tactics behind them is what Flanders signposted for Paris-Roubaix Femmes. But the men&#8217;s race is a different story, with Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel set to battle out the victory again, albeit this time on the favoured, flatter terrain of the Dutchman.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">With the dust just settling, here are <em>Cyclingnews&#8217;<\/em> key takeaways from the Tour of Flanders heading into another highly anticipated Sunday in Hell at Paris-Roubaix 2026.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-dwPRwogwZZNjQVELeXYJmn\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-dwPRwogwZZNjQVELeXYJmn slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"tadej-pogacar-winning-all-five-monuments-in-one-season-is-possible-and-looks-likely-3\">Tadej Poga\u010dar winning all five Monuments in one season is possible and looks likely<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-464e196e-41c1-4e46-9c03-c655d45ca937\">\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\/iijGiouHcaLThJHE4EScpj-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iijGiouHcaLThJHE4EScpj-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iijGiouHcaLThJHE4EScpj-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iijGiouHcaLThJHE4EScpj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iijGiouHcaLThJHE4EScpj-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iijGiouHcaLThJHE4EScpj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Poga\u010dar won the Tour of Flanders solo for the third time last Sunday <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-ab1d32d1-9547-4c73-a8be-21be36c46b13\">While only three riders have ever won all five of cycling&#8217;s Monuments, Eddy Merckx, Roger De Vlaeminck and Rik Van Looy, no one has ever conquered all of them in one season. That is not only possible for Tadej Poga\u010dar, but it also looks likely. However, Paris-Roubaix does represent his toughest challenge.<\/p>\n<p>For years, it was Milan-San Remo which he and UAE Team Emirates-XRG hadn&#8217;t quite figured out, but after he finally won it last month \u2013 in a thrilling fashion the team never would have drawn up \u2013 it&#8217;s just the pav\u00e9 of northern France which stands in his way of joining those three icons of yesteryear above.<\/p>\n<p>And he could go that one step further, as stated. A win next Sunday would maintain his perfect record and bring him the third of the five 2026 Monuments, with only Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge and Il Lombardia left to complete an unheard of Grand Slam this year, two races which are so difficult in terms of climbing that anything but a dominant fourth and sixth victory at each race, respectively, would be a huge surprise.<\/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\/Zg3H59SrqAJ8yUL58dyFQG-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zg3H59SrqAJ8yUL58dyFQG-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\">Lotte Kopecky, Demi Vollering and Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot face off in what could be an epic showdown  \u2013 Analysing the Tour of Flanders Women contenders<\/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\/Rk3esFqRGQfMaCDXoZMm9W-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rk3esFqRGQfMaCDXoZMm9W-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\">More than a Tour of Flanders warm-up \u2013 Analysing the contenders at Dwars door Vlaanderen<\/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\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Why Poga\u010dar and Van Aert&#8217;s teams aren&#8217;t sensing weakness for the Tour of Flanders despite Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s near-miss at E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Of course, his power over the cobbled climbs of the Flemish Ardennes translates to the jagged pav\u00e9 across the border, but he does lose his biggest advantage: the uphill gradients. So it may have to be an all-out battle of attrition and endurance that he and UAE create if he is to deny Mathieu van der Poel a fourth Cobblestone trophy in a row and make more history. (JM)<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"remco-evenepoel-won-t-be-there-this-year-but-he-wants-to-race-in-the-future-3\">Remco Evenepoel won&#8217;t be there this year, but he wants to race in the future<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1f2d3c49-2b7c-4cc1-8f3e-531242f74b9b\">\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\/g7HCzxfMNPvD4nGfmSGhXY-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g7HCzxfMNPvD4nGfmSGhXY-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g7HCzxfMNPvD4nGfmSGhXY-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g7HCzxfMNPvD4nGfmSGhXY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g7HCzxfMNPvD4nGfmSGhXY-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g7HCzxfMNPvD4nGfmSGhXY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Evenepoel impressed on Flanders debut, but a surprise Paris-Roubaix debut is not coming in 2026 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-d43c361c-0757-40dd-a493-6bc25cc6fa2d\">No sooner was Remco Evenepoel&#8217;s cobbled Classic debut over than he was already thinking about the next, and not just in the form of a return to Flanders. The Belgian has spoken about wanting to ride Paris-Roubaix a few times already, but seemed even more sure on Sunday that he would do it one day. In some interviews, he was simply leaving the door open, but in the mixed zone to the written press, he was more direct: &#8220;We still have a lot of time to discuss that, but for sure one day I will be there.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Though he might look like a small climber, we all know Evenepoel is one of the most powerful riders in the world on the flat, and there&#8217;s no reason why his TT strength couldn&#8217;t also reward him in Roubaix.<\/p>\n<p>In theory, he&#8217;s lacking the skills and experience involved for the Roubaix pav\u00e9, and usually the hectic race would be considered a massive risk for GC riders, but Tadej Poga\u010dar basically threw all of those notions in the bin with his debut last year, so why shouldn&#8217;t Evenepoel follow? (MP)<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"lotte-kopecky-will-be-more-motivated-than-ever-3\">Lotte Kopecky will be more motivated than ever<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bd5e8228-7a90-40fa-a604-e6872e27dac8\">\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\/6JNvX8KcAy8Z8H8v98VYQc-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6JNvX8KcAy8Z8H8v98VYQc-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6JNvX8KcAy8Z8H8v98VYQc-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6JNvX8KcAy8Z8H8v98VYQc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6JNvX8KcAy8Z8H8v98VYQc-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6JNvX8KcAy8Z8H8v98VYQc-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Kopecky sprinted to fourth at the line at Flanders, unable to match Vollering and the top climbers <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-ea75844b-05dd-40f3-8327-2cdcc2f75b9d\">By her own admission, Lotte Kopecky didn&#8217;t have a bad day in Flanders, but it still wasn&#8217;t enough to defend her title; indeed, she missed the podium altogether. Faced with the climbing strength of Demi Vollering, the Belgian wasn&#8217;t particularly disappointed in her day, but it will have added more fuel to the fire for Roubaix. She&#8217;s said already that winning Milan-San Remo relieved a lot of pressure for the Spring, but that&#8217;s not to say she won&#8217;t want to win the Hell of the North.<\/p>\n<p>Despite being fourth on the day, there&#8217;s nothing to suggest Kopecky is missing any of the power you need on the flat to win Roubaix, and her results so far this year show she&#8217;s very much back to her Classics-winning best. Lorena Wiebes, who also seems to be flying, will be a valuable help next Sunday \u2013 she crashed out of contention in Flanders \u2013 and with riders like Blanka Vas, Femke Gerritse and Marta Lach around her too, Kopecky will have one of the strongest teams next week. Plus, she&#8217;ll be very mentally motivated to try and add a second Roubaix to her palmar\u00e8s after missing out on a fourth Flanders. (MP)<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"individual-strength-is-important-but-it-s-still-a-numbers-game-3\">Individual strength is important, but it&#8217;s still a numbers game<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-f7060cdf-6e63-49fe-aa63-98fccbbf4075\">\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\/C9VNWv49exWUNn9HUQH3q6-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C9VNWv49exWUNn9HUQH3q6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C9VNWv49exWUNn9HUQH3q6-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C9VNWv49exWUNn9HUQH3q6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C9VNWv49exWUNn9HUQH3q6-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C9VNWv49exWUNn9HUQH3q6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Franzi Koch proved invaluable for Vollering at Flanders <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-2f01f5bd-4ea1-4d2a-8c6d-8c0e06708adf\">Men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s cycling are almost on converging trajectories when it comes to tactics and dynamics. In women&#8217;s races, it used to feel like it was often rider against rider, with the very top names going head-to-head based on strength, with the help of domestiques, more minor. In men&#8217;s, the teams always felt more important, but now the biggest races are very <em>mano a mano<\/em> between the favourites.<\/p>\n<p>Both of Sunday&#8217;s races were a reminder that team strength is perhaps the biggest asset any rider can have is committed teammates. FDJ smashed the race with a horribly fast pace in the women&#8217;s race, which obviously made Vollering&#8217;s attack more successful, whilst even the &#8216;Big 5&#8217; battle in the men&#8217;s was set up by a whole day of work from UAE, particularly Florian Vermeersch on the Molenberg.<\/p>\n<p>In Roubaix, having bodyguards who can keep you up front, keep the pace how you like it, and just help shepherd you through the chaos can be the difference between making the decisive move and crashing out. The finales will be decided by the rest riders, but keep an eye on what teams are bossing it earlier on \u2013 their leader will probably do pretty well. (MP)<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"paris-roubaix-parcours-returns-the-balance-in-mathieu-van-der-poel-s-favour-3\">Paris-Roubaix parcours returns the balance in Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s favour<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a8c6abce-db12-4d11-bd86-0c5569962e35\">\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\/xHMzbpqREpVteiafn82uQC-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xHMzbpqREpVteiafn82uQC-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xHMzbpqREpVteiafn82uQC-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xHMzbpqREpVteiafn82uQC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xHMzbpqREpVteiafn82uQC-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xHMzbpqREpVteiafn82uQC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Van der Poel will be back on favoured territory next Sunday at Roubaix <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-1853bb40-2efd-4a6c-82a3-f5f3dc491540\">Mathieu van der Poel may have been second best to Tadej Poga\u010dar at the Tour of Flanders, but that doesn&#8217;t make Paris-Roubaix a given for the Slovenian, far from it, with the lack of similar climbs, in difficulty and frequency, and the flatter pav\u00e9 playing more into the hands of the three-time winner.<\/p>\n<p>On his debut last year, Poga\u010dar was able to push Van der Poel close to his limit, but a mistake when he overshot a corner ultimately cost him the race. The Dutchman has won the last three editions for several reasons, one of them being luck, yes, but you often make your own in this sport, and his expert bike handling, superior legs and positioning are what have bailed him out of trouble.<\/p>\n<p>Matching Poga\u010dar up the Oude Kwaremont proved a step too far for the Alpecin-Premier Tech rider, but over the five-star Trou\u00e9e d&#8217;Arenberg and Carrefour de l&#8217;Arbre cobbled sectors, it will be advantage Van der Poel once again, and he will be after similar revenge that he got 12 months ago. (JM)<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"it-s-getting-harder-to-imagine-a-surprise-monument-winner-but-if-any-race-can-deliver-it-s-roubaix-3\">It&#8217;s getting harder to imagine a surprise Monument winner, but if any race can deliver, it&#8217;s Roubaix <\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1ab6c58f-8adc-4eef-abb8-81f7b7037ef7\">\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\/TLLDonf4h7MjEwBXFpeV4B-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TLLDonf4h7MjEwBXFpeV4B-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TLLDonf4h7MjEwBXFpeV4B-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TLLDonf4h7MjEwBXFpeV4B-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TLLDonf4h7MjEwBXFpeV4B-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TLLDonf4h7MjEwBXFpeV4B-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Jackson won in shock fashion at the 2023 Paris-Roubaix Femmes <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-94097d6c-7d70-49bd-b5a5-00bb5820fea0\">In the run-up to Flanders, me and James were talking quite a bit about who could be considered the last &#8216;surprise&#8217; Flanders winner (Alberto Bettiol, we reckon), and indeed if it&#8217;s even possible for another outside victory in the near future, given the dominance and control we see in this race. It&#8217;s a sentiment that extends to the Monuments in general, with the men&#8217;s Monuments dominated by the same riders for a few years now, whilst the last women&#8217;s surprise victor was perhaps Alison Jackson in Roubaix 2023.<\/p>\n<p>It is increasingly hard to imagine how a surprise might materialise in these big races this year, with the same strong riders and teams asserting themselves in both the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s pelotons, but if there&#8217;s any race that is prime for a wild result, it is Roubaix.<\/p>\n<p>As much as teams try \u2013 and succeed \u2013 Roubaix is inherently much, much harder to control than any of the other Monuments, and the elements of luck and chaos lend themselves more to unpredictable situations. With the way the spring has been raced so far, it does seem unlikely that anyone other than a favourite will win either race on Sunday, but let&#8217;s at least dream. (MP)<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mads-pedersen-and-wout-van-aert-can-t-be-counted-out-for-next-sunday-3\">Mads Pedersen and Wout van Aert can&#8217;t be counted out for next Sunday <\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-b8548853-c1ca-48b3-afc1-fbb00bc6c614\">\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\/Sg7iwRtRiTBn9yx4K9rPrV-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sg7iwRtRiTBn9yx4K9rPrV-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sg7iwRtRiTBn9yx4K9rPrV-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sg7iwRtRiTBn9yx4K9rPrV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sg7iwRtRiTBn9yx4K9rPrV-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sg7iwRtRiTBn9yx4K9rPrV-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Pedersen and Van Aert briefly joined forces in the chase during Flanders <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-86ef2c20-99d3-47dc-9cb6-1f4749266a08\">While a &#8216;big five&#8217; formed momentarily on the road from Antwerp to Oudenaarde on Sunday, with Poga\u010dar&#8217;s initial acceleration on the second Kwaremont drawing Wout van Aert, Mads Pedersen, Mathieu van der Poel and Remco Evenepoel into his wheel, predictions from the other superstars that it might in reality become a &#8216;big one&#8217; came true.<\/p>\n<p>The Slovenian was too strong on the climbs again and made even the top names in the sport struggle behind to finish way back, 2:04 in Van Aert&#8217;s case and 2:48 in Pedersen&#8217;s, with only Van der Poel finishing within a minute of the imperious World Champion.<\/p>\n<p>But as is the case for Van der Poel regaining status as the favourite, the flatter pav\u00e9 of Paris-Roubaix also returns Van Aert, but especially Pedersen, to his favoured terrain. An ill-timed puncture dropped the Dane out of the front group in last season&#8217;s race, so it&#8217;s unknown how he would have fared, but a second podium in succession suggests he wouldn&#8217;t have been far off the two world-beaters at all.<\/p>\n<p>For Van Aert, the 2026 Classics season has also seen him look more like himself again, and with third at Milan-San Remo and a valiant fourth-place ride at the Tour of Flanders to his name already, perhaps he can be paid off with the legs and luck he&#8217;s long missed at the races he wants to win most. (JM)<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0eefdf7a-0e61-4381-b526-e4143172149c\"><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled 2026 Spring Classics coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/everything-the-tour-of-flanders-can-tell-us-about-paris-roubaix-the-monument-quintuple-no-remco-evenepoel-and-lotte-kopeckys-chances\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-2560-80.png&#8221;] Pro Cycling Racing Road Everything the Tour of Flanders can tell us about Paris-Roubaix \u2013 The Monument quintuple, no Remco Evenepoel, and Lotte Kopecky&#8217;s chances Features By Matilda Price, James Moultrie published 6 April 2026 Cyclingnews&#8217; key takeaways from Sunday&#8217;s race, amid the build-up to a Sunday in Hell When you purchase [&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-1869412","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\/1869412","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=1869412"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1869412\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1869412"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1869412"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1869412"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}