{"id":1872209,"date":"2026-04-08T13:59:15","date_gmt":"2026-04-08T10:59:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1872209"},"modified":"2026-04-08T13:59:15","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T10:59:15","slug":"mathieu-van-der-poel-tadej-pogacar-and-beyond-analysing-the-contenders-for-the-mens-paris-roubaix","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1872209","title":{"rendered":"Mathieu van der Poel, Tadej Poga\u010dar, and beyond \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the men&#8217;s Paris-Roubaix"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2cahqKRa5PJFaCbizL2oMM-2222-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nParis-Roubaix\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Mathieu van der Poel, Tadej Poga\u010dar, and beyond \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the men&#8217;s Paris-Roubaix<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nPatrick Fletcher <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:59:15Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n8 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Our look at 10 of the main contenders for this year&#8217;s Hell of the North<\/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\/2cahqKRa5PJFaCbizL2oMM-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2cahqKRa5PJFaCbizL2oMM-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2cahqKRa5PJFaCbizL2oMM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2cahqKRa5PJFaCbizL2oMM-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2cahqKRa5PJFaCbizL2oMM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2cahqKRa5PJFaCbizL2oMM-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2cahqKRa5PJFaCbizL2oMM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Mathieu van der Poel and Tadej Poga\u010dar are the big favourites for Paris-Roubaix this Sunday<\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo\" class=\"contents\" data-only-inline=\"0\">\n<div class=\"visible flex flex-row flex-nowrap sticky max-lg:-ml-5 top-[60px] sm:top-0 z-[9994] w-screen lg:w-full h-[50px] bg-white p-0 mb-5 border-neutral-200 border border-solid xl:hidden\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Variants:Inline\" data-analytics-id=\"sticky-nav\" id=\"sticky-nav--inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"sticky-nav\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-row w-full h-full overflow-x-scroll overflow-y-hidden tracking-normal overscroll-x-contain\" id=\"sticky-nav__scroll-container\"><span class=\"pl-4 my-auto text-base font-semibold font-article-heading lg:pl-3 lg:text-sm whitespace-nowrap uppercase\">Jump to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-row w-auto border-y-0\">\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\nborder-b-[3px] border-b-[var(--jumpto-underline-color)] border-solid font-semibold \" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Mathieu van der Poel<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Tadej Poga\u010dar<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Filippo Ganna<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Wout van Aert<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Mads Pedersen<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Jasper Philipsen<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Florian Vermeersch<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Gianni Vermeersch<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Jasper Stuyven<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Alec Segaert<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div 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Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div role=\"dialog\" class=\"hidden fixed inset-0 z-[999999999999999999] bg-[#33333370] flex items-center justify-center p-6 newsletter-modal\" data-batch-endpoint=\"https:\/\/newsletter-subscribe.futureplc.com\/v2\/submission\/submit_batch\" data-batch-source=\"302\" data-component-name=\"Newsletter:Modal\">\n<div class=\"bg-neutral-100 rounded-xl shadow-xl w-full lg:w-2\/3 xl:w-1\/2 p-6 relative max-h-[95vh] overflow-y-auto\">\n<div id=\"newsletter-capture-modal\">\n<div class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0 bg-inherit font-ui-heading\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base font-article-copy\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<div data-component-name=\"Newsletter:NewsletterForm\">\n<hr class=\"modal_hr mt-3 mb-4 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div 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rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-1c8b09b3-6809-44d2-8dab-216725d795b7\">As we build up to Paris-Roubaix on Sunday, the conversation revolves around the battle between Tadej Poga\u010dar and Mathieu van der Poel. The pair, after all, have shared the past 10 Monument titles between them, and just fought out the Tour of Flanders in a duel.<\/p>\n<p>Whereas Poga\u010dar has remarkably turned Flanders into something of formality in recent years, Roubaix remains the domain of Van der Poel, winner of the past three editions in a row and bidding to become the joint record holder with four.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1c8b09b3-6809-44d2-8dab-216725d795b7-2\">The pair&#8217;s status as the leading lights of the 2025 edition is only underlined by their battle last year, when they rode away from all the rest. Poga\u010dar came unstuck that day, but his second place on debut, in an event most Grand Tour winners wouldn&#8217;t even consider racing, was just the latest extraordinary step in his ongoing quest to conquer anything and everything this sport has to offer.<\/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\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-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 Poga\u010dar followers, the fast finishers and the outsiders \u2013 Analysing the Milan-San Remo contenders<\/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\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Tadej Poga\u010dar has changed E3 Saxo Classic&#8217;s status but it remains the best Flanders form guide \u2013 A closer look at the contenders for Friday&#8217;s race<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">So the narrative is set, but Paris-Roubaix is far more than a two-horse race, with a deep field of credible winners and a wide array of possibilities waiting to play out on the cobblestones of northern France.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-mathieu-van-der-poel-alpecin-premier-tech\"><span>Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-af105943-5ee8-44d7-bd37-cc06fe00a068\">\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\/wvSNv4C2JFbj5vL5DmTyP3-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wvSNv4C2JFbj5vL5DmTyP3-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wvSNv4C2JFbj5vL5DmTyP3-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wvSNv4C2JFbj5vL5DmTyP3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wvSNv4C2JFbj5vL5DmTyP3-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wvSNv4C2JFbj5vL5DmTyP3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Mathieu van der Poel missed out at the Tour of Flanders but he&#8217;s the top favourite here <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-a996b007-83c1-4b91-a643-5ab8b60aa1c9\">With three victories in a row, Mathieu van der Poel has Paris-Roubaix in the palm of his hand, and he\u2019s the favourite to secure a fourth title that would take him level with Tom Boonen and Roger De Vlaeminck as the most successful rider in the great history of the Hell of the North.<\/p>\n<p>Van der Poel is a thoroughbred Classics rider who has all the ingredients to further enshrine his status as a legendary figure of the race. He has the engine for the attritional grind, he has the accelerations and the ability to stack them up, he has all the bike handling skills as an eight-time cyclocross world champion, he has a foil in the form of Jasper Philipsen, and he has a fearsome sprint finish.<\/p>\n<p>Not that he\u2019s needed the latter \u2013 in each of the past three editions, he has soloed his way into the Roubaix velodrome. However, the emergence of Tadej Poga\u010dar as not just a Flanders threat but a Roubaix threat might bring that last weapon into play. The pair rode away from the rest 12 months ago and it was only a handling error through a cobbled corner that saw Poga\u010dar lose contact.<\/p>\n<p>This is a crucial weapon for Van der Poel, who, if a similar situation arises, will surely look to push the limits on the more technical areas of the course. If Poga\u010dar can stay with Van der Poel \u2013 and given Poga\u010dar\u2019s jaw-dropping performances of late, it may be more a case of the other way around \u2013 then Van der Poel wins a sprint nine times out of ten.<\/p>\n<p>You sense that Poga\u010dar may have more of a say this time around, and there are plenty of other potential winners in waiting, but Van der Poel remains the leading favourite for this Paris-Roubaix.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-tadej-pogacar-uae-team-emirates-xrg\"><span>Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-c702a652-0dca-4920-9946-c69178af9445\">\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\/TvvbYAH4WqNMdsFxMFFNxX-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TvvbYAH4WqNMdsFxMFFNxX-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TvvbYAH4WqNMdsFxMFFNxX-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TvvbYAH4WqNMdsFxMFFNxX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TvvbYAH4WqNMdsFxMFFNxX-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TvvbYAH4WqNMdsFxMFFNxX-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\">Tadej Poga\u010dar recently won the Tour of Flanders <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-80a92123-5ae0-4181-8f26-4cc91463b792\">Another year older, another year wiser, Tadej Poga\u010dar arrives in Compi\u00e8gne on the cusp of history, seeking a title that would complete the set of cycling\u2019s five Monuments. Poga\u010dar could join a three-man club that features Eddy Merckx, Roger De Vlaeminck, and Rick Van Looy \u2013 all active in the 1960s or 70s \u2013 and he could extend his Monuments total to 13, six shy of Merckx\u2019s record.<\/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\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-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\">Everything the Tour of Flanders can tell us about Paris-Roubaix \u2013 The Monument quintuple, no Remco Evenepoel, and Lotte Kopecky&#8217;s chances<\/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\/gP29mn4RkYirG5ckB2QqdQ-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gP29mn4RkYirG5ckB2QqdQ-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\">Super talents and former winners, but can anyone really challenge Tadej Poga\u010dar? \u2013 Analysing the men&#8217;s favourites for Strade Bianche 2026<\/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\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Sprinters vs attackers on the Kemmelberg \u2013\u00a0Analysing the contenders for In Flanders Fields<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>It\u2019s mind-boggling stuff from a rider who continues to astound. Earlier this spring he ticked Milan-San Remo off his list and so Paris-Roubaix remains a sort of holy grail. Like San Remo, it\u2019s a forbidden fruit, a race a four-time Tour de France champion has no real right to win. This is meant to be an event for the Classics heavyweights over the Grand Tour climbers, but Poga\u010dar is a rider apart.<\/p>\n<p>There are no real doubts anymore about his belonging on the flat cobblestones of northern France after his extraordinary debut 12 months ago. He rode clear with the eventual winner Van der Poel and only came unstuck when he misjudged a corner.<\/p>\n<p>Similar errors may await in a race lined with pitfalls, but there is a theme in Poga\u010dar\u2019s Monument quest of mistakes being made and then ironed out. We saw it at Flanders, which he has now won three times, we saw it in San Remo, which he finally conquered this year, and the narrative would suggest that, despite all preconceptions, we\u2019ll see it at Roubaix before his historic career is done.<\/p>\n<p>With no climbs on the route, there\u2019s no obvious area for him to drop his rivals, as he\u2019s made a habit of doing on the Oude Kwaremont in Flanders. Getting to the velodrome without company is going to be Poga\u010dar\u2019s biggest headache, given his lack of finishing speed compared to most of the other contenders on this list, but it\u2019s sure going to be fun watching him try.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-filippo-ganna-ineos-grenadiers\"><span>Filippo Ganna (Ineos Grenadiers)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-d8f0305a-9508-4a89-a98c-31a84ba7107b\">\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\/vY2qmoRLDtP8JfBh84zncC-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vY2qmoRLDtP8JfBh84zncC-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vY2qmoRLDtP8JfBh84zncC-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vY2qmoRLDtP8JfBh84zncC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vY2qmoRLDtP8JfBh84zncC-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vY2qmoRLDtP8JfBh84zncC-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\">Filippo Ganna celebrates a big win at the Dwars door Vlaanderen <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-3f243f19-e25a-4510-bb42-9140a7bf5802\">Filippo Ganna fell flat at Milan-San Remo last month after his three-up break with Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar over the Cipressa in the previous edition, but the Italian is far from out of form for the Classic that suits him best.<\/p>\n<p>Ganna was extraordinary at Dwars door Vlaanderen last week, coming back from two bikes changes in the finale to chase down Wout Van Aert and snatch victory from him just 150 metres from the line. He resisted the temptation to ride Flanders, which Poga\u010dar is turning into a climber&#8217;s race, instead focusing on the flatlands of Roubaix, to which his heavier frame and time trialling engine are perfectly suited.<\/p>\n<p>Ganna has yet to make the podium in Roubaix. His breakthrough result came in 2023 when he made the leading selection in the finale, from which Van der Poel went on to win, and ended up sixth. He skipped the race in 2024 but his return last year was hampered by bad luck as a mechanical forced him onto the back foot far from the finish, though he still managed 13th place.<\/p>\n<p>If Ganna is on song on Sunday, his raw power is more than a match for anyone on this list.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-wout-van-aert-visma-lease-a-bike\"><span>Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-e803ef81-b5cc-45a5-a8d1-d26820d49622\">\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\/2hGE6e6UbdznptUePFWdT5-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2hGE6e6UbdznptUePFWdT5-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2hGE6e6UbdznptUePFWdT5-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2hGE6e6UbdznptUePFWdT5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2hGE6e6UbdznptUePFWdT5-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2hGE6e6UbdznptUePFWdT5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Wout van Aert racing up the Koppenberg last Sunday <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-0ac4367d-7318-4648-abfc-96ce318400d5\">Wout Van Aert remains without a cobbled Monument and time is running out to achieve an accolade that you feel belongs on his palmar\u00e8s. It&#8217;s hard to know how to grade the Belgian&#8217;s chances on Sunday. On the one hand, he finally has some momentum. After a tough few years, and a disrupted winter, he has steadily worked his way back into the conversation of the top Classics riders.<\/p>\n<p>Third at Milan-San Remo, second at Dwars door Vlaanderen, and fourth at the Tour of Flanders prove that he is right up there. But he is not quite back where he used to be. Or rather, the competition has moved on, and Flanders showed that he is still operating at a level below Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar.<\/p>\n<p>Van Aert&#8217;s aptitude for Paris-Roubaix is unquestionable. He has been fourth, third, and second in his past three appearances. The 2nd place in 2022 saw him lead the bunch home behind long-range solo winner Dylan van Baarle, while the third place from 2023 hurt the most, as he punctured on the Carrefour de l&#8217;Arbre while away with Van der Poel in the finale. That sort of ill fate has come to define Van Aert in recent years. Can he change the narrative on Sunday?<\/p>\n<p>He will need a perfect day, but there&#8217;s no doubt he can make it deep into the finale, and there&#8217;s no doubt he could sprint it out \u2013 he has beaten Van der Poel in a sprint on several occasions. The strength of his team could be key. The in-form Christophe Laporte and the up-and-coming Matthew Brennan \u2013 who shone on debut at Roubaix last year before the lights suddnely went out \u2013 could provide a tactical headache for the others.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-mads-pedersen-lidl-trek\"><span>Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-6e6410dd-11b8-4188-ba54-b8e17cebd26a\">\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\/pbQi4NRtpQRPW4CWnLH3pi-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pbQi4NRtpQRPW4CWnLH3pi-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pbQi4NRtpQRPW4CWnLH3pi-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pbQi4NRtpQRPW4CWnLH3pi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pbQi4NRtpQRPW4CWnLH3pi-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pbQi4NRtpQRPW4CWnLH3pi-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\">Mads Pedersen battled to fifth place at the Tour of Flanders <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-fedcec1c-f992-415f-b898-f694f27a3c75\">Mads Pedersen has been playing catch-up all Spring after his wrist fracture earlier in the season. It&#8217;s a miracle he&#8217;s even here at all, let alone competing for podiums over the past few weeks. But this was the season Pedersen was expected to truly challenge for Monument victories, and fate has seemingly left him cruelly short of that level of form.<\/p>\n<p>At Milan-San Remo he took a remarkable 4th place, followed by top 10s at E3 and In Flanders Fields, ahead of 5th at the Tour of Flanders. With the top 5 all riding alone in the finale, Flanders was an honest race, and Pedersen is definitely behind the likes of Poga\u010dar, Van der Poel, and Van Aert.<\/p>\n<p>However, Roubaix is a very different race, and one that is even better suited to Pedersen, particularly a Pedersen on the comeback trail. The lack of explosiveness compared to the sharp climbs of Flanders should play into his favour, and he&#8217;s one of the very fastest finishers among the main contenders.<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s a tall order, but Pedersen has very much given himself a chance \u2013 and that itself is extraordinary.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-jasper-philipsen-alpecin-premier-tech\"><span>Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Premier Tech)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-7d984f08-ad24-4d5b-a493-985c50172032\">\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\/HUvwBHFP7Bu8CEYnMZbmqc-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HUvwBHFP7Bu8CEYnMZbmqc-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HUvwBHFP7Bu8CEYnMZbmqc-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HUvwBHFP7Bu8CEYnMZbmqc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HUvwBHFP7Bu8CEYnMZbmqc-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HUvwBHFP7Bu8CEYnMZbmqc-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\">Jasper Philipsen celebrating victory at In Flanders Fields <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-92ada7ed-a176-48be-b450-9bfa8093b88f\">Jasper Philipsen has twice finished runner-up at Paris-Roubaix behind his teammate Van der Poel, in 2023 and 2024, so is a clear candidate for victory and a clear weapon in Alpecin-Premier Tech&#8217;s arsenal.<\/p>\n<p>The Belgian has been the top sprinter at the Tour de France in recent years but his exploits at Roubaix, along with his Milan-San Remo win in 2024, have underlined the breadth of his talents. He had a slow start to the season but has burst to life at the Classics, winning Nokere Koerse and In Flanders Fields, as well as placing eighth at Dwars door Vlaanderen.<\/p>\n<p>In Flanders Fields once again underlined the double-edged strategy that Alpecin can employ, with Van der Poel glass-cranking in his two-up escapade with Van Aert before Philipsen claimed the win from the bunch. Philipsen has mopped up behind Van der Poel in two editions of Roubaix, but it&#8217;s not unthinkable that he could be the one that sneaks away in a more tactical finale.<\/p>\n<p>His form can be something of a mixed bag but if he can hit the heights he&#8217;s shown her before then he&#8217;s right in the equation.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-florian-vermeersch-uae-team-emirates-xrg\"><span>Florian Vermeersch (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-778f5714-9d24-458b-8aea-0bf7a49b4685\">\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\/DZMHHmSmDsfRcBghNUc4WV-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DZMHHmSmDsfRcBghNUc4WV-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DZMHHmSmDsfRcBghNUc4WV-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DZMHHmSmDsfRcBghNUc4WV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DZMHHmSmDsfRcBghNUc4WV-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DZMHHmSmDsfRcBghNUc4WV-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\">Florian Vermeersch will be a key lieutenant for Tadej Poga\u010dar <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-7c8bf39e-1eb2-4af3-8c15-c8ffd90c37ee\">While we&#8217;re on the subject of Plan-B riders for the big favourites, Belgian racer Florian Vermeersch is a highly-credible deputy for Poga\u010dar.<\/p>\n<p>The Belgian was third at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, 3rd at E3 Saxo Classic, and when he switched to a support role for Poga\u010dar at the Tour of Flanders he still managed seventh. He has been active and influential throughout the Spring.<\/p>\n<p>What&#8217;s more, Paris-Roubaix was where he first burst onto the scene as a 22-year-old mixing it with Van der Poel in a memorably mud-caked edition. He even beat Van der Poel that day but was denied the victory by a flying Sonny Colbrelli in that three-up finish. He was in the sprint for the podium last year, placing fifth behind Pedersen and Van Aert.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-gianni-vermeersch-red-bull-bora-hansgrohe\"><span>Gianni Vermeersch (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-edcc6817-b06d-4a1d-9eed-43dac356f0ba\">\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\/ZoxETXFZ2kVJzku6bUXsXB-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZoxETXFZ2kVJzku6bUXsXB-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZoxETXFZ2kVJzku6bUXsXB-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZoxETXFZ2kVJzku6bUXsXB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZoxETXFZ2kVJzku6bUXsXB-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZoxETXFZ2kVJzku6bUXsXB-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\">Gianni Vermeersch heading up the Kemmelberg at In Flanders Fields <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-8723a832-821e-4ebd-b22c-2bda729e6b47\">And while we&#8217;re on the subject of Vermeersch&#8217;s, spare a thought for Gianni Vermeersch over at Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe. The Belgian, unrelated, has a cyclocross background and a gravel world title to his name, and he&#8217;s never more at home than when the course leaves the tarmac.<\/p>\n<p>He only switched to Red Bull this season. Before that, he was one of Van der Poel&#8217;s key henchmen and played an important role at Roubaix in recent years, even placing sixth in the 2024 edition won by the Dutchman.<\/p>\n<p>This season he has spearheaded Red Bull\u2019s Classics squad with top 10s at Strade Bianche, E3 Saxo Classic, and the Tour of Flanders. The latter race saw Remco Evenepoel enter the fray and finish on the podium, but the Olympic champion has not been tempted by Roubaix, so it&#8217;s over to Vermeersch to shoot for a podium in his favourite race.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-jasper-stuyven-soudal-quickstep\"><span>Jasper Stuyven (Soudal-QuickStep)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-966b38f7-dd37-4759-b8f2-afcc39f4c6a8\">\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\/JZAUSeLGcdLb5ftj4hsXrm-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JZAUSeLGcdLb5ftj4hsXrm-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JZAUSeLGcdLb5ftj4hsXrm-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JZAUSeLGcdLb5ftj4hsXrm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JZAUSeLGcdLb5ftj4hsXrm-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JZAUSeLGcdLb5ftj4hsXrm-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\">Jasper Stuyven in action at In Flanders Fields <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-ae445559-ac0a-4e83-a358-946448a5cfae\">Soudal-QuickStep have not yet been able to re-establish themselves as the Classics force of old, but Jasper Stuyven has had a quietly strong Spring, and could have a say on Sunday.<\/p>\n<p>QuickStep have a former Roubaix winner among their number in Dylan van Baarle but the Dutchman has been off the pace this Spring, meaning Stuyven is their best hope.<\/p>\n<p>The Belgian has been top 10 in Milan-San Remo, In Flanders Fields, and the Tour of Flanders on Sunday. Sixth place in the latter was a great sign ahead of Roubaix, though it&#8217;s a stretch to see him winning on Sunday. Fourth place from 2017 remains his best finish in the velodrome.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-alec-segaert-bahrain-victorious\"><span>Alec Segaert (Bahrain Victorious)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-11867cf9-d52e-404a-8c07-0655f37f5b51\">\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\/fR5jBKzFHJQ8VBGTHvVCbd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fR5jBKzFHJQ8VBGTHvVCbd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fR5jBKzFHJQ8VBGTHvVCbd-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fR5jBKzFHJQ8VBGTHvVCbd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fR5jBKzFHJQ8VBGTHvVCbd-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fR5jBKzFHJQ8VBGTHvVCbd-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\">Alec Segaert on the attack at the GP de Denain <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-df2dbb6b-4413-4718-81aa-78b04f9c4e7e\">We&#8217;re more into wildcard territory now, but Alec Segaert has been one of the stand-out surprise packages of the Spring. He almost won Nokere Koerse with a late attack, he then made that happen at the GP Denain, and he has continued to throw the cat among the pigeons with rolls of the dice, notably in the finale of In Flanders Fields.<\/p>\n<p>15th place at the Tour of Flanders was a solid result for a rider who is much better suited to the flat terrain of Paris-Roubaix. He\u2019s a strong time triallist with an aero position and a penchant for solo attacks \u2013 don\u2019t be surprised to see him in the thick of it.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-036e0f6e-d70a-4791-b961-45358fec7073\"><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled 2026 Spring Classics coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-VPGKyw6jRqVXCNaP3ZwZ3i\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-VPGKyw6jRqVXCNaP3ZwZ3i slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Patrick Fletcher<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Deputy Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Patrick is an NCTJ-accredited journalist with a bachelor\u2019s degree in modern languages (French and Spanish) and a decade\u2019s experience in digital sports media, largely within the world of cycling. He re-joined Cyclingnews as Deputy Editor in February 2026, having previously spent eight years on staff between 2015 and 2023. In between, he was Deputy Editor at GCN and spent 18 months working across the sports portfolio at Future before returning to the cycling press pack. Patrick works across Cyclingnews\u2019 wide-ranging output, assisting the Editor in global content strategy, with a particular focus on shaping CN&#8217;s news operation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Van der Poel, Van Aert lead challenge against Poga\u010dar, but can debutant Evenepoel spoil the party in rare matchup? \u2013 Analysing the favourites for the men&#8217;s Tour of Flanders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-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 Poga\u010dar followers, the fast finishers and the outsiders \u2013 Analysing the Milan-San Remo 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\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar has changed E3 Saxo Classic&#8217;s status but it remains the best Flanders form guide \u2013 A closer look at the contenders for Friday&#8217;s race<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-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\">Everything the Tour of Flanders can tell us about Paris-Roubaix \u2013 The Monument quintuple, no Remco Evenepoel, and Lotte Kopecky&#8217;s chances<\/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\/gP29mn4RkYirG5ckB2QqdQ-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gP29mn4RkYirG5ckB2QqdQ-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gP29mn4RkYirG5ckB2QqdQ-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gP29mn4RkYirG5ckB2QqdQ-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gP29mn4RkYirG5ckB2QqdQ-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\">Super talents and former winners, but can anyone really challenge Tadej Poga\u010dar? \u2013 Analysing the men&#8217;s favourites for Strade Bianche 2026<\/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\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-320-80.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\">Sprinters vs attackers on the Kemmelberg \u2013\u00a0Analysing the contenders for In Flanders Fields<\/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\/SH4e5exmMerA64xxmwA8KH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SH4e5exmMerA64xxmwA8KH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SH4e5exmMerA64xxmwA8KH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SH4e5exmMerA64xxmwA8KH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SH4e5exmMerA64xxmwA8KH-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\">Isaac del Toro abandons Itzulia Basque Country after crash early on stage 3<\/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\/zJKNo4gbSrDpquNFE63r4T-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zJKNo4gbSrDpquNFE63r4T-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zJKNo4gbSrDpquNFE63r4T-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zJKNo4gbSrDpquNFE63r4T-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zJKNo4gbSrDpquNFE63r4T-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\">Pays de la Loire Tour stage 2: Ethan Vernon snaps up a second straight bunch sprint win<\/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\/xvM6qfJEUQrLKXUwcq8h8T-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xvM6qfJEUQrLKXUwcq8h8T-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xvM6qfJEUQrLKXUwcq8h8T-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xvM6qfJEUQrLKXUwcq8h8T-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xvM6qfJEUQrLKXUwcq8h8T-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\">Scheldeprijs Women: Charlotte Kool sprints to victory in crash-marred final<\/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\/hBKQE53J8SFM43PCYWTysf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBKQE53J8SFM43PCYWTysf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBKQE53J8SFM43PCYWTysf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBKQE53J8SFM43PCYWTysf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBKQE53J8SFM43PCYWTysf-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\">R\u00e9gion Pays de la Loire Tour-F\u00e9minin: Amalie Dideriksen ends three-year drought on wins with 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\/RPsHxUgDgRr7cZ7W3nY9z7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RPsHxUgDgRr7cZ7W3nY9z7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RPsHxUgDgRr7cZ7W3nY9z7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RPsHxUgDgRr7cZ7W3nY9z7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RPsHxUgDgRr7cZ7W3nY9z7-320-80.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 stuns again with victory in the mountains on stage 2 to create huge GC lead<\/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\/P6HpqnDF4FNTC6h87P5Ux7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P6HpqnDF4FNTC6h87P5Ux7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P6HpqnDF4FNTC6h87P5Ux7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P6HpqnDF4FNTC6h87P5Ux7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P6HpqnDF4FNTC6h87P5Ux7-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;One of my worst TT performances that I can remember&#8217; &#8211; favourite Juan Ayuso pulls no punches after Itzulia Basque Country stage 1 time trial major setback<\/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 Previews<\/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\/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\/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\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">A third WorldTour stage race victory in 2026 for Isaac del Toro? Analysing the Itzulia Basque Country 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\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar has changed E3 Saxo Classic&#8217;s status but it remains the best Flanders form guide \u2013 A closer look at the contenders for Friday&#8217;s race<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-320-80.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\">Sprinters vs attackers on the Kemmelberg \u2013\u00a0Analysing the contenders for In Flanders Fields<\/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\/zJKNo4gbSrDpquNFE63r4T-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zJKNo4gbSrDpquNFE63r4T-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zJKNo4gbSrDpquNFE63r4T-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zJKNo4gbSrDpquNFE63r4T-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zJKNo4gbSrDpquNFE63r4T.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zJKNo4gbSrDpquNFE63r4T.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zJKNo4gbSrDpquNFE63r4T.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Pays de la Loire Tour stage 2: Ethan Vernon snaps up a second straight bunch sprint win<\/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\">Isaac del Toro abandons Itzulia Basque Country after crash early on stage 3<\/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\">Mathieu van der Poel, Tadej Poga\u010dar, and beyond \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the men&#8217;s Paris-Roubaix <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Scheldeprijs Women: Charlotte Kool sprints to victory in crash-marred final<\/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\">R\u00e9gion Pays de la Loire Tour-F\u00e9minin: Amalie Dideriksen ends three-year drought on wins with bunch sprint victory<\/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<li>\nParis-Roubaix\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Mathieu van der Poel, Tadej Poga\u010dar, and beyond \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the men&#8217;s Paris-Roubaix<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nPatrick Fletcher <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:59:15Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n8 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Our look at 10 of the main contenders for this year&#8217;s Hell of the North<\/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\/2cahqKRa5PJFaCbizL2oMM-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2cahqKRa5PJFaCbizL2oMM-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2cahqKRa5PJFaCbizL2oMM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2cahqKRa5PJFaCbizL2oMM-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2cahqKRa5PJFaCbizL2oMM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2cahqKRa5PJFaCbizL2oMM-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2cahqKRa5PJFaCbizL2oMM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Mathieu van der Poel and Tadej Poga\u010dar are the big favourites for Paris-Roubaix this Sunday<\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo\" class=\"contents\" data-only-inline=\"0\">\n<div class=\"visible flex flex-row flex-nowrap sticky max-lg:-ml-5 top-[60px] sm:top-0 z-[9994] w-screen lg:w-full h-[50px] bg-white p-0 mb-5 border-neutral-200 border border-solid xl:hidden\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Variants:Inline\" data-analytics-id=\"sticky-nav\" id=\"sticky-nav--inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"sticky-nav\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-row w-full h-full overflow-x-scroll overflow-y-hidden tracking-normal overscroll-x-contain\" id=\"sticky-nav__scroll-container\"><span class=\"pl-4 my-auto text-base font-semibold font-article-heading lg:pl-3 lg:text-sm whitespace-nowrap uppercase\">Jump to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-row w-auto border-y-0\">\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\nborder-b-[3px] border-b-[var(--jumpto-underline-color)] border-solid font-semibold \" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Mathieu van der Poel<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Tadej Poga\u010dar<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Filippo Ganna<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Wout van Aert<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Mads Pedersen<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Jasper Philipsen<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Florian Vermeersch<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Gianni Vermeersch<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Jasper Stuyven<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Alec Segaert<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div 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rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-1c8b09b3-6809-44d2-8dab-216725d795b7\">As we build up to Paris-Roubaix on Sunday, the conversation revolves around the battle between Tadej Poga\u010dar and Mathieu van der Poel. The pair, after all, have shared the past 10 Monument titles between them, and just fought out the Tour of Flanders in a duel.<\/p>\n<p>Whereas Poga\u010dar has remarkably turned Flanders into something of formality in recent years, Roubaix remains the domain of Van der Poel, winner of the past three editions in a row and bidding to become the joint record holder with four.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1c8b09b3-6809-44d2-8dab-216725d795b7-2\">The pair&#8217;s status as the leading lights of the 2025 edition is only underlined by their battle last year, when they rode away from all the rest. Poga\u010dar came unstuck that day, but his second place on debut, in an event most Grand Tour winners wouldn&#8217;t even consider racing, was just the latest extraordinary step in his ongoing quest to conquer anything and everything this sport has to offer.<\/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\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-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 Poga\u010dar followers, the fast finishers and the outsiders \u2013 Analysing the Milan-San Remo contenders<\/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\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Tadej Poga\u010dar has changed E3 Saxo Classic&#8217;s status but it remains the best Flanders form guide \u2013 A closer look at the contenders for Friday&#8217;s race<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">So the narrative is set, but Paris-Roubaix is far more than a two-horse race, with a deep field of credible winners and a wide array of possibilities waiting to play out on the cobblestones of northern France.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-mathieu-van-der-poel-alpecin-premier-tech\"><span>Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-af105943-5ee8-44d7-bd37-cc06fe00a068\">\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\/wvSNv4C2JFbj5vL5DmTyP3-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wvSNv4C2JFbj5vL5DmTyP3-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wvSNv4C2JFbj5vL5DmTyP3-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wvSNv4C2JFbj5vL5DmTyP3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wvSNv4C2JFbj5vL5DmTyP3-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wvSNv4C2JFbj5vL5DmTyP3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Mathieu van der Poel missed out at the Tour of Flanders but he&#8217;s the top favourite here <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-a996b007-83c1-4b91-a643-5ab8b60aa1c9\">With three victories in a row, Mathieu van der Poel has Paris-Roubaix in the palm of his hand, and he\u2019s the favourite to secure a fourth title that would take him level with Tom Boonen and Roger De Vlaeminck as the most successful rider in the great history of the Hell of the North.<\/p>\n<p>Van der Poel is a thoroughbred Classics rider who has all the ingredients to further enshrine his status as a legendary figure of the race. He has the engine for the attritional grind, he has the accelerations and the ability to stack them up, he has all the bike handling skills as an eight-time cyclocross world champion, he has a foil in the form of Jasper Philipsen, and he has a fearsome sprint finish.<\/p>\n<p>Not that he\u2019s needed the latter \u2013 in each of the past three editions, he has soloed his way into the Roubaix velodrome. However, the emergence of Tadej Poga\u010dar as not just a Flanders threat but a Roubaix threat might bring that last weapon into play. The pair rode away from the rest 12 months ago and it was only a handling error through a cobbled corner that saw Poga\u010dar lose contact.<\/p>\n<p>This is a crucial weapon for Van der Poel, who, if a similar situation arises, will surely look to push the limits on the more technical areas of the course. If Poga\u010dar can stay with Van der Poel \u2013 and given Poga\u010dar\u2019s jaw-dropping performances of late, it may be more a case of the other way around \u2013 then Van der Poel wins a sprint nine times out of ten.<\/p>\n<p>You sense that Poga\u010dar may have more of a say this time around, and there are plenty of other potential winners in waiting, but Van der Poel remains the leading favourite for this Paris-Roubaix.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-tadej-pogacar-uae-team-emirates-xrg\"><span>Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-c702a652-0dca-4920-9946-c69178af9445\">\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\/TvvbYAH4WqNMdsFxMFFNxX-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TvvbYAH4WqNMdsFxMFFNxX-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TvvbYAH4WqNMdsFxMFFNxX-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TvvbYAH4WqNMdsFxMFFNxX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TvvbYAH4WqNMdsFxMFFNxX-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TvvbYAH4WqNMdsFxMFFNxX-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\">Tadej Poga\u010dar recently won the Tour of Flanders <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-80a92123-5ae0-4181-8f26-4cc91463b792\">Another year older, another year wiser, Tadej Poga\u010dar arrives in Compi\u00e8gne on the cusp of history, seeking a title that would complete the set of cycling\u2019s five Monuments. Poga\u010dar could join a three-man club that features Eddy Merckx, Roger De Vlaeminck, and Rick Van Looy \u2013 all active in the 1960s or 70s \u2013 and he could extend his Monuments total to 13, six shy of Merckx\u2019s record.<\/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\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-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\">Everything the Tour of Flanders can tell us about Paris-Roubaix \u2013 The Monument quintuple, no Remco Evenepoel, and Lotte Kopecky&#8217;s chances<\/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\/gP29mn4RkYirG5ckB2QqdQ-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gP29mn4RkYirG5ckB2QqdQ-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\">Super talents and former winners, but can anyone really challenge Tadej Poga\u010dar? \u2013 Analysing the men&#8217;s favourites for Strade Bianche 2026<\/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\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Sprinters vs attackers on the Kemmelberg \u2013\u00a0Analysing the contenders for In Flanders Fields<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>It\u2019s mind-boggling stuff from a rider who continues to astound. Earlier this spring he ticked Milan-San Remo off his list and so Paris-Roubaix remains a sort of holy grail. Like San Remo, it\u2019s a forbidden fruit, a race a four-time Tour de France champion has no real right to win. This is meant to be an event for the Classics heavyweights over the Grand Tour climbers, but Poga\u010dar is a rider apart.<\/p>\n<p>There are no real doubts anymore about his belonging on the flat cobblestones of northern France after his extraordinary debut 12 months ago. He rode clear with the eventual winner Van der Poel and only came unstuck when he misjudged a corner.<\/p>\n<p>Similar errors may await in a race lined with pitfalls, but there is a theme in Poga\u010dar\u2019s Monument quest of mistakes being made and then ironed out. We saw it at Flanders, which he has now won three times, we saw it in San Remo, which he finally conquered this year, and the narrative would suggest that, despite all preconceptions, we\u2019ll see it at Roubaix before his historic career is done.<\/p>\n<p>With no climbs on the route, there\u2019s no obvious area for him to drop his rivals, as he\u2019s made a habit of doing on the Oude Kwaremont in Flanders. Getting to the velodrome without company is going to be Poga\u010dar\u2019s biggest headache, given his lack of finishing speed compared to most of the other contenders on this list, but it\u2019s sure going to be fun watching him try.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-filippo-ganna-ineos-grenadiers\"><span>Filippo Ganna (Ineos Grenadiers)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-d8f0305a-9508-4a89-a98c-31a84ba7107b\">\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\/vY2qmoRLDtP8JfBh84zncC-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vY2qmoRLDtP8JfBh84zncC-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vY2qmoRLDtP8JfBh84zncC-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vY2qmoRLDtP8JfBh84zncC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vY2qmoRLDtP8JfBh84zncC-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vY2qmoRLDtP8JfBh84zncC-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\">Filippo Ganna celebrates a big win at the Dwars door Vlaanderen <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-3f243f19-e25a-4510-bb42-9140a7bf5802\">Filippo Ganna fell flat at Milan-San Remo last month after his three-up break with Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar over the Cipressa in the previous edition, but the Italian is far from out of form for the Classic that suits him best.<\/p>\n<p>Ganna was extraordinary at Dwars door Vlaanderen last week, coming back from two bikes changes in the finale to chase down Wout Van Aert and snatch victory from him just 150 metres from the line. He resisted the temptation to ride Flanders, which Poga\u010dar is turning into a climber&#8217;s race, instead focusing on the flatlands of Roubaix, to which his heavier frame and time trialling engine are perfectly suited.<\/p>\n<p>Ganna has yet to make the podium in Roubaix. His breakthrough result came in 2023 when he made the leading selection in the finale, from which Van der Poel went on to win, and ended up sixth. He skipped the race in 2024 but his return last year was hampered by bad luck as a mechanical forced him onto the back foot far from the finish, though he still managed 13th place.<\/p>\n<p>If Ganna is on song on Sunday, his raw power is more than a match for anyone on this list.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-wout-van-aert-visma-lease-a-bike\"><span>Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-e803ef81-b5cc-45a5-a8d1-d26820d49622\">\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\/2hGE6e6UbdznptUePFWdT5-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2hGE6e6UbdznptUePFWdT5-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2hGE6e6UbdznptUePFWdT5-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2hGE6e6UbdznptUePFWdT5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2hGE6e6UbdznptUePFWdT5-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2hGE6e6UbdznptUePFWdT5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Wout van Aert racing up the Koppenberg last Sunday <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-0ac4367d-7318-4648-abfc-96ce318400d5\">Wout Van Aert remains without a cobbled Monument and time is running out to achieve an accolade that you feel belongs on his palmar\u00e8s. It&#8217;s hard to know how to grade the Belgian&#8217;s chances on Sunday. On the one hand, he finally has some momentum. After a tough few years, and a disrupted winter, he has steadily worked his way back into the conversation of the top Classics riders.<\/p>\n<p>Third at Milan-San Remo, second at Dwars door Vlaanderen, and fourth at the Tour of Flanders prove that he is right up there. But he is not quite back where he used to be. Or rather, the competition has moved on, and Flanders showed that he is still operating at a level below Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar.<\/p>\n<p>Van Aert&#8217;s aptitude for Paris-Roubaix is unquestionable. He has been fourth, third, and second in his past three appearances. The 2nd place in 2022 saw him lead the bunch home behind long-range solo winner Dylan van Baarle, while the third place from 2023 hurt the most, as he punctured on the Carrefour de l&#8217;Arbre while away with Van der Poel in the finale. That sort of ill fate has come to define Van Aert in recent years. Can he change the narrative on Sunday?<\/p>\n<p>He will need a perfect day, but there&#8217;s no doubt he can make it deep into the finale, and there&#8217;s no doubt he could sprint it out \u2013 he has beaten Van der Poel in a sprint on several occasions. The strength of his team could be key. The in-form Christophe Laporte and the up-and-coming Matthew Brennan \u2013 who shone on debut at Roubaix last year before the lights suddnely went out \u2013 could provide a tactical headache for the others.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-mads-pedersen-lidl-trek\"><span>Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-6e6410dd-11b8-4188-ba54-b8e17cebd26a\">\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\/pbQi4NRtpQRPW4CWnLH3pi-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pbQi4NRtpQRPW4CWnLH3pi-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pbQi4NRtpQRPW4CWnLH3pi-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pbQi4NRtpQRPW4CWnLH3pi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pbQi4NRtpQRPW4CWnLH3pi-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pbQi4NRtpQRPW4CWnLH3pi-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\">Mads Pedersen battled to fifth place at the Tour of Flanders <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-fedcec1c-f992-415f-b898-f694f27a3c75\">Mads Pedersen has been playing catch-up all Spring after his wrist fracture earlier in the season. It&#8217;s a miracle he&#8217;s even here at all, let alone competing for podiums over the past few weeks. But this was the season Pedersen was expected to truly challenge for Monument victories, and fate has seemingly left him cruelly short of that level of form.<\/p>\n<p>At Milan-San Remo he took a remarkable 4th place, followed by top 10s at E3 and In Flanders Fields, ahead of 5th at the Tour of Flanders. With the top 5 all riding alone in the finale, Flanders was an honest race, and Pedersen is definitely behind the likes of Poga\u010dar, Van der Poel, and Van Aert.<\/p>\n<p>However, Roubaix is a very different race, and one that is even better suited to Pedersen, particularly a Pedersen on the comeback trail. The lack of explosiveness compared to the sharp climbs of Flanders should play into his favour, and he&#8217;s one of the very fastest finishers among the main contenders.<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s a tall order, but Pedersen has very much given himself a chance \u2013 and that itself is extraordinary.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-jasper-philipsen-alpecin-premier-tech\"><span>Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Premier Tech)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-7d984f08-ad24-4d5b-a493-985c50172032\">\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\/HUvwBHFP7Bu8CEYnMZbmqc-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HUvwBHFP7Bu8CEYnMZbmqc-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HUvwBHFP7Bu8CEYnMZbmqc-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HUvwBHFP7Bu8CEYnMZbmqc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HUvwBHFP7Bu8CEYnMZbmqc-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HUvwBHFP7Bu8CEYnMZbmqc-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\">Jasper Philipsen celebrating victory at In Flanders Fields <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-92ada7ed-a176-48be-b450-9bfa8093b88f\">Jasper Philipsen has twice finished runner-up at Paris-Roubaix behind his teammate Van der Poel, in 2023 and 2024, so is a clear candidate for victory and a clear weapon in Alpecin-Premier Tech&#8217;s arsenal.<\/p>\n<p>The Belgian has been the top sprinter at the Tour de France in recent years but his exploits at Roubaix, along with his Milan-San Remo win in 2024, have underlined the breadth of his talents. He had a slow start to the season but has burst to life at the Classics, winning Nokere Koerse and In Flanders Fields, as well as placing eighth at Dwars door Vlaanderen.<\/p>\n<p>In Flanders Fields once again underlined the double-edged strategy that Alpecin can employ, with Van der Poel glass-cranking in his two-up escapade with Van Aert before Philipsen claimed the win from the bunch. Philipsen has mopped up behind Van der Poel in two editions of Roubaix, but it&#8217;s not unthinkable that he could be the one that sneaks away in a more tactical finale.<\/p>\n<p>His form can be something of a mixed bag but if he can hit the heights he&#8217;s shown her before then he&#8217;s right in the equation.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-florian-vermeersch-uae-team-emirates-xrg\"><span>Florian Vermeersch (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-778f5714-9d24-458b-8aea-0bf7a49b4685\">\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\/DZMHHmSmDsfRcBghNUc4WV-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DZMHHmSmDsfRcBghNUc4WV-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DZMHHmSmDsfRcBghNUc4WV-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DZMHHmSmDsfRcBghNUc4WV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DZMHHmSmDsfRcBghNUc4WV-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DZMHHmSmDsfRcBghNUc4WV-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\">Florian Vermeersch will be a key lieutenant for Tadej Poga\u010dar <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-7c8bf39e-1eb2-4af3-8c15-c8ffd90c37ee\">While we&#8217;re on the subject of Plan-B riders for the big favourites, Belgian racer Florian Vermeersch is a highly-credible deputy for Poga\u010dar.<\/p>\n<p>The Belgian was third at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, 3rd at E3 Saxo Classic, and when he switched to a support role for Poga\u010dar at the Tour of Flanders he still managed seventh. He has been active and influential throughout the Spring.<\/p>\n<p>What&#8217;s more, Paris-Roubaix was where he first burst onto the scene as a 22-year-old mixing it with Van der Poel in a memorably mud-caked edition. He even beat Van der Poel that day but was denied the victory by a flying Sonny Colbrelli in that three-up finish. He was in the sprint for the podium last year, placing fifth behind Pedersen and Van Aert.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-gianni-vermeersch-red-bull-bora-hansgrohe\"><span>Gianni Vermeersch (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-edcc6817-b06d-4a1d-9eed-43dac356f0ba\">\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\/ZoxETXFZ2kVJzku6bUXsXB-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZoxETXFZ2kVJzku6bUXsXB-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZoxETXFZ2kVJzku6bUXsXB-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZoxETXFZ2kVJzku6bUXsXB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZoxETXFZ2kVJzku6bUXsXB-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZoxETXFZ2kVJzku6bUXsXB-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\">Gianni Vermeersch heading up the Kemmelberg at In Flanders Fields <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-8723a832-821e-4ebd-b22c-2bda729e6b47\">And while we&#8217;re on the subject of Vermeersch&#8217;s, spare a thought for Gianni Vermeersch over at Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe. The Belgian, unrelated, has a cyclocross background and a gravel world title to his name, and he&#8217;s never more at home than when the course leaves the tarmac.<\/p>\n<p>He only switched to Red Bull this season. Before that, he was one of Van der Poel&#8217;s key henchmen and played an important role at Roubaix in recent years, even placing sixth in the 2024 edition won by the Dutchman.<\/p>\n<p>This season he has spearheaded Red Bull\u2019s Classics squad with top 10s at Strade Bianche, E3 Saxo Classic, and the Tour of Flanders. The latter race saw Remco Evenepoel enter the fray and finish on the podium, but the Olympic champion has not been tempted by Roubaix, so it&#8217;s over to Vermeersch to shoot for a podium in his favourite race.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-jasper-stuyven-soudal-quickstep\"><span>Jasper Stuyven (Soudal-QuickStep)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-966b38f7-dd37-4759-b8f2-afcc39f4c6a8\">\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\/JZAUSeLGcdLb5ftj4hsXrm-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JZAUSeLGcdLb5ftj4hsXrm-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JZAUSeLGcdLb5ftj4hsXrm-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JZAUSeLGcdLb5ftj4hsXrm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JZAUSeLGcdLb5ftj4hsXrm-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JZAUSeLGcdLb5ftj4hsXrm-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\">Jasper Stuyven in action at In Flanders Fields <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-ae445559-ac0a-4e83-a358-946448a5cfae\">Soudal-QuickStep have not yet been able to re-establish themselves as the Classics force of old, but Jasper Stuyven has had a quietly strong Spring, and could have a say on Sunday.<\/p>\n<p>QuickStep have a former Roubaix winner among their number in Dylan van Baarle but the Dutchman has been off the pace this Spring, meaning Stuyven is their best hope.<\/p>\n<p>The Belgian has been top 10 in Milan-San Remo, In Flanders Fields, and the Tour of Flanders on Sunday. Sixth place in the latter was a great sign ahead of Roubaix, though it&#8217;s a stretch to see him winning on Sunday. Fourth place from 2017 remains his best finish in the velodrome.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-alec-segaert-bahrain-victorious\"><span>Alec Segaert (Bahrain Victorious)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-11867cf9-d52e-404a-8c07-0655f37f5b51\">\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\/fR5jBKzFHJQ8VBGTHvVCbd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fR5jBKzFHJQ8VBGTHvVCbd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fR5jBKzFHJQ8VBGTHvVCbd-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fR5jBKzFHJQ8VBGTHvVCbd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fR5jBKzFHJQ8VBGTHvVCbd-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fR5jBKzFHJQ8VBGTHvVCbd-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\">Alec Segaert on the attack at the GP de Denain <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-df2dbb6b-4413-4718-81aa-78b04f9c4e7e\">We&#8217;re more into wildcard territory now, but Alec Segaert has been one of the stand-out surprise packages of the Spring. He almost won Nokere Koerse with a late attack, he then made that happen at the GP Denain, and he has continued to throw the cat among the pigeons with rolls of the dice, notably in the finale of In Flanders Fields.<\/p>\n<p>15th place at the Tour of Flanders was a solid result for a rider who is much better suited to the flat terrain of Paris-Roubaix. He\u2019s a strong time triallist with an aero position and a penchant for solo attacks \u2013 don\u2019t be surprised to see him in the thick of it.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-036e0f6e-d70a-4791-b961-45358fec7073\"><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled 2026 Spring Classics coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-VPGKyw6jRqVXCNaP3ZwZ3i\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-VPGKyw6jRqVXCNaP3ZwZ3i slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Patrick Fletcher<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Deputy Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Patrick is an NCTJ-accredited journalist with a bachelor\u2019s degree in modern languages (French and Spanish) and a decade\u2019s experience in digital sports media, largely within the world of cycling. He re-joined Cyclingnews as Deputy Editor in February 2026, having previously spent eight years on staff between 2015 and 2023. In between, he was Deputy Editor at GCN and spent 18 months working across the sports portfolio at Future before returning to the cycling press pack. Patrick works across Cyclingnews\u2019 wide-ranging output, assisting the Editor in global content strategy, with a particular focus on shaping CN&#8217;s news operation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Van der Poel, Van Aert lead challenge against Poga\u010dar, but can debutant Evenepoel spoil the party in rare matchup? \u2013 Analysing the favourites for the men&#8217;s Tour of Flanders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-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 Poga\u010dar followers, the fast finishers and the outsiders \u2013 Analysing the Milan-San Remo 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\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar has changed E3 Saxo Classic&#8217;s status but it remains the best Flanders form guide \u2013 A closer look at the contenders for Friday&#8217;s race<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-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\">Everything the Tour of Flanders can tell us about Paris-Roubaix \u2013 The Monument quintuple, no Remco Evenepoel, and Lotte Kopecky&#8217;s chances<\/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\/gP29mn4RkYirG5ckB2QqdQ-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gP29mn4RkYirG5ckB2QqdQ-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gP29mn4RkYirG5ckB2QqdQ-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gP29mn4RkYirG5ckB2QqdQ-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gP29mn4RkYirG5ckB2QqdQ-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\">Super talents and former winners, but can anyone really challenge Tadej Poga\u010dar? \u2013 Analysing the men&#8217;s favourites for Strade Bianche 2026<\/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\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-320-80.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\">Sprinters vs attackers on the Kemmelberg \u2013\u00a0Analysing the contenders for In Flanders Fields<\/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\/SH4e5exmMerA64xxmwA8KH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SH4e5exmMerA64xxmwA8KH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SH4e5exmMerA64xxmwA8KH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SH4e5exmMerA64xxmwA8KH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SH4e5exmMerA64xxmwA8KH-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\">Isaac del Toro abandons Itzulia Basque Country after crash early on stage 3<\/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\/zJKNo4gbSrDpquNFE63r4T-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zJKNo4gbSrDpquNFE63r4T-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zJKNo4gbSrDpquNFE63r4T-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zJKNo4gbSrDpquNFE63r4T-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zJKNo4gbSrDpquNFE63r4T-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\">Pays de la Loire Tour stage 2: Ethan Vernon snaps up a second straight bunch sprint win<\/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\/xvM6qfJEUQrLKXUwcq8h8T-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xvM6qfJEUQrLKXUwcq8h8T-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xvM6qfJEUQrLKXUwcq8h8T-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xvM6qfJEUQrLKXUwcq8h8T-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xvM6qfJEUQrLKXUwcq8h8T-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\">Scheldeprijs Women: Charlotte Kool sprints to victory in crash-marred final<\/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\/hBKQE53J8SFM43PCYWTysf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBKQE53J8SFM43PCYWTysf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBKQE53J8SFM43PCYWTysf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBKQE53J8SFM43PCYWTysf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBKQE53J8SFM43PCYWTysf-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\">R\u00e9gion Pays de la Loire Tour-F\u00e9minin: Amalie Dideriksen ends three-year drought on wins with 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\/RPsHxUgDgRr7cZ7W3nY9z7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RPsHxUgDgRr7cZ7W3nY9z7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RPsHxUgDgRr7cZ7W3nY9z7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RPsHxUgDgRr7cZ7W3nY9z7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RPsHxUgDgRr7cZ7W3nY9z7-320-80.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 stuns again with victory in the mountains on stage 2 to create huge GC lead<\/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\/P6HpqnDF4FNTC6h87P5Ux7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P6HpqnDF4FNTC6h87P5Ux7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P6HpqnDF4FNTC6h87P5Ux7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P6HpqnDF4FNTC6h87P5Ux7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P6HpqnDF4FNTC6h87P5Ux7-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;One of my worst TT performances that I can remember&#8217; &#8211; favourite Juan Ayuso pulls no punches after Itzulia Basque Country stage 1 time trial major setback<\/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 Previews<\/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\/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\/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\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">A third WorldTour stage race victory in 2026 for Isaac del Toro? Analysing the Itzulia Basque Country 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\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar has changed E3 Saxo Classic&#8217;s status but it remains the best Flanders form guide \u2013 A closer look at the contenders for Friday&#8217;s race<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-320-80.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\">Sprinters vs attackers on the Kemmelberg \u2013\u00a0Analysing the contenders for In Flanders Fields<\/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\/zJKNo4gbSrDpquNFE63r4T-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zJKNo4gbSrDpquNFE63r4T-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zJKNo4gbSrDpquNFE63r4T-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zJKNo4gbSrDpquNFE63r4T-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zJKNo4gbSrDpquNFE63r4T.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zJKNo4gbSrDpquNFE63r4T.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zJKNo4gbSrDpquNFE63r4T.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Pays de la Loire Tour stage 2: Ethan Vernon snaps up a second straight bunch sprint win<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div 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victory in crash-marred final<\/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\">R\u00e9gion Pays de la Loire Tour-F\u00e9minin: Amalie Dideriksen ends three-year drought on wins with bunch sprint victory<\/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<li>\nParis-Roubaix\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Mathieu van der Poel, Tadej Poga\u010dar, and beyond \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the men&#8217;s Paris-Roubaix<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nPatrick Fletcher <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:59:15Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n8 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Our look at 10 of the main contenders for this year&#8217;s Hell of the North<\/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 class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 sm:ml-1.5 font-base text-xs\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div role=\"dialog\" class=\"hidden fixed inset-0 z-[999999999999999999] bg-[#33333370] flex items-center justify-center p-6 newsletter-modal\" data-batch-endpoint=\"https:\/\/newsletter-subscribe.futureplc.com\/v2\/submission\/submit_batch\" data-batch-source=\"302\" data-component-name=\"Newsletter:Modal\">\n<div class=\"bg-neutral-100 rounded-xl shadow-xl w-full lg:w-2\/3 xl:w-1\/2 p-6 relative max-h-[95vh] overflow-y-auto\">\n<div id=\"newsletter-capture-modal\">\n<div class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0 bg-inherit font-ui-heading\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base font-article-copy\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<div data-component-name=\"Newsletter:NewsletterForm\">\n<hr class=\"modal_hr mt-3 mb-4 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"modal_footer block text-left opacity-80 text-[.8em] leading-[1.3em] mt-2 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline font-article-copy\">\nBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-1c8b09b3-6809-44d2-8dab-216725d795b7\">As we build up to Paris-Roubaix on Sunday, the conversation revolves around the battle between Tadej Poga\u010dar and Mathieu van der Poel. The pair, after all, have shared the past 10 Monument titles between them, and just fought out the Tour of Flanders in a duel.<\/p>\n<p>Whereas Poga\u010dar has remarkably turned Flanders into something of formality in recent years, Roubaix remains the domain of Van der Poel, winner of the past three editions in a row and bidding to become the joint record holder with four.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1c8b09b3-6809-44d2-8dab-216725d795b7-2\">The pair&#8217;s status as the leading lights of the 2025 edition is only underlined by their battle last year, when they rode away from all the rest. Poga\u010dar came unstuck that day, but his second place on debut, in an event most Grand Tour winners wouldn&#8217;t even consider racing, was just the latest extraordinary step in his ongoing quest to conquer anything and everything this sport has to offer.<\/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\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-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 Poga\u010dar followers, the fast finishers and the outsiders \u2013 Analysing the Milan-San Remo contenders<\/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\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Tadej Poga\u010dar has changed E3 Saxo Classic&#8217;s status but it remains the best Flanders form guide \u2013 A closer look at the contenders for Friday&#8217;s race<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">So the narrative is set, but Paris-Roubaix is far more than a two-horse race, with a deep field of credible winners and a wide array of possibilities waiting to play out on the cobblestones of northern France.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-mathieu-van-der-poel-alpecin-premier-tech\"><span>Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-af105943-5ee8-44d7-bd37-cc06fe00a068\">\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\/wvSNv4C2JFbj5vL5DmTyP3-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wvSNv4C2JFbj5vL5DmTyP3-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wvSNv4C2JFbj5vL5DmTyP3-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wvSNv4C2JFbj5vL5DmTyP3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wvSNv4C2JFbj5vL5DmTyP3-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wvSNv4C2JFbj5vL5DmTyP3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Mathieu van der Poel missed out at the Tour of Flanders but he&#8217;s the top favourite here <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-a996b007-83c1-4b91-a643-5ab8b60aa1c9\">With three victories in a row, Mathieu van der Poel has Paris-Roubaix in the palm of his hand, and he\u2019s the favourite to secure a fourth title that would take him level with Tom Boonen and Roger De Vlaeminck as the most successful rider in the great history of the Hell of the North.<\/p>\n<p>Van der Poel is a thoroughbred Classics rider who has all the ingredients to further enshrine his status as a legendary figure of the race. He has the engine for the attritional grind, he has the accelerations and the ability to stack them up, he has all the bike handling skills as an eight-time cyclocross world champion, he has a foil in the form of Jasper Philipsen, and he has a fearsome sprint finish.<\/p>\n<p>Not that he\u2019s needed the latter \u2013 in each of the past three editions, he has soloed his way into the Roubaix velodrome. However, the emergence of Tadej Poga\u010dar as not just a Flanders threat but a Roubaix threat might bring that last weapon into play. The pair rode away from the rest 12 months ago and it was only a handling error through a cobbled corner that saw Poga\u010dar lose contact.<\/p>\n<p>This is a crucial weapon for Van der Poel, who, if a similar situation arises, will surely look to push the limits on the more technical areas of the course. If Poga\u010dar can stay with Van der Poel \u2013 and given Poga\u010dar\u2019s jaw-dropping performances of late, it may be more a case of the other way around \u2013 then Van der Poel wins a sprint nine times out of ten.<\/p>\n<p>You sense that Poga\u010dar may have more of a say this time around, and there are plenty of other potential winners in waiting, but Van der Poel remains the leading favourite for this Paris-Roubaix.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-tadej-pogacar-uae-team-emirates-xrg\"><span>Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-c702a652-0dca-4920-9946-c69178af9445\">\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\/TvvbYAH4WqNMdsFxMFFNxX-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TvvbYAH4WqNMdsFxMFFNxX-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TvvbYAH4WqNMdsFxMFFNxX-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TvvbYAH4WqNMdsFxMFFNxX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TvvbYAH4WqNMdsFxMFFNxX-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TvvbYAH4WqNMdsFxMFFNxX-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\">Tadej Poga\u010dar recently won the Tour of Flanders <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-80a92123-5ae0-4181-8f26-4cc91463b792\">Another year older, another year wiser, Tadej Poga\u010dar arrives in Compi\u00e8gne on the cusp of history, seeking a title that would complete the set of cycling\u2019s five Monuments. Poga\u010dar could join a three-man club that features Eddy Merckx, Roger De Vlaeminck, and Rick Van Looy \u2013 all active in the 1960s or 70s \u2013 and he could extend his Monuments total to 13, six shy of Merckx\u2019s record.<\/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\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-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\">Everything the Tour of Flanders can tell us about Paris-Roubaix \u2013 The Monument quintuple, no Remco Evenepoel, and Lotte Kopecky&#8217;s chances<\/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\/gP29mn4RkYirG5ckB2QqdQ-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gP29mn4RkYirG5ckB2QqdQ-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\">Super talents and former winners, but can anyone really challenge Tadej Poga\u010dar? \u2013 Analysing the men&#8217;s favourites for Strade Bianche 2026<\/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\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Sprinters vs attackers on the Kemmelberg \u2013\u00a0Analysing the contenders for In Flanders Fields<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>It\u2019s mind-boggling stuff from a rider who continues to astound. Earlier this spring he ticked Milan-San Remo off his list and so Paris-Roubaix remains a sort of holy grail. Like San Remo, it\u2019s a forbidden fruit, a race a four-time Tour de France champion has no real right to win. This is meant to be an event for the Classics heavyweights over the Grand Tour climbers, but Poga\u010dar is a rider apart.<\/p>\n<p>There are no real doubts anymore about his belonging on the flat cobblestones of northern France after his extraordinary debut 12 months ago. He rode clear with the eventual winner Van der Poel and only came unstuck when he misjudged a corner.<\/p>\n<p>Similar errors may await in a race lined with pitfalls, but there is a theme in Poga\u010dar\u2019s Monument quest of mistakes being made and then ironed out. We saw it at Flanders, which he has now won three times, we saw it in San Remo, which he finally conquered this year, and the narrative would suggest that, despite all preconceptions, we\u2019ll see it at Roubaix before his historic career is done.<\/p>\n<p>With no climbs on the route, there\u2019s no obvious area for him to drop his rivals, as he\u2019s made a habit of doing on the Oude Kwaremont in Flanders. Getting to the velodrome without company is going to be Poga\u010dar\u2019s biggest headache, given his lack of finishing speed compared to most of the other contenders on this list, but it\u2019s sure going to be fun watching him try.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-filippo-ganna-ineos-grenadiers\"><span>Filippo Ganna (Ineos Grenadiers)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-d8f0305a-9508-4a89-a98c-31a84ba7107b\">\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\/vY2qmoRLDtP8JfBh84zncC-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vY2qmoRLDtP8JfBh84zncC-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vY2qmoRLDtP8JfBh84zncC-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vY2qmoRLDtP8JfBh84zncC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vY2qmoRLDtP8JfBh84zncC-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vY2qmoRLDtP8JfBh84zncC-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\">Filippo Ganna celebrates a big win at the Dwars door Vlaanderen <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-3f243f19-e25a-4510-bb42-9140a7bf5802\">Filippo Ganna fell flat at Milan-San Remo last month after his three-up break with Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar over the Cipressa in the previous edition, but the Italian is far from out of form for the Classic that suits him best.<\/p>\n<p>Ganna was extraordinary at Dwars door Vlaanderen last week, coming back from two bikes changes in the finale to chase down Wout Van Aert and snatch victory from him just 150 metres from the line. He resisted the temptation to ride Flanders, which Poga\u010dar is turning into a climber&#8217;s race, instead focusing on the flatlands of Roubaix, to which his heavier frame and time trialling engine are perfectly suited.<\/p>\n<p>Ganna has yet to make the podium in Roubaix. His breakthrough result came in 2023 when he made the leading selection in the finale, from which Van der Poel went on to win, and ended up sixth. He skipped the race in 2024 but his return last year was hampered by bad luck as a mechanical forced him onto the back foot far from the finish, though he still managed 13th place.<\/p>\n<p>If Ganna is on song on Sunday, his raw power is more than a match for anyone on this list.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-wout-van-aert-visma-lease-a-bike\"><span>Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-e803ef81-b5cc-45a5-a8d1-d26820d49622\">\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\/2hGE6e6UbdznptUePFWdT5-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2hGE6e6UbdznptUePFWdT5-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2hGE6e6UbdznptUePFWdT5-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2hGE6e6UbdznptUePFWdT5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2hGE6e6UbdznptUePFWdT5-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2hGE6e6UbdznptUePFWdT5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Wout van Aert racing up the Koppenberg last Sunday <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-0ac4367d-7318-4648-abfc-96ce318400d5\">Wout Van Aert remains without a cobbled Monument and time is running out to achieve an accolade that you feel belongs on his palmar\u00e8s. It&#8217;s hard to know how to grade the Belgian&#8217;s chances on Sunday. On the one hand, he finally has some momentum. After a tough few years, and a disrupted winter, he has steadily worked his way back into the conversation of the top Classics riders.<\/p>\n<p>Third at Milan-San Remo, second at Dwars door Vlaanderen, and fourth at the Tour of Flanders prove that he is right up there. But he is not quite back where he used to be. Or rather, the competition has moved on, and Flanders showed that he is still operating at a level below Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar.<\/p>\n<p>Van Aert&#8217;s aptitude for Paris-Roubaix is unquestionable. He has been fourth, third, and second in his past three appearances. The 2nd place in 2022 saw him lead the bunch home behind long-range solo winner Dylan van Baarle, while the third place from 2023 hurt the most, as he punctured on the Carrefour de l&#8217;Arbre while away with Van der Poel in the finale. That sort of ill fate has come to define Van Aert in recent years. Can he change the narrative on Sunday?<\/p>\n<p>He will need a perfect day, but there&#8217;s no doubt he can make it deep into the finale, and there&#8217;s no doubt he could sprint it out \u2013 he has beaten Van der Poel in a sprint on several occasions. The strength of his team could be key. The in-form Christophe Laporte and the up-and-coming Matthew Brennan \u2013 who shone on debut at Roubaix last year before the lights suddnely went out \u2013 could provide a tactical headache for the others.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-mads-pedersen-lidl-trek\"><span>Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-6e6410dd-11b8-4188-ba54-b8e17cebd26a\">\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\/pbQi4NRtpQRPW4CWnLH3pi-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pbQi4NRtpQRPW4CWnLH3pi-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pbQi4NRtpQRPW4CWnLH3pi-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pbQi4NRtpQRPW4CWnLH3pi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pbQi4NRtpQRPW4CWnLH3pi-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pbQi4NRtpQRPW4CWnLH3pi-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\">Mads Pedersen battled to fifth place at the Tour of Flanders <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-fedcec1c-f992-415f-b898-f694f27a3c75\">Mads Pedersen has been playing catch-up all Spring after his wrist fracture earlier in the season. It&#8217;s a miracle he&#8217;s even here at all, let alone competing for podiums over the past few weeks. But this was the season Pedersen was expected to truly challenge for Monument victories, and fate has seemingly left him cruelly short of that level of form.<\/p>\n<p>At Milan-San Remo he took a remarkable 4th place, followed by top 10s at E3 and In Flanders Fields, ahead of 5th at the Tour of Flanders. With the top 5 all riding alone in the finale, Flanders was an honest race, and Pedersen is definitely behind the likes of Poga\u010dar, Van der Poel, and Van Aert.<\/p>\n<p>However, Roubaix is a very different race, and one that is even better suited to Pedersen, particularly a Pedersen on the comeback trail. The lack of explosiveness compared to the sharp climbs of Flanders should play into his favour, and he&#8217;s one of the very fastest finishers among the main contenders.<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s a tall order, but Pedersen has very much given himself a chance \u2013 and that itself is extraordinary.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-jasper-philipsen-alpecin-premier-tech\"><span>Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Premier Tech)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-7d984f08-ad24-4d5b-a493-985c50172032\">\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\/HUvwBHFP7Bu8CEYnMZbmqc-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HUvwBHFP7Bu8CEYnMZbmqc-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HUvwBHFP7Bu8CEYnMZbmqc-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HUvwBHFP7Bu8CEYnMZbmqc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HUvwBHFP7Bu8CEYnMZbmqc-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HUvwBHFP7Bu8CEYnMZbmqc-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\">Jasper Philipsen celebrating victory at In Flanders Fields <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-92ada7ed-a176-48be-b450-9bfa8093b88f\">Jasper Philipsen has twice finished runner-up at Paris-Roubaix behind his teammate Van der Poel, in 2023 and 2024, so is a clear candidate for victory and a clear weapon in Alpecin-Premier Tech&#8217;s arsenal.<\/p>\n<p>The Belgian has been the top sprinter at the Tour de France in recent years but his exploits at Roubaix, along with his Milan-San Remo win in 2024, have underlined the breadth of his talents. He had a slow start to the season but has burst to life at the Classics, winning Nokere Koerse and In Flanders Fields, as well as placing eighth at Dwars door Vlaanderen.<\/p>\n<p>In Flanders Fields once again underlined the double-edged strategy that Alpecin can employ, with Van der Poel glass-cranking in his two-up escapade with Van Aert before Philipsen claimed the win from the bunch. Philipsen has mopped up behind Van der Poel in two editions of Roubaix, but it&#8217;s not unthinkable that he could be the one that sneaks away in a more tactical finale.<\/p>\n<p>His form can be something of a mixed bag but if he can hit the heights he&#8217;s shown her before then he&#8217;s right in the equation.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-florian-vermeersch-uae-team-emirates-xrg\"><span>Florian Vermeersch (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-778f5714-9d24-458b-8aea-0bf7a49b4685\">\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\/DZMHHmSmDsfRcBghNUc4WV-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DZMHHmSmDsfRcBghNUc4WV-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DZMHHmSmDsfRcBghNUc4WV-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DZMHHmSmDsfRcBghNUc4WV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DZMHHmSmDsfRcBghNUc4WV-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DZMHHmSmDsfRcBghNUc4WV-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\">Florian Vermeersch will be a key lieutenant for Tadej Poga\u010dar <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-7c8bf39e-1eb2-4af3-8c15-c8ffd90c37ee\">While we&#8217;re on the subject of Plan-B riders for the big favourites, Belgian racer Florian Vermeersch is a highly-credible deputy for Poga\u010dar.<\/p>\n<p>The Belgian was third at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, 3rd at E3 Saxo Classic, and when he switched to a support role for Poga\u010dar at the Tour of Flanders he still managed seventh. He has been active and influential throughout the Spring.<\/p>\n<p>What&#8217;s more, Paris-Roubaix was where he first burst onto the scene as a 22-year-old mixing it with Van der Poel in a memorably mud-caked edition. He even beat Van der Poel that day but was denied the victory by a flying Sonny Colbrelli in that three-up finish. He was in the sprint for the podium last year, placing fifth behind Pedersen and Van Aert.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-gianni-vermeersch-red-bull-bora-hansgrohe\"><span>Gianni Vermeersch (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-edcc6817-b06d-4a1d-9eed-43dac356f0ba\">\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\/ZoxETXFZ2kVJzku6bUXsXB-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZoxETXFZ2kVJzku6bUXsXB-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZoxETXFZ2kVJzku6bUXsXB-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZoxETXFZ2kVJzku6bUXsXB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZoxETXFZ2kVJzku6bUXsXB-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZoxETXFZ2kVJzku6bUXsXB-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\">Gianni Vermeersch heading up the Kemmelberg at In Flanders Fields <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-8723a832-821e-4ebd-b22c-2bda729e6b47\">And while we&#8217;re on the subject of Vermeersch&#8217;s, spare a thought for Gianni Vermeersch over at Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe. The Belgian, unrelated, has a cyclocross background and a gravel world title to his name, and he&#8217;s never more at home than when the course leaves the tarmac.<\/p>\n<p>He only switched to Red Bull this season. Before that, he was one of Van der Poel&#8217;s key henchmen and played an important role at Roubaix in recent years, even placing sixth in the 2024 edition won by the Dutchman.<\/p>\n<p>This season he has spearheaded Red Bull\u2019s Classics squad with top 10s at Strade Bianche, E3 Saxo Classic, and the Tour of Flanders. The latter race saw Remco Evenepoel enter the fray and finish on the podium, but the Olympic champion has not been tempted by Roubaix, so it&#8217;s over to Vermeersch to shoot for a podium in his favourite race.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-jasper-stuyven-soudal-quickstep\"><span>Jasper Stuyven (Soudal-QuickStep)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-966b38f7-dd37-4759-b8f2-afcc39f4c6a8\">\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\/JZAUSeLGcdLb5ftj4hsXrm-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JZAUSeLGcdLb5ftj4hsXrm-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JZAUSeLGcdLb5ftj4hsXrm-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JZAUSeLGcdLb5ftj4hsXrm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JZAUSeLGcdLb5ftj4hsXrm-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JZAUSeLGcdLb5ftj4hsXrm-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\">Jasper Stuyven in action at In Flanders Fields <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-ae445559-ac0a-4e83-a358-946448a5cfae\">Soudal-QuickStep have not yet been able to re-establish themselves as the Classics force of old, but Jasper Stuyven has had a quietly strong Spring, and could have a say on Sunday.<\/p>\n<p>QuickStep have a former Roubaix winner among their number in Dylan van Baarle but the Dutchman has been off the pace this Spring, meaning Stuyven is their best hope.<\/p>\n<p>The Belgian has been top 10 in Milan-San Remo, In Flanders Fields, and the Tour of Flanders on Sunday. Sixth place in the latter was a great sign ahead of Roubaix, though it&#8217;s a stretch to see him winning on Sunday. Fourth place from 2017 remains his best finish in the velodrome.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-alec-segaert-bahrain-victorious\"><span>Alec Segaert (Bahrain Victorious)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-11867cf9-d52e-404a-8c07-0655f37f5b51\">\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\/fR5jBKzFHJQ8VBGTHvVCbd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fR5jBKzFHJQ8VBGTHvVCbd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fR5jBKzFHJQ8VBGTHvVCbd-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fR5jBKzFHJQ8VBGTHvVCbd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fR5jBKzFHJQ8VBGTHvVCbd-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fR5jBKzFHJQ8VBGTHvVCbd-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\">Alec Segaert on the attack at the GP de Denain <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-df2dbb6b-4413-4718-81aa-78b04f9c4e7e\">We&#8217;re more into wildcard territory now, but Alec Segaert has been one of the stand-out surprise packages of the Spring. He almost won Nokere Koerse with a late attack, he then made that happen at the GP Denain, and he has continued to throw the cat among the pigeons with rolls of the dice, notably in the finale of In Flanders Fields.<\/p>\n<p>15th place at the Tour of Flanders was a solid result for a rider who is much better suited to the flat terrain of Paris-Roubaix. He\u2019s a strong time triallist with an aero position and a penchant for solo attacks \u2013 don\u2019t be surprised to see him in the thick of it.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-036e0f6e-d70a-4791-b961-45358fec7073\"><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\/mathieu-van-der-poel-tadej-pogacar-and-beyond-analysing-the-contenders-for-the-mens-paris-roubaix\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2cahqKRa5PJFaCbizL2oMM-2222-80.jpg&#8221;] Pro Cycling Racing Road Paris-Roubaix Mathieu van der Poel, Tadej Poga\u010dar, and beyond \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the men&#8217;s Paris-Roubaix By Patrick Fletcher published 8 April 2026 Our look at 10 of the main contenders for this year&#8217;s Hell of the North When you purchase through links on our site, we [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,68],"class_list":["post-1872209","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\/1872209","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=1872209"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1872209\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1872209"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1872209"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1872209"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}