{"id":1874173,"date":"2026-04-09T15:13:56","date_gmt":"2026-04-09T12:13:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1874173"},"modified":"2026-04-09T15:13:56","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T12:13:56","slug":"a-few-so-called-experts-had-an-opinion-mathieu-van-der-poel-defends-flanders-power-numbers-and-working-with-tadej-pogacar-ahead-of-paris-roubaix-rematch","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1874173","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;A few so-called experts had an opinion&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel defends Flanders power numbers and working with Tadej Poga\u010dar ahead of Paris-Roubaix rematch"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZAC8YP2nP9Swk52VUwvzRM-1024-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nAlpecin-Premier Tech\n<\/li>\n<li>\nMathieu van der Poel\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;A few so-called experts had an opinion&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel defends Flanders power numbers and working with Tadej Poga\u010dar ahead of Paris-Roubaix rematch<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nMatilda Price <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-09T15:13:56Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n9 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Dutchman aiming for a fourth consecutive title in Roubaix this Sunday, but isn&#8217;t overly concerned by records<\/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\/ZAC8YP2nP9Swk52VUwvzRM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZAC8YP2nP9Swk52VUwvzRM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZAC8YP2nP9Swk52VUwvzRM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZAC8YP2nP9Swk52VUwvzRM-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZAC8YP2nP9Swk52VUwvzRM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZAC8YP2nP9Swk52VUwvzRM-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZAC8YP2nP9Swk52VUwvzRM-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: &#8216;I am realistic enough to realise that I cannot keep that streak going forever&#8217;<\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"!m-0\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 sm:ml-1.5 font-base text-xs\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div role=\"dialog\" class=\"hidden fixed inset-0 z-[999999999999999999] bg-[#33333370] flex items-center justify-center p-6 newsletter-modal\" data-batch-endpoint=\"https:\/\/newsletter-subscribe.futureplc.com\/v2\/submission\/submit_batch\" data-batch-source=\"302\" data-component-name=\"Newsletter:Modal\">\n<div class=\"bg-neutral-100 rounded-xl shadow-xl w-full lg:w-2\/3 xl:w-1\/2 p-6 relative max-h-[95vh] overflow-y-auto\">\n<div id=\"newsletter-capture-modal\">\n<div class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0 bg-inherit font-ui-heading\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base font-article-copy\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<div data-component-name=\"Newsletter:NewsletterForm\">\n<hr class=\"modal_hr mt-3 mb-4 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"modal_footer block text-left opacity-80 text-[.8em] leading-[1.3em] mt-2 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline font-article-copy\">\nBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-6d8bdad1-a122-4f2b-87e6-8b497d590f42\">Defending champion Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech) has the chance to make history at Paris-Roubaix on Sunday, potentially becoming only the third rider to win the race four times, and the first to do so consecutively.<\/p>\n<p>Winner in 2023, 2024 and 2025, Van der Poel currently ties Francesco Moser on wins \u2013 the Italian also took his trio in consecutive years \u2013 but would match Roger De Vlaeminck and Tom Boonen on four if he wins on Sunday.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6d8bdad1-a122-4f2b-87e6-8b497d590f42-2\">Speaking to the press on Thursday, Van der Poel was relaxed about the records he stands to break and knows that the first challenge is winning at all, as he goes up against his main one-day rival, Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG).<\/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\/7sE99ZAQ2hoyR9PKgpYGTH-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7sE99ZAQ2hoyR9PKgpYGTH-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;The pressure is low, like the tyres will be&#8217; \u2013 Liberated from Milan-San Remo and after latest Flanders exhibition, is the most ruthless Tadej Poga\u010dar yet heading for Paris-Roubaix?<\/span><\/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\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;The few races I\u2019ve done so far have gone perfectly&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar chases Monument set at &#8216;his ultimate test&#8217; Paris-Roubaix<\/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\/2cahqKRa5PJFaCbizL2oMM-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2cahqKRa5PJFaCbizL2oMM-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\">Mathieu van der Poel, Tadej Poga\u010dar, and beyond \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the men&#8217;s Paris-Roubaix <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I am realistic enough to realise that I cannot keep that streak going forever,&#8221; the Dutchman told the media. &#8220;There will be a year where it doesn&#8217;t work out. I will try to win, and then that record will come naturally.<\/p>\n<p>Van der Poel also pointed out that he had a chance to take a record-breaking fourth victory at the Tour of Flanders on Sunday, but was again beaten by Poga\u010dar.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">He was the last rider to be able to stick with the world champion before he eventually went solo, and whilst the balance should tip back into Van der Poel&#8217;s favour, he was quick not to write off his rival, who was second here on debut last year.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;This race might be harder for him to win, but no one will say he can&#8217;t do it,&#8221; Van der Poel said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;You need some luck, but he already proved himself last year.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Winner three times in the Roubaix velodrome, the Alpecin rider knows exactly what to do to win the Hell of the North, and with support from Jasper Philipsen, the aim this year will be to do things pretty much the same as usual.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;As always, I will race by feel and assess the situation,&#8221; he said. &#8220;In Roubaix, anything can happen. The key is to stay alert at the front and get through the cobblestones as safely as possible.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uCmxNhfiSJsDMJJQA5V9f-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uCmxNhfiSJsDMJJQA5V9f-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I was riding 650 watts and still couldn&#8217;t follow&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel cracks to finish second again behind &#8216;unbeatable&#8217; Tadej Poga\u010dar in Tour of Flanders<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#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\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Why Poga\u010dar and Van Aert&#8217;s teams aren&#8217;t sensing weakness for the Tour of Flanders despite Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s near-miss at E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/li>\n<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\/XE9xXss84hR8iWw3AbXeFR-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XE9xXss84hR8iWw3AbXeFR-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;He&#8217;s one level above all the rest&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel names Tadej Poga\u010dar as top favourite to win 2026 Tour of Flanders<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>He added that a smaller group would be better going into key sectors, like the Trou\u00e9e d&#8217;Arenberg, and that the ideal would be to enter the famous Roubaix velodrome alone.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;A solo gives you the greatest certainty, but it won&#8217;t go that way every year. If you do manage to get to a sprint, then you&#8217;ve ridden a good race. But if I can choose, I&#8217;d rather finish solo,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p>Sunday&#8217;s Roubaix will be yet another rematch between Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar, who have dominated the Monuments for several seasons now. At times, including last Sunday, Van der Poel has been criticised for working with Poga\u010dar rather than, for example, sitting on his wheel, but he defended that choice, and suggested it will be the same this weekend.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I did what I had to do. I was in a position to win, but I don&#8217;t see how not cooperating would have changed the outcome or increased my chances. I just did my best,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;Not riding along would also have been a bit anti-racing. Tadej and I are going to cross paths for years to come. It is better that we get along well.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"they-analysed-it-it-was-true-3\">&#8216;They analysed it, it was true&#8217;<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-c8b2ef9e-b199-4f9b-8c39-deb99b2073d5\">\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\/tW33s4pGiJB6QkTL6n4R68-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tW33s4pGiJB6QkTL6n4R68-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tW33s4pGiJB6QkTL6n4R68-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tW33s4pGiJB6QkTL6n4R68-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tW33s4pGiJB6QkTL6n4R68-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tW33s4pGiJB6QkTL6n4R68-320-80.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 and Jasper Philipsen, pictured at the Alpecin-Premier Tech pre-race press conference, are in high spirits ahead of Paris-Roubaix <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-54a26b9b-bd41-454c-bc18-35b1864f9ab3\">Perhaps more so than his second place, Van der Poel&#8217;s ride at Flanders made headlines for how deep he had to go just to be able to try and follow Poga\u010dar in the finale.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I was riding 650 watts and still couldn&#8217;t follow his wheel,&#8221; he said about going up against the Slovenian.<\/p>\n<p>His mammoth power numbers in Flanders and also at the E3 Saxo Classic \u2013 where he averaged 446 watts for 90 minutes \u2013 made a lot of waves, including some questioning whether they were accurate or a power meter error.<\/p>\n<p>Asked about that on Thursday, Van der Poel quickly doubled down on the veracity of the figure from E3.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;They analysed it, it was true, otherwise I wouldn&#8217;t have posted it,&#8221; he said. He rarely shares data about his rides online.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It was just to show how hard that part was to ride alone with the wind, because a few so-called experts had an opinion once again. I don&#8217;t share anything on Strava anymore, but I like to sometimes share something.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>He also said that his high numbers are a good reassurance that, even when he is being beaten, it&#8217;s not for lack of form.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Also, for me, it was nice to see that I&#8217;m still improving at this age, but I have to ride against somebody like Tadej, who is maybe the best cyclist of all time,&#8221; he said. &#8220;I just do what I can and try to be in the best possible shape that I can. So it was just to show that I managed to do that, but it was still not enough.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>With Sunday&#8217;s flatter terrain and, of course, his past successes in Roubaix. Van der Poel can only hope that it is enough as the two kings of the Spring do battle again in Northern France.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled <\/strong><\/em><em><strong>2026 Spring Classics<\/strong><\/em><em><strong> coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-A8KDfSANVFf3r6TSbFCziV\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-A8KDfSANVFf3r6TSbFCziV 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__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Matilda Price<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Assistant Features Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Matilda is an NCTJ-qualified journalist based in the UK who joined <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>in March 2025. Prior to that, she worked as the Racing News Editor at <em>GCN<\/em>, and extensively as a freelancer contributing to <em>Cyclingnews, Cycling Weekly, Velo, Rouleur, Escape Collective, Red Bull <\/em>and more. She has reported on the ground at all of the biggest events on the calendar, including the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Tours de France, the Giro d&#8217;Italia, the Vuelta a Espana, the Spring Classics and the World Championships. She has particular experience and expertise in women&#8217;s cycling, and women&#8217;s sport in general. She is a graduate of modern languages and sports journalism.<\/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\/7sE99ZAQ2hoyR9PKgpYGTH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7sE99ZAQ2hoyR9PKgpYGTH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7sE99ZAQ2hoyR9PKgpYGTH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7sE99ZAQ2hoyR9PKgpYGTH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7sE99ZAQ2hoyR9PKgpYGTH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The pressure is low, like the tyres will be&#8217; \u2013 Liberated from Milan-San Remo and after latest Flanders exhibition, is the most ruthless Tadej Poga\u010dar yet heading for Paris-Roubaix?<\/span><\/div>\n<div 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\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The few races I\u2019ve done so far have gone perfectly&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar chases Monument set at &#8216;his ultimate test&#8217; Paris-Roubaix<\/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\/2cahqKRa5PJFaCbizL2oMM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2cahqKRa5PJFaCbizL2oMM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2cahqKRa5PJFaCbizL2oMM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2cahqKRa5PJFaCbizL2oMM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2cahqKRa5PJFaCbizL2oMM-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\">Mathieu van der Poel, Tadej Poga\u010dar, and beyond \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the men&#8217;s Paris-Roubaix <\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uCmxNhfiSJsDMJJQA5V9f-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uCmxNhfiSJsDMJJQA5V9f-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uCmxNhfiSJsDMJJQA5V9f-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uCmxNhfiSJsDMJJQA5V9f-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uCmxNhfiSJsDMJJQA5V9f-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I was riding 650 watts and still couldn&#8217;t follow&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel cracks to finish second again behind &#8216;unbeatable&#8217; Tadej Poga\u010dar in Tour of Flanders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Why Poga\u010dar and Van Aert&#8217;s teams aren&#8217;t sensing weakness for the Tour of Flanders despite Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s near-miss at E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XE9xXss84hR8iWw3AbXeFR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XE9xXss84hR8iWw3AbXeFR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XE9xXss84hR8iWw3AbXeFR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XE9xXss84hR8iWw3AbXeFR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XE9xXss84hR8iWw3AbXeFR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;He&#8217;s one level above all the rest&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel names Tadej Poga\u010dar as top favourite to win 2026 Tour of Flanders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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 Teams &amp; Riders<\/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\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The few races I\u2019ve done so far have gone perfectly&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar chases Monument set at &#8216;his ultimate test&#8217; Paris-Roubaix<\/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\/95X7o2yQXufbjYasxxnxvY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/95X7o2yQXufbjYasxxnxvY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/95X7o2yQXufbjYasxxnxvY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/95X7o2yQXufbjYasxxnxvY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/95X7o2yQXufbjYasxxnxvY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de Romandie past winners<\/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\/23MfRbFfMizohvboqTXcWh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/23MfRbFfMizohvboqTXcWh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/23MfRbFfMizohvboqTXcWh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/23MfRbFfMizohvboqTXcWh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/23MfRbFfMizohvboqTXcWh-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tyler Stites leads Modern Adventure Pro Cycling on US team&#8217;s season debut on home turf at Redlands Bicycle Classic stage 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\/hCRAa6QuXGQmQmPcs28chZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hCRAa6QuXGQmQmPcs28chZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hCRAa6QuXGQmQmPcs28chZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hCRAa6QuXGQmQmPcs28chZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hCRAa6QuXGQmQmPcs28chZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;While I regret his decision, I fully respect his desire for change&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel&#8217;s trainer to leave Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe after Tour de France <\/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\/c7iZMA2VQzGXcYXW5LftgZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c7iZMA2VQzGXcYXW5LftgZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c7iZMA2VQzGXcYXW5LftgZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c7iZMA2VQzGXcYXW5LftgZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c7iZMA2VQzGXcYXW5LftgZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Brandon McNulty takes stay at UAE Team Emirates-XRG past decade mark with contract extension<\/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\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I didn&#8217;t expect to win by such a margin&#8217; \u2013 A time trial triumph for Paul Seixas as he carves out first WorldTour stage victory and claims leader&#8217;s jersey at Itzulia Basque Country<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bcmffpZsvTGYkZkDtJLmEU-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bcmffpZsvTGYkZkDtJLmEU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bcmffpZsvTGYkZkDtJLmEU-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bcmffpZsvTGYkZkDtJLmEU-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bcmffpZsvTGYkZkDtJLmEU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Something the initial hospital dismissed&#8217; \u2013 Brodie Chapman out with pelvic fracture after Tour of Flanders crash<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zSYLtbVHWBDMSa4ZcZhbEn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zSYLtbVHWBDMSa4ZcZhbEn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zSYLtbVHWBDMSa4ZcZhbEn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zSYLtbVHWBDMSa4ZcZhbEn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zSYLtbVHWBDMSa4ZcZhbEn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Bikes<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Visma-Lease a Bike &#8216;utterly astonished&#8217; as UCI issues wheel tech ban just two weeks before Paris-Roubaix<\/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\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The few races I\u2019ve done so far have gone perfectly&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar chases Monument set at &#8216;his ultimate test&#8217; Paris-Roubaix<\/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\/VaAmiFAMsLHnUWM49TpxcC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VaAmiFAMsLHnUWM49TpxcC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VaAmiFAMsLHnUWM49TpxcC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VaAmiFAMsLHnUWM49TpxcC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VaAmiFAMsLHnUWM49TpxcC-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\">Defending champion Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot to race Paris-Roubaix Femmes alongside Marianne Vos in last-minute programme change<\/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\/8d5kYufbJabRBhSKuBvrLQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8d5kYufbJabRBhSKuBvrLQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8d5kYufbJabRBhSKuBvrLQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8d5kYufbJabRBhSKuBvrLQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8d5kYufbJabRBhSKuBvrLQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It would be a dream to race the Tour de France Femmes&#8217; &#8211; Pathways Fund provides novel support for two US riders to join French team and compete at Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix <\/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\/7Zj72BrDkTUjgDBgz9uzFm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7Zj72BrDkTUjgDBgz9uzFm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7Zj72BrDkTUjgDBgz9uzFm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7Zj72BrDkTUjgDBgz9uzFm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7Zj72BrDkTUjgDBgz9uzFm-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;If it rains, Van der Poel has a small advantage on Poga\u010dar&#8217; &#8211; Paris-Roubaix technical director says wet conditions would favour defending champion next Sunday in Hell of the North<\/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\/rdmjupf49jFMfPRiYBUCEU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rdmjupf49jFMfPRiYBUCEU-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rdmjupf49jFMfPRiYBUCEU-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rdmjupf49jFMfPRiYBUCEU-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rdmjupf49jFMfPRiYBUCEU.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rdmjupf49jFMfPRiYBUCEU.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rdmjupf49jFMfPRiYBUCEU.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\">Itzulia Basque Country: Alex Aranburu blasts ahead of Tobias Halland Johannessen on final uphill section for stage 4 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\">&#8216;A few so-called experts had an opinion&#8217; 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\u2013 Brodie Chapman out with pelvic fracture after Tour of Flanders crash<\/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>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nAlpecin-Premier Tech\n<\/li>\n<li>\nMathieu van der Poel\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;A few so-called experts had an opinion&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel defends Flanders power numbers and working with Tadej Poga\u010dar ahead of Paris-Roubaix rematch<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nMatilda Price <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-09T15:13:56Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n9 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Dutchman aiming for a fourth consecutive title in Roubaix this Sunday, but isn&#8217;t overly concerned by records<\/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\/ZAC8YP2nP9Swk52VUwvzRM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZAC8YP2nP9Swk52VUwvzRM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZAC8YP2nP9Swk52VUwvzRM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZAC8YP2nP9Swk52VUwvzRM-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZAC8YP2nP9Swk52VUwvzRM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZAC8YP2nP9Swk52VUwvzRM-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZAC8YP2nP9Swk52VUwvzRM-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: &#8216;I am realistic enough to realise that I cannot keep that streak going forever&#8217;<\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"!m-0\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 sm:ml-1.5 font-base text-xs\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div role=\"dialog\" class=\"hidden fixed inset-0 z-[999999999999999999] bg-[#33333370] flex items-center justify-center p-6 newsletter-modal\" data-batch-endpoint=\"https:\/\/newsletter-subscribe.futureplc.com\/v2\/submission\/submit_batch\" data-batch-source=\"302\" data-component-name=\"Newsletter:Modal\">\n<div class=\"bg-neutral-100 rounded-xl shadow-xl w-full lg:w-2\/3 xl:w-1\/2 p-6 relative max-h-[95vh] overflow-y-auto\">\n<div id=\"newsletter-capture-modal\">\n<div class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0 bg-inherit font-ui-heading\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base font-article-copy\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<div data-component-name=\"Newsletter:NewsletterForm\">\n<hr class=\"modal_hr mt-3 mb-4 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"modal_footer block text-left opacity-80 text-[.8em] leading-[1.3em] mt-2 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline font-article-copy\">\nBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-6d8bdad1-a122-4f2b-87e6-8b497d590f42\">Defending champion Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech) has the chance to make history at Paris-Roubaix on Sunday, potentially becoming only the third rider to win the race four times, and the first to do so consecutively.<\/p>\n<p>Winner in 2023, 2024 and 2025, Van der Poel currently ties Francesco Moser on wins \u2013 the Italian also took his trio in consecutive years \u2013 but would match Roger De Vlaeminck and Tom Boonen on four if he wins on Sunday.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6d8bdad1-a122-4f2b-87e6-8b497d590f42-2\">Speaking to the press on Thursday, Van der Poel was relaxed about the records he stands to break and knows that the first challenge is winning at all, as he goes up against his main one-day rival, Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG).<\/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\/7sE99ZAQ2hoyR9PKgpYGTH-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7sE99ZAQ2hoyR9PKgpYGTH-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;The pressure is low, like the tyres will be&#8217; \u2013 Liberated from Milan-San Remo and after latest Flanders exhibition, is the most ruthless Tadej Poga\u010dar yet heading for Paris-Roubaix?<\/span><\/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\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;The few races I\u2019ve done so far have gone perfectly&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar chases Monument set at &#8216;his ultimate test&#8217; Paris-Roubaix<\/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\/2cahqKRa5PJFaCbizL2oMM-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2cahqKRa5PJFaCbizL2oMM-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\">Mathieu van der Poel, Tadej Poga\u010dar, and beyond \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the men&#8217;s Paris-Roubaix <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I am realistic enough to realise that I cannot keep that streak going forever,&#8221; the Dutchman told the media. &#8220;There will be a year where it doesn&#8217;t work out. I will try to win, and then that record will come naturally.<\/p>\n<p>Van der Poel also pointed out that he had a chance to take a record-breaking fourth victory at the Tour of Flanders on Sunday, but was again beaten by Poga\u010dar.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">He was the last rider to be able to stick with the world champion before he eventually went solo, and whilst the balance should tip back into Van der Poel&#8217;s favour, he was quick not to write off his rival, who was second here on debut last year.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;This race might be harder for him to win, but no one will say he can&#8217;t do it,&#8221; Van der Poel said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;You need some luck, but he already proved himself last year.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Winner three times in the Roubaix velodrome, the Alpecin rider knows exactly what to do to win the Hell of the North, and with support from Jasper Philipsen, the aim this year will be to do things pretty much the same as usual.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;As always, I will race by feel and assess the situation,&#8221; he said. &#8220;In Roubaix, anything can happen. The key is to stay alert at the front and get through the cobblestones as safely as possible.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uCmxNhfiSJsDMJJQA5V9f-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uCmxNhfiSJsDMJJQA5V9f-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I was riding 650 watts and still couldn&#8217;t follow&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel cracks to finish second again behind &#8216;unbeatable&#8217; Tadej Poga\u010dar in Tour of Flanders<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#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\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Why Poga\u010dar and Van Aert&#8217;s teams aren&#8217;t sensing weakness for the Tour of Flanders despite Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s near-miss at E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/li>\n<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\/XE9xXss84hR8iWw3AbXeFR-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XE9xXss84hR8iWw3AbXeFR-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;He&#8217;s one level above all the rest&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel names Tadej Poga\u010dar as top favourite to win 2026 Tour of Flanders<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>He added that a smaller group would be better going into key sectors, like the Trou\u00e9e d&#8217;Arenberg, and that the ideal would be to enter the famous Roubaix velodrome alone.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;A solo gives you the greatest certainty, but it won&#8217;t go that way every year. If you do manage to get to a sprint, then you&#8217;ve ridden a good race. But if I can choose, I&#8217;d rather finish solo,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p>Sunday&#8217;s Roubaix will be yet another rematch between Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar, who have dominated the Monuments for several seasons now. At times, including last Sunday, Van der Poel has been criticised for working with Poga\u010dar rather than, for example, sitting on his wheel, but he defended that choice, and suggested it will be the same this weekend.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I did what I had to do. I was in a position to win, but I don&#8217;t see how not cooperating would have changed the outcome or increased my chances. I just did my best,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;Not riding along would also have been a bit anti-racing. Tadej and I are going to cross paths for years to come. It is better that we get along well.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"they-analysed-it-it-was-true-3\">&#8216;They analysed it, it was true&#8217;<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-c8b2ef9e-b199-4f9b-8c39-deb99b2073d5\">\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\/tW33s4pGiJB6QkTL6n4R68-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tW33s4pGiJB6QkTL6n4R68-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tW33s4pGiJB6QkTL6n4R68-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tW33s4pGiJB6QkTL6n4R68-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tW33s4pGiJB6QkTL6n4R68-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tW33s4pGiJB6QkTL6n4R68-320-80.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 and Jasper Philipsen, pictured at the Alpecin-Premier Tech pre-race press conference, are in high spirits ahead of Paris-Roubaix <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-54a26b9b-bd41-454c-bc18-35b1864f9ab3\">Perhaps more so than his second place, Van der Poel&#8217;s ride at Flanders made headlines for how deep he had to go just to be able to try and follow Poga\u010dar in the finale.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I was riding 650 watts and still couldn&#8217;t follow his wheel,&#8221; he said about going up against the Slovenian.<\/p>\n<p>His mammoth power numbers in Flanders and also at the E3 Saxo Classic \u2013 where he averaged 446 watts for 90 minutes \u2013 made a lot of waves, including some questioning whether they were accurate or a power meter error.<\/p>\n<p>Asked about that on Thursday, Van der Poel quickly doubled down on the veracity of the figure from E3.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;They analysed it, it was true, otherwise I wouldn&#8217;t have posted it,&#8221; he said. He rarely shares data about his rides online.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It was just to show how hard that part was to ride alone with the wind, because a few so-called experts had an opinion once again. I don&#8217;t share anything on Strava anymore, but I like to sometimes share something.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>He also said that his high numbers are a good reassurance that, even when he is being beaten, it&#8217;s not for lack of form.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Also, for me, it was nice to see that I&#8217;m still improving at this age, but I have to ride against somebody like Tadej, who is maybe the best cyclist of all time,&#8221; he said. &#8220;I just do what I can and try to be in the best possible shape that I can. So it was just to show that I managed to do that, but it was still not enough.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>With Sunday&#8217;s flatter terrain and, of course, his past successes in Roubaix. Van der Poel can only hope that it is enough as the two kings of the Spring do battle again in Northern France.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled <\/strong><\/em><em><strong>2026 Spring Classics<\/strong><\/em><em><strong> coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-A8KDfSANVFf3r6TSbFCziV\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-A8KDfSANVFf3r6TSbFCziV 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__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Matilda Price<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Assistant Features Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Matilda is an NCTJ-qualified journalist based in the UK who joined <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>in March 2025. Prior to that, she worked as the Racing News Editor at <em>GCN<\/em>, and extensively as a freelancer contributing to <em>Cyclingnews, Cycling Weekly, Velo, Rouleur, Escape Collective, Red Bull <\/em>and more. She has reported on the ground at all of the biggest events on the calendar, including the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Tours de France, the Giro d&#8217;Italia, the Vuelta a Espana, the Spring Classics and the World Championships. She has particular experience and expertise in women&#8217;s cycling, and women&#8217;s sport in general. She is a graduate of modern languages and sports journalism.<\/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\/7sE99ZAQ2hoyR9PKgpYGTH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7sE99ZAQ2hoyR9PKgpYGTH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7sE99ZAQ2hoyR9PKgpYGTH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7sE99ZAQ2hoyR9PKgpYGTH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7sE99ZAQ2hoyR9PKgpYGTH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The pressure is low, like the tyres will be&#8217; \u2013 Liberated from Milan-San Remo and after latest Flanders exhibition, is the most ruthless Tadej Poga\u010dar yet heading for Paris-Roubaix?<\/span><\/div>\n<div 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\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The few races I\u2019ve done so far have gone perfectly&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar chases Monument set at &#8216;his ultimate test&#8217; Paris-Roubaix<\/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\/2cahqKRa5PJFaCbizL2oMM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2cahqKRa5PJFaCbizL2oMM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2cahqKRa5PJFaCbizL2oMM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2cahqKRa5PJFaCbizL2oMM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2cahqKRa5PJFaCbizL2oMM-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\">Mathieu van der Poel, Tadej Poga\u010dar, and beyond \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the men&#8217;s Paris-Roubaix <\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uCmxNhfiSJsDMJJQA5V9f-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uCmxNhfiSJsDMJJQA5V9f-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uCmxNhfiSJsDMJJQA5V9f-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uCmxNhfiSJsDMJJQA5V9f-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uCmxNhfiSJsDMJJQA5V9f-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I was riding 650 watts and still couldn&#8217;t follow&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel cracks to finish second again behind &#8216;unbeatable&#8217; Tadej Poga\u010dar in Tour of Flanders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Why Poga\u010dar and Van Aert&#8217;s teams aren&#8217;t sensing weakness for the Tour of Flanders despite Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s near-miss at E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XE9xXss84hR8iWw3AbXeFR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XE9xXss84hR8iWw3AbXeFR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XE9xXss84hR8iWw3AbXeFR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XE9xXss84hR8iWw3AbXeFR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XE9xXss84hR8iWw3AbXeFR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;He&#8217;s one level above all the rest&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel names Tadej Poga\u010dar as top favourite to win 2026 Tour of Flanders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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 Teams &amp; Riders<\/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\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The few races I\u2019ve done so far have gone perfectly&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar chases Monument set at &#8216;his ultimate test&#8217; Paris-Roubaix<\/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\/95X7o2yQXufbjYasxxnxvY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/95X7o2yQXufbjYasxxnxvY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/95X7o2yQXufbjYasxxnxvY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/95X7o2yQXufbjYasxxnxvY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/95X7o2yQXufbjYasxxnxvY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de Romandie past winners<\/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\/23MfRbFfMizohvboqTXcWh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/23MfRbFfMizohvboqTXcWh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/23MfRbFfMizohvboqTXcWh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/23MfRbFfMizohvboqTXcWh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/23MfRbFfMizohvboqTXcWh-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tyler Stites leads Modern Adventure Pro Cycling on US team&#8217;s season debut on home turf at Redlands Bicycle Classic stage 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\/hCRAa6QuXGQmQmPcs28chZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hCRAa6QuXGQmQmPcs28chZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hCRAa6QuXGQmQmPcs28chZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hCRAa6QuXGQmQmPcs28chZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hCRAa6QuXGQmQmPcs28chZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;While I regret his decision, I fully respect his desire for change&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel&#8217;s trainer to leave Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe after Tour de France <\/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\/c7iZMA2VQzGXcYXW5LftgZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c7iZMA2VQzGXcYXW5LftgZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c7iZMA2VQzGXcYXW5LftgZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c7iZMA2VQzGXcYXW5LftgZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c7iZMA2VQzGXcYXW5LftgZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Brandon McNulty takes stay at UAE Team Emirates-XRG past decade mark with contract extension<\/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\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I didn&#8217;t expect to win by such a margin&#8217; \u2013 A time trial triumph for Paul Seixas as he carves out first WorldTour stage victory and claims leader&#8217;s jersey at Itzulia Basque Country<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bcmffpZsvTGYkZkDtJLmEU-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bcmffpZsvTGYkZkDtJLmEU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bcmffpZsvTGYkZkDtJLmEU-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bcmffpZsvTGYkZkDtJLmEU-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bcmffpZsvTGYkZkDtJLmEU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Something the initial hospital dismissed&#8217; \u2013 Brodie Chapman out with pelvic fracture after Tour of Flanders crash<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zSYLtbVHWBDMSa4ZcZhbEn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zSYLtbVHWBDMSa4ZcZhbEn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zSYLtbVHWBDMSa4ZcZhbEn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zSYLtbVHWBDMSa4ZcZhbEn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zSYLtbVHWBDMSa4ZcZhbEn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Bikes<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Visma-Lease a Bike &#8216;utterly astonished&#8217; as UCI issues wheel tech ban just two weeks before Paris-Roubaix<\/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\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The few races I\u2019ve done so far have gone perfectly&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar chases Monument set at &#8216;his ultimate test&#8217; Paris-Roubaix<\/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\/VaAmiFAMsLHnUWM49TpxcC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VaAmiFAMsLHnUWM49TpxcC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VaAmiFAMsLHnUWM49TpxcC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VaAmiFAMsLHnUWM49TpxcC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VaAmiFAMsLHnUWM49TpxcC-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\">Defending champion Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot to race Paris-Roubaix Femmes alongside Marianne Vos in last-minute programme change<\/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\/8d5kYufbJabRBhSKuBvrLQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8d5kYufbJabRBhSKuBvrLQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8d5kYufbJabRBhSKuBvrLQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8d5kYufbJabRBhSKuBvrLQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8d5kYufbJabRBhSKuBvrLQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It would be a dream to race the Tour de France Femmes&#8217; &#8211; Pathways Fund provides novel support for two US riders to join French team and compete at Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix <\/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\/7Zj72BrDkTUjgDBgz9uzFm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7Zj72BrDkTUjgDBgz9uzFm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7Zj72BrDkTUjgDBgz9uzFm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7Zj72BrDkTUjgDBgz9uzFm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7Zj72BrDkTUjgDBgz9uzFm-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;If it rains, Van der Poel has a small advantage on Poga\u010dar&#8217; &#8211; Paris-Roubaix technical director says wet conditions would favour defending champion next Sunday in Hell of the North<\/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\/rdmjupf49jFMfPRiYBUCEU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rdmjupf49jFMfPRiYBUCEU-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rdmjupf49jFMfPRiYBUCEU-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rdmjupf49jFMfPRiYBUCEU-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rdmjupf49jFMfPRiYBUCEU.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rdmjupf49jFMfPRiYBUCEU.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rdmjupf49jFMfPRiYBUCEU.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\">Itzulia Basque Country: Alex Aranburu blasts ahead of Tobias Halland Johannessen on final uphill section for stage 4 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\">&#8216;A few so-called experts had an opinion&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel defends Flanders power numbers and working with Tadej Poga\u010dar ahead of Paris-Roubaix rematch<\/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\">Redlands Bicycle Classic: Emily Ehrlich and Eric Brunner win opening time trials at Lake Perris and claim first leaders&#8217; jerseys<\/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\">Pays de la Loire Tour: Alexander Kamp sprints to first victory for three years on stage 3, moves into race lead<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;Something the initial hospital dismissed&#8217; \u2013 Brodie Chapman out with pelvic fracture after Tour of Flanders crash<\/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>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nAlpecin-Premier Tech\n<\/li>\n<li>\nMathieu van der Poel\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;A few so-called experts had an opinion&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel defends Flanders power numbers and working with Tadej Poga\u010dar ahead of Paris-Roubaix rematch<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nMatilda Price <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-09T15:13:56Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n9 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Dutchman aiming for a fourth consecutive title in Roubaix this Sunday, but isn&#8217;t overly concerned by records<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. 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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-6d8bdad1-a122-4f2b-87e6-8b497d590f42\">Defending champion Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech) has the chance to make history at Paris-Roubaix on Sunday, potentially becoming only the third rider to win the race four times, and the first to do so consecutively.<\/p>\n<p>Winner in 2023, 2024 and 2025, Van der Poel currently ties Francesco Moser on wins \u2013 the Italian also took his trio in consecutive years \u2013 but would match Roger De Vlaeminck and Tom Boonen on four if he wins on Sunday.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6d8bdad1-a122-4f2b-87e6-8b497d590f42-2\">Speaking to the press on Thursday, Van der Poel was relaxed about the records he stands to break and knows that the first challenge is winning at all, as he goes up against his main one-day rival, Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG).<\/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\/7sE99ZAQ2hoyR9PKgpYGTH-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7sE99ZAQ2hoyR9PKgpYGTH-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;The pressure is low, like the tyres will be&#8217; \u2013 Liberated from Milan-San Remo and after latest Flanders exhibition, is the most ruthless Tadej Poga\u010dar yet heading for Paris-Roubaix?<\/span><\/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\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;The few races I\u2019ve done so far have gone perfectly&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar chases Monument set at &#8216;his ultimate test&#8217; Paris-Roubaix<\/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\/2cahqKRa5PJFaCbizL2oMM-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2cahqKRa5PJFaCbizL2oMM-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\">Mathieu van der Poel, Tadej Poga\u010dar, and beyond \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the men&#8217;s Paris-Roubaix <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I am realistic enough to realise that I cannot keep that streak going forever,&#8221; the Dutchman told the media. &#8220;There will be a year where it doesn&#8217;t work out. I will try to win, and then that record will come naturally.<\/p>\n<p>Van der Poel also pointed out that he had a chance to take a record-breaking fourth victory at the Tour of Flanders on Sunday, but was again beaten by Poga\u010dar.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">He was the last rider to be able to stick with the world champion before he eventually went solo, and whilst the balance should tip back into Van der Poel&#8217;s favour, he was quick not to write off his rival, who was second here on debut last year.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;This race might be harder for him to win, but no one will say he can&#8217;t do it,&#8221; Van der Poel said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;You need some luck, but he already proved himself last year.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Winner three times in the Roubaix velodrome, the Alpecin rider knows exactly what to do to win the Hell of the North, and with support from Jasper Philipsen, the aim this year will be to do things pretty much the same as usual.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;As always, I will race by feel and assess the situation,&#8221; he said. &#8220;In Roubaix, anything can happen. The key is to stay alert at the front and get through the cobblestones as safely as possible.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uCmxNhfiSJsDMJJQA5V9f-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uCmxNhfiSJsDMJJQA5V9f-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I was riding 650 watts and still couldn&#8217;t follow&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel cracks to finish second again behind &#8216;unbeatable&#8217; Tadej Poga\u010dar in Tour of Flanders<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#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\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Why Poga\u010dar and Van Aert&#8217;s teams aren&#8217;t sensing weakness for the Tour of Flanders despite Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s near-miss at E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/li>\n<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\/XE9xXss84hR8iWw3AbXeFR-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XE9xXss84hR8iWw3AbXeFR-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;He&#8217;s one level above all the rest&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel names Tadej Poga\u010dar as top favourite to win 2026 Tour of Flanders<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>He added that a smaller group would be better going into key sectors, like the Trou\u00e9e d&#8217;Arenberg, and that the ideal would be to enter the famous Roubaix velodrome alone.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;A solo gives you the greatest certainty, but it won&#8217;t go that way every year. If you do manage to get to a sprint, then you&#8217;ve ridden a good race. But if I can choose, I&#8217;d rather finish solo,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p>Sunday&#8217;s Roubaix will be yet another rematch between Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar, who have dominated the Monuments for several seasons now. At times, including last Sunday, Van der Poel has been criticised for working with Poga\u010dar rather than, for example, sitting on his wheel, but he defended that choice, and suggested it will be the same this weekend.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I did what I had to do. I was in a position to win, but I don&#8217;t see how not cooperating would have changed the outcome or increased my chances. I just did my best,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;Not riding along would also have been a bit anti-racing. Tadej and I are going to cross paths for years to come. It is better that we get along well.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"they-analysed-it-it-was-true-3\">&#8216;They analysed it, it was true&#8217;<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-c8b2ef9e-b199-4f9b-8c39-deb99b2073d5\">\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\/tW33s4pGiJB6QkTL6n4R68-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tW33s4pGiJB6QkTL6n4R68-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tW33s4pGiJB6QkTL6n4R68-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tW33s4pGiJB6QkTL6n4R68-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tW33s4pGiJB6QkTL6n4R68-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tW33s4pGiJB6QkTL6n4R68-320-80.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 and Jasper Philipsen, pictured at the Alpecin-Premier Tech pre-race press conference, are in high spirits ahead of Paris-Roubaix <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-54a26b9b-bd41-454c-bc18-35b1864f9ab3\">Perhaps more so than his second place, Van der Poel&#8217;s ride at Flanders made headlines for how deep he had to go just to be able to try and follow Poga\u010dar in the finale.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I was riding 650 watts and still couldn&#8217;t follow his wheel,&#8221; he said about going up against the Slovenian.<\/p>\n<p>His mammoth power numbers in Flanders and also at the E3 Saxo Classic \u2013 where he averaged 446 watts for 90 minutes \u2013 made a lot of waves, including some questioning whether they were accurate or a power meter error.<\/p>\n<p>Asked about that on Thursday, Van der Poel quickly doubled down on the veracity of the figure from E3.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;They analysed it, it was true, otherwise I wouldn&#8217;t have posted it,&#8221; he said. He rarely shares data about his rides online.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It was just to show how hard that part was to ride alone with the wind, because a few so-called experts had an opinion once again. I don&#8217;t share anything on Strava anymore, but I like to sometimes share something.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>He also said that his high numbers are a good reassurance that, even when he is being beaten, it&#8217;s not for lack of form.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Also, for me, it was nice to see that I&#8217;m still improving at this age, but I have to ride against somebody like Tadej, who is maybe the best cyclist of all time,&#8221; he said. &#8220;I just do what I can and try to be in the best possible shape that I can. So it was just to show that I managed to do that, but it was still not enough.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>With Sunday&#8217;s flatter terrain and, of course, his past successes in Roubaix. Van der Poel can only hope that it is enough as the two kings of the Spring do battle again in Northern France.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled <\/strong><\/em><em><strong>2026 Spring Classics<\/strong><\/em><em><strong> 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\/teams-riders\/a-few-so-called-experts-had-an-opinion-mathieu-van-der-poel-defends-flanders-power-numbers-and-working-with-tadej-pogacar-ahead-of-paris-roubaix-rematch\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZAC8YP2nP9Swk52VUwvzRM-1024-80.jpg&#8221;] Pro Cycling Teams &amp; Riders Alpecin-Premier Tech Mathieu van der Poel &#8216;A few so-called experts had an opinion&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel defends Flanders power numbers and working with Tadej Poga\u010dar ahead of Paris-Roubaix rematch News By Matilda Price published 9 April 2026 Dutchman aiming for a fourth consecutive title in [&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-1874173","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\/1874173","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=1874173"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1874173\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1874173"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1874173"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1874173"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}