Tadej Pogacar, the dominant cyclist from UAE Emirates-XRG, recently made headlines as he prepares for the renowned Tour of Flanders this coming Sunday. Following a nail-biting finish at Milano-Sanremo, where he encountered a bitter defeat at the hands of fellow cyclist Mathieu van der Poel from Alpecin-Deceuninck, Pogacar has expressed his intention to focus solely on the race rather than seeking revenge. As the reigning champion of the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, and the World Championships, Pogacar is determined to reclaim his title and further solidify his status in the cycling world.
During his conversation regarding the upcoming race, Pogacar emphasized that he holds no bitterness towards van der Poel. “I don’t know why I would be bitter or looking for revenge when nobody did anything bad to me,” he remarked. This response reflects Pogacar’s respectful attitude toward his rivals and illustrates that sportsmanship remains at the forefront of his mentality. Despite the defeat in Italy, the Slovenian cyclist understands that the Tour of Flanders presents a different challenge. “Flanders is a little bit more tiring, and it’s going to be harder throughout the day. But it’s his favorite terrain – cobbles and small climbs, so he’s going to be very hard to beat again,” he noted, demonstrating recognition of van der Poel’s strengths while maintaining a determined outlook on his own capabilities.
As the date of the Tour of Flanders approaches, van der Poel is keen to defend his title, aiming to secure a record-breaking fourth victory in the prestigious Belgian race. This event is not just about personal accolades; it is a grand stage where professional cyclists showcase their endurance, strategy, and skills amidst the iconic cobbled streets of Belgium. Pogacar’s previous encounter with van der Poel in the sprint finish at Milano-Sanremo adds a layer of intrigue to this upcoming clash. “He obviously can sprint better. He can go probably better on the cobbles, and he’s better in technical parts,” Pogacar acknowledged, outlining the challenges he faces against a seasoned competitor.
However, Pogacar is optimistic about the 269-kilometer route in Flanders, perceiving its demanding nature as a possible advantage. He stated, “In San Remo, you come quite fresh to Cipressa and Poggio, which are not really hard climbs,” highlighting the tactical dynamics that come into play. With the likelihood of competing at heightened fatigue levels in Flanders, he believes this could provide him with an opportunity to break away from van der Poel.
Pogacar also elaborated about the nuances of race strategy. Unlike the conditions in Italy, where speed allows for drafting advantages, Flanders is marked by its grueling climbs and cobblestones which may wear down riders over the course of the day. “Here it can be different as you come more tired to some climbs. I can use that to my advantage…” he explained. Such statements underline Pogacar’s strategic mindset as he prepares for multiple outcomes throughout the race.
Anticipation builds around how this showdown between Pogacar and van der Poel will unfold. As both athletes gear up for the race, it becomes evident that while van der Poel may have an advantage in the sprint, Pogacar’s resilience and tactical approach could potentially alter the outcome. The cycling community eagerly awaits to see how the events will transpire on race day.
For fans looking to follow the action, the Tour of Flanders 2025 will be broadcast live on TNT Sports and discovery+. Coverage for the Men’s Elite event begins at 09:00 on Sunday, April 6, 2025, with the Women’s Elite race coverage commencing at 13:45. With TNT Sports offering comprehensive coverage across various platforms, viewers can immerse themselves in all the thrilling cycling action, from the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France to the Vuelta a España, ensuring that this season of cycling will not only captivate but also excite.