Tour Of Flanders Preview: Pogacar And Van Der Poel's Clash For Victory

Felix Dubois

4 min read

Post on May 26, 2025

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Tadej Pogacar's Strengths and Strategy

Tadej Pogacar, the two-time Tour de France champion, brings unparalleled climbing ability to the Tour of Flanders. His recent form suggests he's in peak condition, ready to conquer the challenging ascents. But the question remains: what will his strategy be? Will the Slovenian climber unleash devastating attacks on the iconic climbs like the Oude Kwaremont and Paterberg, hoping to shed his rivals? Or will he conserve energy for a late-race surge, relying on his impressive time-trial capabilities to secure victory?

His UAE Team Emirates squad will play a crucial role, shielding him from the wind on the exposed flats and providing crucial support on the treacherous cobblestone sections. Their ability to control the pace and neutralize attacks will significantly influence Pogacar's chances.

• Exceptional climbing power: Pogacar's ability to accelerate on steep inclines is unmatched.
• Strong time-trial capabilities: A powerful engine allows him to hold off attacks in the final kilometers.
• Tactical flexibility: Pogacar is known for his adaptability, capable of adjusting his strategy based on race dynamics.
• Potential reliance on team support: Navigating the cobblestones effectively will depend heavily on his team's expertise and protection.

Mathieu van der Poel's Strengths and Strategy

Mathieu van der Poel, a master of the cobblestones and a devastating sprinter, is the quintessential Tour of Flanders rider. His past performances in this race, including past victories, showcase his dominance on the unforgiving Belgian roads. He possesses an almost supernatural ability to navigate the treacherous sectors, maintaining incredible speed and control over his bike.

Van der Poel's tactical approach is often unpredictable. Will he unleash early attacks to shatter the peloton, exploiting his explosive power to create gaps on the climbs and cobblestones? Or will he bide his time, conserving energy for a powerful late-race sprint, relying on his unmatched cobblestone expertise to outmaneuver rivals in the closing stages? The support of his Alpecin-Deceuninck team will be vital in controlling the race and setting him up for a successful finale.

• Unmatched cobblestone expertise: Van der Poel's technical skill on the cobbles is legendary.
• Powerful sprint finish: He possesses an explosive sprint, making him a serious contender in a bunch sprint.
• Aggressive racing style: Van der Poel often dictates the race tempo with surprise attacks.
• Strong team support: Alpecin-Deceuninck's experience in navigating the intricacies of the Tour of Flanders is invaluable.

Key Course Challenges and Potential Race Scenarios

The Tour of Flanders course is notoriously challenging, featuring a brutal mix of cobblestone sectors, steep climbs, and exposed stretches where wind can play a decisive role. The Oude Kwaremont and Paterberg climbs are iconic features, demanding immense power and stamina from the riders. Weather conditions, such as strong winds or rain, can further complicate the race, creating echelons and potentially reshaping the dynamics of the competition.

The tactical decisions made by Pogacar and van der Poel will dictate the race's narrative. Will Pogacar try to break van der Poel on the climbs? Will van der Poel attempt to tire Pogacar with repeated attacks on the cobbles? The potential outcomes are diverse and exciting.

• The Oude Kwaremont and Paterberg climbs: These legendary climbs will be crucial testing grounds for the riders' strength and endurance.
• Impact of wind on the flatter sections: Strong winds can cause echelons, splitting the peloton and creating tactical opportunities.
• Potential for echelons: Windy conditions can lead to the formation of echelons, significantly altering the race.
• Importance of team support in navigating the cobbles: Teams will play a key role in protecting their leaders from crashes and keeping them in contention.

Other Contenders to Watch

While Pogacar and van der Poel are the clear favorites, other riders could significantly impact the race. Wout van Aert, known for his all-around strength, is a formidable contender, capable of excelling on both climbs and cobblestones. Several other dark horses possess the potential to disrupt the race and claim a surprise victory.

Tour of Flanders 2024: A Classic Clash

This year's Tour of Flanders promises a memorable clash between Tadej Pogacar's formidable climbing ability and Mathieu van der Poel's unparalleled cobblestone expertise. The challenging course, with its iconic climbs and treacherous cobblestone sectors, will test the riders' limits, and the unpredictable weather could add another layer of complexity. The anticipation surrounding this showdown is palpable, and the potential for a thrilling, unpredictable finish is immense.

Don't miss the epic Tour of Flanders showdown between Pogacar and Van der Poel! Who do you think will win? Share your prediction using #TourOfFlanders #Pogacar #VanDerPoel!