Will Pogacar Or Van Der Poel Win The Tour Of Flanders?

Chloe Fitzgerald

5 min read

Post on May 26, 2025

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Tadej Pogacar's Chances at Tour of Flanders Victory

Pogacar, the two-time Tour de France champion, brings an undeniable powerhouse of talent to the Tour of Flanders. His chances rest on a combination of extraordinary strengths and potential vulnerabilities in this specific race context.

• Exceptional Climbing Ability: Pogacar's climbing prowess is legendary. The numerous climbs in the Tour of Flanders, including the Oude Kwaremont and Paterberg, are traditionally decisive points in the race. His ability to attack on these inclines could shatter the peloton and set him up for victory. He's shown repeatedly that he can drop even the most seasoned climbers.

• Remarkable Power and Sprinting Capabilities: Beyond his climbing, Pogacar possesses a devastating sprint. If he can make it to the finish in a small group, his raw power gives him a significant advantage. This dual threat makes him a dangerous opponent for any rider.

• Relatively Less Experience on the Cobblestones: This is arguably Pogacar's biggest weakness. The Tour of Flanders is notoriously challenging due to its numerous cobblestone sectors. Van der Poel's mastery of these sections gives him a considerable advantage. Pogacar's lack of extensive experience navigating these treacherous sections could prove costly.

• Potential for Tactical Errors: Due to his relative inexperience in the intricacies of one-day Classics like the Tour of Flanders, Pogacar might be more susceptible to tactical errors made by other riders or his team.

• Strong Support Team Crucial for Success: A strong support team is essential for Pogacar’s success. They need to protect him from crashes, control the pace, and feed him strategically throughout the race, mitigating his cobblestone weakness and setting him up for a decisive attack at the opportune moment.

Mathieu van der Poel's Bid for Tour of Flanders Glory

Mathieu van der Poel is widely considered a Classics specialist. His strengths lie perfectly within the demands of the Tour of Flanders.

• Unmatched Cobblestone Expertise: Van der Poel’s handling of the cobblestones is unparalleled. His technical skill and experience navigating these tricky sections give him a massive edge over other competitors, including Pogacar. He can maintain speed and power where others falter.

• Powerful Sprint Finish: Like Pogacar, Van der Poel boasts an incredibly powerful sprint. This is crucial in a race that often culminates in a select group sprint.

• Proven Track Record in One-Day Classics: Van der Poel has a phenomenal record in one-day Classics, demonstrating his tactical acumen and ability to perform under pressure. This experience is invaluable in a race as unpredictable as the Tour of Flanders.

• Potential Vulnerability in Extended Climbs: While a strong climber, Van der Poel's climbing ability is not quite on par with Pogacar's. Sustained climbs could prove to be a decisive factor, potentially allowing Pogacar to make a decisive move.

• Tactical Nous and Experience a Significant Advantage: Van der Poel’s experience in navigating the complexities of the Tour of Flanders, understanding the race dynamics, and making key tactical decisions, gives him a significant strategic edge.

Analyzing the Race Route and its Impact

The Tour of Flanders route is notoriously demanding. The impact of the parcours on the race outcome is immense.

• Key Cobblestone Sectors: The numerous cobblestone sectors will play a critical role in shaping the race. Their length, condition, and placement can lead to splits in the peloton, favoring riders adept at navigating the rough terrain.

• Significance of Crucial Climbs: The Oude Kwaremont and Paterberg, along with other significant climbs, are traditional testing grounds where the race often takes shape. The ability to attack on these climbs is crucial for victory.

• Route Favoring Climber or Classics Specialist?: This year's route presents a complex challenge. While the climbs might favor Pogacar, the extensive cobblestone sections could level the playing field, benefiting Van der Poel's expertise.

• Role of Weather Conditions: Unpredictable weather can significantly impact the race. Rain, wind, or even extreme heat can dramatically alter the strategy and tactics employed by the riders.

• Potential for Echelons and Breakaways: The wind and the nature of the terrain could lead to echelons (long, strung-out formations) and breakaways, making tactical positioning critical.

Past Performances and Head-to-Head Analysis

To gain further insight, examining past performances and head-to-head encounters is crucial.

• Previous Tour of Flanders Performances: Both riders have achieved notable successes in other Classics, but their past performances specifically in the Tour of Flanders will highlight their strengths and weaknesses on this particular course.

• Recent Form and Results: Analyzing their recent form and results in other major races provides a glimpse into their current fitness level and race readiness.

• Head-to-Head Encounters: While direct head-to-head encounters between Pogacar and Van der Poel in the Tour of Flanders are limited, studying their past interactions in other races gives an indication of their racecraft against each other.

• Team Strategies: The effectiveness of each rider's team in supporting their respective strategies will be critical to the final outcome of the race.

Conclusion

Predicting the winner of the Tour of Flanders between Pogacar and Van der Poel is a difficult task. While Pogacar possesses superior climbing ability, Van der Poel's mastery of the cobblestones and experience in Classics give him a strong edge. The race route, weather, and tactical decisions will all play a significant role. Ultimately, both riders have a legitimate shot at victory.

Who do you think will win the Tour of Flanders – Pogacar or Van der Poel? Share your prediction in the comments below! Let the debate about the Tour of Flanders winner begin!