RACE REPORT: Tadej Pogačar stamped his authority on cycling’s cobbled heartland once more, riding clear on the final ascent of the Oude Kwaremont to claim his third victory at the Tour of Flanders.

To many fans of pro cycling, there is no more important one day race than the Tour of Flanders – de Ronde – a Monument among Monuments.  To be in Belgium for race day is unlike any other experience, and having done it myself a couple of times, I can attest to its “bucket list” status for any self respecting sports fan.  While I watched today’s epic display of cycling prowess play out from the comfort of my couch – coffee in hand – I’m pleased to present this hopefully well illustrated race report of what was a battle among the giants of one-day racing – Wout van Aert, Mattieu van der Poel, Remco Evenepoel, and of course Tagej Pogacar.

There is almost no more fitting a start town than the classically Begian Antwerp for the Tour of Flanders.

The world champion proved untouchable when it mattered most, distancing Mathieu van der Poel before powering solo to Oudenaarde. Van der Poel finished second, with debutant Remco Evenepoel rounding out the podium. Wout van Aert and Mads Pedersen completed the top five.

Early Moves & Railway Drama

After a tense start out of Antwerp, it took nearly 30 km for the day’s break to finally form — a 13-man move including Silvan Dillier, teammate to Van der Poel.

The peloton, controlled by UAE Emirates XRG, kept things tight until chaos struck at a railway crossing. Barriers dropped mid-race, splitting the bunch.

Race officials neutralized the situation, allowing dropped riders — including Van der Poel — to return. No disqualifications followed, but the early break gained valuable time from the disruption.

UAE Turns the Screws

As the race hit the cobbled climbs, UAE lit the fuse. On the Molenberg, the pace shattered the peloton, leaving a select group of around 15 riders — all the big names present and correct.

Pogačar, Evenepoel, and Van der Poel were active early, while Van Aert and Pedersen initially held their cards.

Rain briefly swept through Flanders, but like the calm before a storm, the race reset — for only a moment.

The Race Explodes

With 78 km to go, the break was absorbed, and the favourites took control. Attacks flew — Vermeersch, Laporte, and others probing — but it was inevitable:

This race would be decided by the giants.

Kwaremont Chaos: The Decisive Blow

On the second ascent of the Oude Kwaremont, Pogačar launched.

Van Aert responded immediately. Van der Poel clawed his way back. Evenepoel dangled, then rejoined. But the elastic was stretching.

On the Paterberg, Pogačar struck again — harder this time. Evenepoel cracked. Van der Poel held on.

With 50 km to go, it was down to two:
Pogačar vs. Van der Poel.

Final Selection: One More Kick

Evenepoel chased valiantly, hovering just seconds behind, but each climb — Koppenberg, Taaienberg, Kruisberg — saw the gap yo-yo, never quite closing.

Then came the final Oude Kwaremont.

Pogačar didn’t wait.

He attacked early, violently — the kind of move that defines careers.

Van der Poel fought, but the gap opened. Slowly. Then decisively.

Solo to Glory

Over the Paterberg and into Oudenaarde, Pogačar extended his lead with every pedal stroke.

Inside the final kilometre, the gap told the story:

• ~45 seconds to Van der Poel
• ~1:30 to Evenepoel
• 2+ minutes to Van Aert

A masterclass in timing, power, and dominance.

2026   »   110th Ronde van Vlaanderen ME (1.UWT)