For Tadej Pogačar to finish first in Oudenaarde at the Tour of Flanders this Sunday, it is essential to evade a sprint finish against Mathieu van der Poel or any of his speedier competitors. The sole method to secure a second win is to put space between the Dutchman on the Oude Kwaremont or at another location along the route. He just can’t bear to pull his top competitor to the finish, and he understands this as well.
Two years prior, he made a solo move on the Kwaremont with one of the most decisive attacks the race has ever witnessed. It was ruthless, deliberate, and utterly destructive. Van der Poel was in excellent shape but couldn’t match the Slovenian’s brutal acceleration, after which he vanished and continued the attack over the Paterberg.
Pogačar’s unforgettable win erased all memories of the time he faltered in 2022, somehow ending up fourth in a diminished sprint to the finish. Van der Poel emerged victorious that year, while Pogačar was clearly upset at the finish due to his failure to overcome the Dutchman, even though the course theoretically favored the larger and stronger competitor.
Upon his return to Flanders a year later, it was evident that he had gained insights from that experience. He was determined not to let that same situation occur again. A significant assault and a complete commitment on the Kwaremont or gamble on the pull toward Oudenaarde; the solution was consistently the first option.
The identical scenario must unfold this time if he wants to even the score with his primary competitor this spring and secure an eighth Monument for his collection.
“In San Remo, he defeated me convincingly, but this is a different competition,” Pogačar stated this week while anticipating Sunday’s race over the cobblestones. “Flanders is somewhat more exhausting, and it will become tougher as the day goes on.” However, I’m here to compete for the win, so I will put forth my utmost effort to try and succeed.
“Perhaps I could improve after six hours, but he’s in fantastic condition,” he mentioned. “I simply aim to create a small lead at some stage during the race and make use of it.” However, there are numerous possibilities and choices that may arise on Sunday; I simply need to seize one and wish for the best.
Usually, the Slovenian revealed little with humble and unpretentious responses while evaluating his prospects of getting revenge on the Dutchman. Pogačar, however, is not seeking revenge; he just doesn’t function in that manner. He relies on his determination to succeed and his desire to excel to propel him forward. He doesn’t view losing to a competitor like Van der Poel – who is arguably one of the greatest Classics riders ever – as a reason to feel resentful.
“I can’t understand why I’d seek revenge when no one wronged me,” he remarked about their latest battle at San Remo. “It simply has to be a tough race, and perhaps he feels fatigued by the finish.”
A tough competition, which Pogačar can quickly turn Flanders into. Anticipate continuous explosive assaults as the climbs of Koppenberg, Oude Kwaremont, and Paterberg approach. Pogačar won’t enjoy a sprint following the beating he took on the Via Roma just two weeks ago. It’s all or nothing; strike on the ascents and shoot from distance.
Pogačar won’t have everything go his way, as Van der Poel leads a long line of competitors eager to stop him from winning. However, if he can establish that scenario for himself while on the road, he will be significantly closer to possible triumph.
