Tour Of Flanders Preview: Pogacar And Van Der Poel's Expected Duel

Hugo van Dijk

4 min read

Post on May 26, 2025

4.8

Share

Pogacar's Form and Strategy

Tadej Pogacar, the two-time Tour de France winner, arrives at the Tour of Flanders with undeniable climbing prowess and raw power. His recent performances demonstrate a rider at the peak of his abilities, although his experience on the unforgiving cobblestones remains a question mark. His exceptional climbing ability, honed through years of conquering the Alps and Pyrenees, will undoubtedly be a crucial asset on the demanding climbs of the Oude Kwaremont and Paterberg.

• Strengths:

  • Unmatched climbing ability
  • Explosive power
  • Tactical acumen and race awareness
  • Excellent time-trialing capabilities

• Potential Race Strategy:

  • Early attacks to break the peloton and tire out rivals.
  • Following Van der Poel closely, capitalizing on any weakness.
  • Conserving energy for the crucial climbs, launching a decisive attack in the final kilometers.

• Potential Weaknesses:

  • Relative inexperience on cobblestone sectors; this could impact his confidence and tactical decisions on tricky sections.
  • Potential vulnerability to a strong early breakaway by Van der Poel or another specialist.

Van der Poel's Strengths and Approach

Mathieu van der Poel, the reigning cyclo-cross world champion and a multiple winner of prestigious cobblestone classics, is arguably the favorite for the Tour of Flanders. His unparalleled bike-handling skills on the cobblestones, combined with his explosive power and tactical versatility, make him a formidable opponent.

• Strengths:

  • Masterful bike handling on cobblestones
  • Exceptional power and acceleration
  • Tactical versatility and ability to adapt to changing race dynamics
  • Experience and success in similar races

• Potential Race Strategies:

  • Early breakaways to disrupt the race and gain a significant advantage.
  • Controlling the pace on crucial sectors, using his cobblestone expertise to deter attacks.
  • Launching a decisive attack on one of the decisive climbs.

• Potential Weaknesses:

  • The unpredictable nature of the weather could affect his performance, particularly strong winds or heavy rain.
  • A strong early attack by Pogacar could disrupt his planned strategy.

Key Sections of the Course and Their Impact

The Tour of Flanders course is infamous for its brutal cobblestone sectors and challenging climbs. Certain sections will likely prove decisive in the battle between Pogacar and Van der Poel.

• Oude Kwaremont: This long, steep climb is a traditional race-defining moment. Pogacar’s climbing strength will be crucial here.
• Paterberg: Short, incredibly steep, and cobbled, the Paterberg is where explosive power and superior bike handling skills are paramount. This favors Van der Poel.
• Koppenberg: Another notoriously steep and cobbled climb, its impact will depend on the condition of the cobbles and the pacing of the race up to this point.

The weather conditions on race day will play a crucial role, influencing the tactical decisions of both riders and potentially impacting the performance of the riders. Strong winds or rain can significantly affect the handling and stability of the bikes, especially on the cobblestones.

Other Contenders and Potential Race Dynamics

While the Pogacar-Van der Poel duel captivates the attention, other riders could significantly influence the race. Wout van Aert, for example, is always a threat in these cobblestone classics. The dynamics between teams, potential collaborations, and rivalries will add another layer of complexity. Surprise attacks and unexpected mechanical failures are always possibilities in a race as demanding as the Tour of Flanders.

Predicting the Winner: Pogacar vs. Van der Poel

Predicting the winner of the Tour of Flanders is always a challenging task. While Pogacar’s climbing prowess is undeniable, Van der Poel's expertise on the cobblestones and tactical acumen gives him a significant edge. The race could very well come down to the final kilometers and a decisive move on the Oude Kwaremont or Paterberg. Considering Van der Poel’s experience and dominance in similar races, he appears to hold a slight advantage, but Pogacar’s power and relentless attacking style make him a dangerous opponent. However, the unpredictability of cycling, particularly in a race like the Tour of Flanders, makes any prediction uncertain.

Conclusion

The upcoming Tour of Flanders promises an electrifying showdown between two of cycling's greatest talents: Tadej Pogacar and Mathieu van der Poel. Their contrasting strengths – Pogacar's climbing power versus Van der Poel's cobblestone mastery – will make for a fascinating tactical battle. While Van der Poel might hold a slight edge due to his experience on similar courses, Pogacar’s potential for game-changing attacks can't be discounted. Don't miss the thrilling Tour of Flanders and witness this epic duel firsthand! Watch Pogacar and Van der Poel compete in the Tour of Flanders – a race that will be etched into cycling history.