Van der Poel, Van Aert Vie Against Pogačar as Evenepoel Enters Tour of Flanders

The 110th Tour of Flanders arrives this Sunday. The race covers 278km from Antwerp to Oudenaarde.

Route and conditions

The course runs through the Flemish Ardennes. Riders will face brutal cobbles and typical Belgian spring weather.

The opening 100km acts as a long prelude. It includes six flat cobbled sectors and 16 cobbled climbs.

Key ascents include the Paterberg, Oude Kwaremont and the Koppenberg. Each climb can decide the race.

Form guide and warm-up races

All the major warm-up events are complete. E3, In Flanders Fields and Dwars door Vlaanderen finished the lead-up.

Those races shaped team tactics and rider selection. Fitness and form were tested across the cobbles.

Main contenders

Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)

Pogačar starts as the defending champion. He seeks a third Tour of Flanders win and also has Milan–San Remo this season.

He has proved adept at attacking on the Oude Kwaremont. Team mate Florian Vermeersch will help with positioning.

Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech)

Van der Poel remains one of the sport’s top Classics riders. He has won this Monument multiple times and will target another victory.

He trained in Spain after a late crash with Wout van Aert at In Flanders Fields. His team now adapts after Gianni Vermeersch left for Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe.

Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike)

Van Aert showed strong form in recent races. He attacked from far out at Dwars but was reeled in before the finish.

He returns with Christophe Laporte back in the team. Visma will try to produce a tactical plan to challenge the favourites.

Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek)

Pedersen was last year’s runner-up. He has recovered from two fractures and has posted solid results in the lead-up races.

His sprint after a hard day remains a key asset. He could feature if he reaches the finale with the main group.

Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe)

Evenepoel is the surprise entry and is making his Ronde debut. Red Bull announced his participation on the morning of Dwars door Vlaanderen.

He completed a course recon on Thursday. Evenepoel brings punch and one-day pedigree, including Olympic and World titles.

Fans will watch Van der Poel and Van Aert vie against Pogačar as Evenepoel prepares his debut at the Tour of Flanders.

Dark horses and team options

• Alec Segaert (Bahrain Victorious) — late attacker who almost won In Flanders Fields and won GP de Denain.
• Arnaud De Lie (Lotto-Inermarché) — sprint option with evolving Classics form.
• Paul Magnier (Soudal-QuickStep) — young talent who could profit from a reduced sprint.
• Jonas Abrahamsen (Uno‑X Mobility) — consistent spring performer with top-10 placings in E3 and In Flanders Fields.
• Matteo Trentin (Tudor) — experienced leader who often appears near the front in tough races.
• Jasper Stuyven and Dylan van Baarle (Soudal‑QuickStep) — team options to follow or counter big moves.
• Kasper Asgreen (EF Education‑EasyPost) and Alberto Bettiol (XDS Astana) — former winners starting but unlikely favourites.

What to watch on race day

Expect intense racing over the Oude Kwaremont and the Koppenberg. Those climbs usually split the race apart.

Positioning before each cobbled sector will be vital. Teams will fight to protect their leaders early in the day.

Coverage

Filmogaz.com will provide live reports, analysis and race reaction. Follow our coverage for updates before and after the finish.