Pogačar and Van der Poel Rivalry to Shape Tour of Flanders

Race week in Flanders centers on two names. Tadej Pogačar and Mathieu van der Poel have dominated the event since 2021.

Favorites and historical stakes

Tadej Pogačar arrives as the pre-race favorite. He is 27 years old and a two-time Ronde van Vlaanderen winner, claiming the title in 2023 and 2025.

He began the season with strong wins at Strade Bianche and Milan‑San Remo. At San Remo he dropped Van der Poel and outsprinted Tom Pidcock.

Pogačar has 21 monument starts and 11 monument wins. A victory would lift him to 12 monuments and mark his 111th career win.

Van der Poel’s bid

Mathieu van der Poel is 31 and a three-time Flanders champion. His Ronde triumphs came in 2020, 2022, and 2024.

He has 22 monument starts with eight monument victories. A fourth win at Flanders would level him with Tom Boonen for most De Ronde successes.

Van der Poel still seeks to erase the memory of being gapped on the Oude Kwaremont last spring. Recent form showed small question marks at E3 Saxo Classic and Gent‑Wevelgem.

Pogačar and Van der Poel Rivalry to Shape Tour of Flanders

The rivalry between these two riders has become the central story in one-day racing. Their battles have reshaped tactics across the spring classics.

They have shared dominance of the monuments in recent seasons. Since 2021, the winners list of Flanders has belonged to either Pogačar or Van der Poel.

That head-to-head remains tight. Pro Cycling Stats shows their classics meetings level at 11‑11.

The route and tactical outlook

The course returns to two decisive repeats of Oude Kwaremont and Paterberg. Those climbs are likely to host the race-defining moves.

The traditional Muur‑Bosberg finale has not featured since 2012. The Paterberg, placed about 15 kilometres from the finish, looks like the final big launch pad.

Pogačar’s plan is to force selections before the last climb. Fast finishers must simply avoid being dropped.

Who else can contest the podium?

Several riders could disrupt a two-man showdown. Wout van Aert has regained form and remains a popular choice.

• Wout van Aert — crowd favorite and proven contender.
• Mads Pedersen — capable of strong finishes and recoveries.
• Florian Vermeersch — a tactical option for teams backing Pogačar.
• Remco Evenepoel — an intriguing debut prospect at De Ronde.
• Jasper Stuyven — experienced classics specialist in the chase group.
• Christophe Laporte — reliable support and opportunist.
• Alec Segaert — a longshot with upside on hard days.
• Jonas Abrahamsen — aggressive rider likely to animate moves.
• Tim van Dijke — rebuilding form with strong support.
• Matteo Trentin — steady performer across cobbled races.

Numbers at a glance

The 110th Ronde van Vlaanderen promises high drama. Filmogaz.com will monitor whether the Pogačar and Van der Poel narrative decides the day.