Antwerp, Belgium – In a surprising turn of events, Remco Evenepoel will make his highly anticipated debut at the Tour of Flanders this Sunday, April 5th, challenging cycling’s current powerhouses, Tadej Pogacar and Mathieu van der Poel. The announcement, made by Evenepoel on Wednesday, adds another layer of intrigue to what is already shaping up to be a monumental clash in the heart of Belgium.
The Tour of Flanders, the second cycling Monument of the season, runs from Antwerp to Oudenaarde and has been dominated recently by Pogacar and Van der Poel, who have collectively claimed victory in the last four editions. Evenepoel’s initial plan involved a period of recovery following his fifth-place finish at the Volta a Catalunya, preceding a start at the Amstel Gold Race on April 19th. However, the young Belgian has clearly altered his schedule, signaling a determined push to compete with the best on the cobblestones.
This marks Evenepoel’s first participation in the Tour of Flanders since turning professional in 2019. The race is renowned for its challenging terrain, including numerous cobblestone sections (pavé) and steep climbs, demanding both endurance and technical skill. It’s a stark contrast to the time trial discipline where Evenepoel has excelled, claiming the World Championship title.
The addition of Evenepoel to the field significantly raises the stakes. Mathieu van der Poel’s dominant victory at the 2025 Milano-Sanremo demonstrated his exceptional form and reignited the debate over who among the three cycling stars – Evenepoel, Pogacar and Van der Poel – is most likely to conquer all five cycling Monuments. Pogacar, a two-time Tour de France champion, and Van der Poel, a multiple-time cyclocross world champion, represent formidable opposition.
According to reports, Evenepoel could pose a serious threat, even to riders of Pogacar and Van der Poel’s caliber, particularly if he’s able to distance himself during key moments. The time trial world champion’s ability to maintain a strong pace and tactical awareness will be crucial on the demanding course.
The Tour of Flanders is a cornerstone of the Spring Classics season, and this year’s edition promises to be one for the ages. Fans can expect a thrilling battle between these three cycling titans as they navigate the challenging roads of Flanders. The race will be closely watched by cycling enthusiasts worldwide, eager to see how Evenepoel fares in his debut and whether he can challenge the established dominance of Pogacar and Van der Poel.
Following the Tour of Flanders, Evenepoel is still scheduled to compete in the Amstel Gold Race on April 19th, the first of the Ardennes Classics. The outcome of Sunday’s race will undoubtedly influence his approach and strategy for the remainder of the spring campaign.
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