Pogačar Solidifies Legend with Third Tour of Flanders Victory

Tadej Pogačar has once again proven why he is currently the most dominant force in professional cycling, capturing his third career victory at the Tour of Flanders. In a display of raw power and tactical precision, the Slovenian world champion claimed the 110th edition of “Vlaanderens Mooiste,” finishing ahead of Mathieu van der Poel and debutant Remco Evenepoel in a podium lineup that felt scripted for the history books.

The race, which spanned 278.2 kilometers from Antwerp to Oudenaarde, saw Pogačar maintain control of the proceedings for much of the day. His victory not only adds a third trophy to his personal cabinet but places him among the elite record-winners of the prestigious Flemish Classic. In doing so, Pogačar becomes the first rider since Eddy Merckx to win both Il Lombardia and the Tour of Flanders in the same season.

The Breaking Point: Oude Kwaremont and Paterberg

The race’s complexion shifted decisively on the second ascent of the Oude Kwaremont, approximately 55 kilometers from the finish line. A “Big Five” group—consisting of Pogačar, Mathieu van der Poel, Remco Evenepoel, Wout van Aert and Mads Pedersen—separated themselves from the peloton. Pogačar acted as the primary catalyst, driving the pace hard toward the Kwaremont square.

As the group hit the steepest section of the 2.1-kilometer climb, Pogačar accelerated, leaving Pedersen and Van Aert behind. The attrition continued five kilometers later on the Paterberg, where Remco Evenepoel lost contact with the leading duo of Pogačar and Van der Poel. Whereas Evenepoel was dropped on the first ascent, he refused to surrender, spending a significant portion of the remaining race fighting to bridge the gap.

The final blow came on the last ascent of the Oude Kwaremont. Pogačar, who had dictated the tempo throughout the day, launched a decisive attack that finally distanced Van der Poel. The Dutchman, a perennial threat in the Flemish hills, was unable to respond to the Slovenian’s surge, eventually crossing the line in second place.

The Evenepoel Debut: Tension and Triumph

Much of the pre-race narrative centered on Remco Evenepoel. In a move described as a “shock,” the Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe rider made his Tour of Flanders debut after months of team denials and secrecy. The announcement only came on the morning of Dwars door Vlaanderen, on April 1, leading some to initially mistake the news for an April Fool’s joke.

Pogačar admitted to being slightly surprised by the official announcement but noted that rumors of Evenepoel’s participation had been circulating for months. Once the race began, Evenepoel proved he belonged among the leaders. Despite losing contact on the Paterberg, the two-time Olympic champion—often referred to as the “aerokogel” for his time-trialing prowess—spent 35 kilometers creating the most tension of the day.

At one point, Evenepoel managed to claw his way back to within five seconds of Pogačar. The pressure was palpable; reports indicate that Pogačar, usually focused entirely on the road ahead, was forced to look back repeatedly to monitor Evenepoel’s progress. Still, every time the Belgian closed in, Pogačar responded with a surge of power to maintain his lead, ultimately securing the win while Evenepoel held on for a commendable third place on his first attempt.

A Streak of Unprecedented Dominance

Pogačar’s victory in Oudenaarde is part of a larger, almost unbelievable winning streak. Since the World Championships in Rwanda at the end of the previous season, the Slovenian has won every single race on his calendar. This relentless form has left rivals searching for answers, as Pogačar continues to operate at a level that separates him from the rest of the professional peloton.

For context, the Tour of Flanders is one of the most grueling events in the sport, characterized by narrow roads, steep cobbled climbs, and unpredictable weather. To win it three times—and to do so with such apparent ease—underscores a versatility that few in history have possessed.

Looking Ahead: The Road to Paris-Roubaix

While Pogačar celebrates in Oudenaarde, the cycling world now turns its attention to Paris-Roubaix. The “Hell of the North” represents the next major checkpoint for the sport’s elite. For riders like Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert, Roubaix is more than just another classic—it is an opportunity to break Pogačar’s current winning streak and reclaim the narrative of the spring classics.

Whether Pogačar can translate his dominance over the hills of Flanders to the brutal sectors of northern France remains the primary question facing the sport. If he succeeds, he will further cement a season that is already bordering on the legendary.

Next Checkpoint: The peloton prepares for Paris-Roubaix, where the world’s top classics specialists will attempt to end Pogačar’s unbeaten run.

Do you believe anyone can stop Pogačar before the Tour de France, or are we witnessing the greatest individual run in cycling history? Let us recognize in the comments.