Pogacar And Van Der Poel: Who Will Win The Tour Of Flanders?

Axel S�rensen

4 min read

Post on May 26, 2025

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Tadej Pogacar's Chances at Tour of Flanders Victory

Pogacar's Strengths

Tadej Pogacar, the two-time Tour de France champion, brings formidable strength to the Tour of Flanders. His assets are undeniable:

• Exceptional Climbing Ability: Pogacar's climbing prowess is legendary. He can effortlessly power up even the steepest inclines, leaving many rivals in his dust. This will be a significant advantage on the challenging climbs featured in the race.
• Powerful Sprint Finish: Beyond climbing, Pogacar possesses a devastating sprint finish, capable of overpowering most competitors in a head-to-head battle. This could prove decisive if the race comes down to a small group sprint.
• Proven Ability to Win Grand Tours: His Grand Tour victories demonstrate his exceptional endurance, tactical awareness, and overall strength – key attributes in a grueling race like the Tour of Flanders. Past performances in the likes of the UAE Tour highlight his versatility.
• Past Victories: While his Classics record is developing, Pogacar's consistent performance across various terrains proves his adaptability and potential to excel in this new challenge. His successes underscore his ability to win against diverse competition.

Pogacar's Weaknesses

Despite his strengths, Pogacar faces some challenges in the context of the Tour of Flanders:

• Relatively Less Experience in Cobbled Classics: Compared to Van der Poel, Pogacar has limited experience navigating the treacherous cobbled sectors that define the race. This lack of experience could be a significant factor.
• Susceptibility to Attacks on Cobbled Sectors: The unpredictable nature of the cobblestones can lead to unexpected crashes and tactical disruptions. Pogacar's relative inexperience on these surfaces makes him potentially vulnerable to attacks from more seasoned Classics riders.

Pogacar's Strategy

To win, Pogacar will likely focus on conserving energy during the early, chaotic cobbled sections and then unleashing his climbing power on the crucial ascents. A late attack, capitalizing on his superior climbing and finishing speed, seems a likely strategy.

Mathieu van der Poel's Chances at Tour of Flanders Victory

Van der Poel's Strengths

Mathieu van der Poel is a master of the cobbled Classics, boasting an impressive track record:

• Unmatched Experience and Success in Cobbled Classics: Van der Poel's experience on the cobbles is unparalleled. He's a specialist in these races, having already secured several prestigious victories on similar courses.
• Exceptional Bike Handling Skills on Rough Terrain: His bike-handling skills on the rough cobbled sections are simply extraordinary, allowing him to navigate the challenging terrain with ease and maintain speed.
• Powerful Acceleration and Tactical Acumen: Van der Poel's explosive acceleration and sharp tactical mind make him a formidable opponent, capable of launching devastating attacks at crucial moments.
• Past Tour of Flanders Victories: His previous wins and strong performances in the Tour of Flanders demonstrate his capacity to conquer this demanding race.

Van der Poel's Weaknesses

Even the most dominant Classics rider has vulnerabilities:

• Potential Vulnerability to Pogacar's Climbing Prowess: While excellent on the flats and cobbles, Van der Poel's climbing ability might not match Pogacar's on the steeper ascents.
• Fatigue Risk Over the Long Race Distance: The long distance and intense effort required in the Tour of Flanders could lead to fatigue, especially if he's involved in numerous attacks early in the race.

Van der Poel's Strategy

Van der Poel will likely aim to control the race from the front, using his superior cobblestone skills to dictate the pace and wear down his rivals. He might strategically save energy on some climbs to unleash a powerful final push.

Comparing the Contenders: Pogacar vs. Van der Poel

The Tour of Flanders prediction hinges on a direct comparison: Pogacar's climbing prowess versus Van der Poel's cobblestone expertise. While a head-to-head record is limited, the contrasting strengths highlight a fascinating contest. Weather conditions could also sway the outcome. Strong winds or heavy rain might favor Van der Poel's experience on the cobbles, while dry conditions might give Pogacar a better chance to showcase his climbing strength. The race dynamics will significantly influence the final result.

Conclusion: Predicting the Winner of the Tour of Flanders

Predicting the winner is a challenging task. Pogacar's climbing power and finishing speed pose a significant threat, but Van der Poel's mastery of the cobbles and tactical acumen make him a very strong contender. Considering the overall balance, Van der Poel’s experience and expertise on the specific terrain gives him a slight edge. However, Pogacar's potential for a late, decisive attack keeps the race fiercely competitive. The Tour of Flanders 2024 will likely be decided by small margins and tactical brilliance.

Who will win the Tour of Flanders this year? Let us know your predictions in the comments! Share your thoughts on the Pogacar vs. Van der Poel showdown and who you believe will emerge victorious in this epic classic cycling race.