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Mathieu van der Poel names Tadej Pogačar as the top favorite for the 2026 Tour of Flanders. Van der Poel, racing for Alpecin-Premier Tech, acknowledges the pressure to challenge Pogačar from UAE Team Emirates-XRG. However, he points to Remco Evenepoel of Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe as a formidable contender who could disrupt Pogačar's dominance.
Pogačar, a three-time winner of the Tour of Flanders in 2020, 2022, and 2024, aims for a record-equalling third victory following his recent Milan-San Remo triumph. Van der Poel, cautious after his recent crash during San Remo, emphasizes Pogačar's superiority, stating, “It’s very clear, the ‘big four’ is maybe the ‘big one’ today.” He recalls Pogačar’s decisive moves on the Kwaremont in past races, admitting, “It’s going to be very difficult to beat him.”
Despite acknowledging Pogačar's strength, Van der Poel insists he will race aggressively if his legs allow. "I don’t think it’s a good thing to be afraid," he asserts. The showdown between these elite riders is set to captivate fans as the Tour of Flanders approaches. All eyes are on Pogačar, Van der Poel, and Evenepoel this season.
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