Listen & read
Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech) finishes second again in the Tour of Flanders, unable to match the power of Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG). Van der Poel reveals he cranked out 650 watts but still couldn’t hold on to Pogačar’s wheel during the decisive moment on the Oude Kwaremont. Pogačar, the reigning World Champion, secures his third victory in De Ronde, becoming the eighth rider to achieve this milestone.
Van der Poel acknowledges Pogačar's dominance, stating, “There was someone stronger. There was nothing I could do about it.” Pogačar’s team ignited the race with a fierce push on the Molenberg, leaving only the top 16 riders from the peloton. Team co-owner Philip Roodhooft praises Van der Poel’s effort, emphasizing that it’s tough to deem it a defeat against Pogačar’s exceptional performance.
Pogačar’s prowess shines as he claims his 12th Monument title, showcasing the gap in strength as the cycling season heats up. Van der Poel’s candid remarks underscore the challenge of competing against such an elite rider, marking another chapter in their ongoing rivalry. The cycling world watches closely as both athletes gear up for future races.
Comments (0)