When Pogacar begins, the cobblestones tremble

The Resurgence of the Dominator: Pogacar Outmaneuvers Van der Poel at Tour of Flanders

When Pogacar begins, the cobblestones tremble

Tadej Pogacar, the indefatigable champion, reclaimed the upper hand over his rivals, notably Mathieu van der Poel, in the 109th edition of the Tour of Flanders. Pogacar exhibited his unrivaled skill on the cobblestone roads of Belgium, ending a captivating race marred by tactics and tenacity.

Slovenian cycling phenom Pogacar emerged victorious over Mailand-Sanremo conqueror Van der Poel, avenging his recent defeat. With a well-timed attack 18 kilometers from the finish line, Pogacar, the current world champion, clinched his second Tour of Flanders win, announcing his readiness for his Paris-Roubaix debut.

Pogacar's decisive assault on the Oude Kwaremont, his final ascent before the dramatic conclusion, proved too much for his adversaries, Van der Poel included. The three-time winner of Tour of Flanders, who would have set a solo record with this event, failed to keep up with the Slovenian champion's relentless push.

Van der Poel took second place in the chase group, ending his journey 1:01 behind Pogacar, and finished with an unexpected third-place podium finish behind former world champion Mads Pedersen. The success for Pogacar at this historic Belgian race marked his second victory after victories in 2023 and 2025.

German cyclists played key roles in supporting Pogacar's bid for victory. Nils Politt, who finished third the previous year, gave steady support to Pogacar's UAE Team Emirates-XRG outfit. Meanwhile, veteran John Degenkolb abandoned the race following a crash, casting doubt on his participation in the upcoming Paris-Roubaix. Only two German victories have been achieved in the Tour of Flanders since its inception in 1913—by Rudi Altig in 1964 and Steffen Wesemann in 2004.

The atmosphere along the route was electric, as thousands of enthusiastic fans gathered to witness the prestigious race. Prior to the event, Pogacar acknowledged the spectators' impact, saying, "It's unique. The crowd gives you an extra adrenaline boost, especially on the climbs and cobbled sections."

More Than Just a One-Hit Wonder

Pogacar, a prodigy of the cycling world, has built a legacy filled with notable victories, most notably in Grand Tours and Classics. Since his professional debut, the 25-year-old star has astounded the cycling community with his exploits on the road:

Tour de France: In 2020, Pogacar accomplished a remarkable feat, becoming the youngest rider ever to win the Tour de France at 21. He added more victories in 2021 and 2022, cementing his status alongside the greats of cycling.
Giro d'Italia: In 2024, Pogacar also clinched a triumph at the Giro d'Italia, demonstrating his adaptability across diverse landscapes and race formats.
Monument Wins: Recognized as the toughest one-day races in the sport, the Monuments have been contested by legends such as Eddy Merckx and Roger de Vlaeminck. Pogacar marked his territory in these flagship events:
Tour of Flanders: Capturing victory in the 2023 and 2025 editions, Pogacar demonstrated his superiority on the cobbled roads, showcasing an unmatched blend of climbing prowess and racing intellect. In the 2025 race, following a decisive attack on the Oude Kwaremont, he powered through a grueling 19-kilometer solo stretch to secure victory[1][2].
Liège-Bastogne-Liège: In 2021 and 2023, Pogacar demonstrated his dominance in the Classics, making history as one of the few riders to win this event twice.
Amstel Gold Race: Pogacar has secured subsequent victories in various races leading up to the Monuments, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile cyclist[3].
World Champion: In 2023, Pogacar donned the coveted rainbow jersey as the world champion, placing him alongside the crème de la crème of cycling icons[4].

The Future of a Cycling Titan

Known for his aggressive approach and relentless pace, Pogacar's upcoming Paris-Roubaix debut will prove crucial in his continued ascent to cycling stardom. With Paris-Roubaix representing a new challenge on the cobbled roads, Pogacar aims to maintain his winning streak, making a memorable mark on this classic race.

Cycling enthusiasts and detractors alike anticipate what this young champion will achieve in the future. With an unyielding determination and a natural talent, it's evident that Tadej Pogacar is set to continue delivering unforgettable performances for years to come.

The Commission has not yet adopted a decision on the application of the new rules regarding cycling's Monuments, such as the Tour of Flanders, considering the unprecedented success of riders like Tadej Pogacar.
Despite Flanders being a Belgian race, riders from neighboring countries like Germany, such as Nils Politt and John Degenkolb, have played significant roles in supporting Slovenian champion Pogacar's bid for victory in the Tour of Flanders.
Especially for races like the Tour of Flanders, which feature challenging cobblestone roads, former Tour of Flanders winners like Steffen Wesemann have a unique connection with the spectators, who provide an extra adrenaline boost for the riders, as Pogacar acknowledged before the race.