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Remco Evenepoel's surprise decision to race in Sunday's Tour of Flanders has intensified what was already shaping up to be a blockbuster battle among the sport's top one-day riders.
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The Belgian and his Red Bull-BORA Hansgrohe team stunned the peloton with a late announcement confirming his debut at "De Ronde."
With world champion Tadej Pogacar defending his title, Mathieu van der Poel chasing a record fourth win and Wout van Aert returning to form, anticipation is building for a four-way showdown.
"We definitely shouldn't underestimate Remco. And yes, I'm glad he's at the start," said Van der Poel.
"The more strong riders there are, the faster the race opens up. That's not a disadvantage for me."
Van Aert echoed that sentiment, adding: "What I like about him is that he's always attacking and he makes the race."
"That's how I see myself, and that can work well."
Evenepoel acknowledged the challenge ahead but remained confident.
"Mathieu and Tadej are the big favourites: they've won five of the last six editions," he said.
"But if I'm there, it's because I feel that I can win."
Van der Poel could make history with a fourth Tour of Flanders victory, which would also match Tom Boonen's record of seven cobbled Monument wins.
"Of course I'm aware of that, and it would be something very special," said the Dutchman.
"But I approach the race with the same mindset as always: to try and win."
The Alpecin rider arrives in top form after victories at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and E3 Saxo Classic.
Van Aert believes Pogacar may hold the upper hand following dominant performances this season.
"We forget very quickly because Pogacar was ridiculously superior to everyone at Strade Bianche and Milan-San Remo," he said.
"Tadej is super strong and Mathieu's record at Flanders speaks for itself."
Pogacar, meanwhile, is chasing history of his own after finally winning Milano-Sanremo this year.
"Maybe I didn't realise before the race that it was a little bit bothering me," he said.
"I realised a few days after San Remo that it was a kind of relief... it was some sort of satisfaction to finally win it."
Continue reading...
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2026 Tour of Flanders - Men
The Belgian and his Red Bull-BORA Hansgrohe team stunned the peloton with a late announcement confirming his debut at "De Ronde."
With world champion Tadej Pogacar defending his title, Mathieu van der Poel chasing a record fourth win and Wout van Aert returning to form, anticipation is building for a four-way showdown.
"We definitely shouldn't underestimate Remco. And yes, I'm glad he's at the start," said Van der Poel.
"The more strong riders there are, the faster the race opens up. That's not a disadvantage for me."
Van Aert echoed that sentiment, adding: "What I like about him is that he's always attacking and he makes the race."
"That's how I see myself, and that can work well."
Evenepoel acknowledged the challenge ahead but remained confident.
"Mathieu and Tadej are the big favourites: they've won five of the last six editions," he said.
"But if I'm there, it's because I feel that I can win."
Mathieu van der Poel And Tadej Pogacar Chase History
Van der Poel could make history with a fourth Tour of Flanders victory, which would also match Tom Boonen's record of seven cobbled Monument wins.
"Of course I'm aware of that, and it would be something very special," said the Dutchman.
"But I approach the race with the same mindset as always: to try and win."
The Alpecin rider arrives in top form after victories at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and E3 Saxo Classic.
Van Aert believes Pogacar may hold the upper hand following dominant performances this season.
"We forget very quickly because Pogacar was ridiculously superior to everyone at Strade Bianche and Milan-San Remo," he said.
"Tadej is super strong and Mathieu's record at Flanders speaks for itself."
Pogacar, meanwhile, is chasing history of his own after finally winning Milano-Sanremo this year.
"Maybe I didn't realise before the race that it was a little bit bothering me," he said.
"I realised a few days after San Remo that it was a kind of relief... it was some sort of satisfaction to finally win it."
Continue reading...
