Tadej Pogacar in the rainbow jersey of the World Cup winner. © APA/afp / ERIC LALMAND

Supernatural Pogacar wins Tour of Flanders

Tadej Pogacar took his eighth victory in a monument of one-day classics at the Tour of Flanders on Sunday.

06 April 2025

From: dpa

Road cycling world champion Tadej Pogacar won the Tour of Flanders for the second time after an outstanding performance. The Slovenian took the victory solo, preventing Dutchman Mathieu van der Poel from becoming the sole record winner with his fourth victory.

At the 109th edition of "De Ronde," Pogacar prevailed after 269 kilometers between Bruges and Oudenaarde, ahead of Danish former world champion Mads Pedersen and van der Poel. Visma pro Wout van Aart was also no match for the Solwenian and had to settle for fourth place, off the podium.

Mathieu van der Poel couldn't withstand the repeated attacks. © APA/afp / DAVID PINTENS

With 19 kilometers to go, Pogacar launched the decisive attack on the Oude Kwaremont and held on to his lead. This also served as revenge for the spring classic Milan-Sanremo, when he lost a duel with van der Poel and ultimately finished third.

Mass crash at halftime

About 130 kilometers from the finish, a massive mass crash occurred. Twelve riders were involved in the high-speed crash. German pro John Degenkolb was down and unable to continue the one-day race. Fellow favorite van der Poel was also affected by the crash, but was able to continue.

The next showdown between Pogacar and van der Poel will take place in just one week. Pogacar will compete in the cobblestone classic Paris-Roubaix for the first time next Sunday and will face his rival again.