Tour Of Flanders Preview: Pogacar And Van Der Poel's Contention

Viktoria Ivanova

6 min read

Post on May 26, 2025

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Pogacar's Strengths and Strategy for the Tour of Flanders

Exceptional Climbing Ability

Pogacar's renowned climbing prowess gives him a significant advantage on the challenging ascents of the Tour of Flanders. His ability to generate immense power on steep gradients is legendary.

• Success in Grand Tours demonstrating his climbing strength: Pogacar's victories in the Tour de France showcase his exceptional climbing ability, allowing him to drop rivals on even the toughest ascents.
• Potential to drop rivals on climbs like the Oude Kwaremont and Paterberg: The iconic Oude Kwaremont and Paterberg climbs are notorious for separating the contenders. Pogacar's climbing power could be decisive here.
• Strong time-trial capabilities to solidify a lead: Should he gain a significant advantage, Pogacar's strong time-trial skills could allow him to defend his lead effectively. This is a key aspect often overlooked in Tour of Flanders analysis.

Adaptability and Tactical Awareness

Pogacar's versatility and tactical intelligence are crucial assets. He can adapt his racing style to various situations, making him a formidable opponent.

• Experience in different race formats: His experience in Grand Tours, one-day classics, and shorter stage races equips him with the adaptability needed for the Tour of Flanders.
• Ability to react strategically to attacks: Pogacar is known for his quick thinking and ability to counter attacks effectively.
• Potential use of team tactics: UAE Team Emirates will play a crucial role in supporting Pogacar, controlling the pace, and neutralizing attacks from rival teams.

Potential Weaknesses on the Cobbles

While a phenomenal all-rounder, Pogacar’s relative lack of experience on the notoriously rough cobblestone sectors could be exploited by his rivals.

• Need to manage risks on cobblestone sections: The unpredictable nature of the cobblestones presents a risk of crashes and punctures. Navigating these sections smoothly is crucial.
• Reliance on team support for navigating these challenging passages: Pogacar will heavily rely on his teammates to guide him safely through the cobbled sectors.
• Potential for punctures or mechanical issues: The rough cobbles increase the likelihood of punctures and mechanical problems, which could derail Pogacar's race.

Van der Poel's Strengths and Strategy for the Tour of Flanders

Unmatched Cobblestone Expertise

Van der Poel's dominance on the cobblestones is undeniable. His handling and power on these sections are unmatched, giving him a considerable advantage.

• Past victories and strong performances in Flanders: Van der Poel's previous successes in the Tour of Flanders highlight his expertise on these challenging terrains.
• Technical skills navigating tricky sections: His exceptional bike-handling skills allow him to navigate the treacherous cobblestone sectors with ease.
• Ability to attack and create gaps on the cobblestones: Van der Poel can use the cobblestones to his advantage, launching attacks and creating crucial gaps over his competitors.

Powerful Sprint and Finishing Ability

Van der Poel's explosive sprint finish offers a significant advantage in a potentially bunch sprint scenario. This makes him a dangerous opponent in various race scenarios.

• Proven ability to win from breakaways or a sprint: He's demonstrated his ability to win from both breakaways and bunch sprints, showcasing his versatility.
• Explosive power crucial in tight finishes: His explosive power is critical in winning close finishes.
• Strong lead-out from his team: Alpecin-Deceuninck will provide crucial support, shielding him from the wind and leading him into the final sprint.

Potential Vulnerability on the Steepest Climbs

While exceptionally strong, the steepest climbs might present a slight challenge compared to Pogacar's climbing prowess. This is a key area where Pogacar might gain an advantage.

• Need to manage energy expenditure on steep ascents: Van der Poel will need to carefully manage his energy expenditure on the steep climbs to avoid being dropped.
• Importance of positioning before crucial climbs: Good positioning before the climbs will be crucial for Van der Poel to minimize energy loss.
• Reliance on team support to mitigate this challenge: His team will need to protect him and help control the pace on the climbs to minimize the impact of Pogacar's superior climbing ability.

Key Factors Determining the Outcome of the Tour of Flanders

Weather Conditions

The weather can drastically affect the race, impacting the difficulty of the cobblestone sections and overall rider performance. This is a significant wildcard in predicting the outcome.

• Rain making the cobbles even more treacherous: Rain will make the cobblestones even more slippery and dangerous, increasing the risk of crashes.
• Wind affecting positioning and pacing: Strong winds can significantly impact the race, affecting rider positioning and making it harder to maintain a consistent pace.
• Potential for mechanical issues due to adverse weather: Adverse weather conditions can also lead to more mechanical issues, like punctures or brake problems.

Team Tactics and Support

The performance of each rider's team will be crucial in supporting their respective leaders and controlling the race. Team strategy will be key.

• Importance of strong teamwork: A strong and well-coordinated team is essential for both Pogacar and Van der Poel.
• Effective pacing and positioning: Teams need to effectively control the pace and ensure their leader is well-positioned for key moments in the race.
• Neutralizing opponents’ attacks: Teams will need to effectively neutralize attacks from rival teams to prevent their leader from losing crucial time.

Unexpected Events

Punctures, crashes, and mechanical failures can significantly alter the race's outcome. Unforeseen events are part of the thrill of the Tour of Flanders.

• Importance of luck and adaptability: A degree of luck and adaptability is always needed in a race like the Tour of Flanders.
• Preparedness for unforeseen circumstances: Both riders and their teams need to be prepared for unforeseen events.
• Potential for dramatic race shifts: A crash or mechanical problem can dramatically shift the race dynamic and create opportunities for other riders.

Conclusion

The Tour of Flanders 2024 promises an enthralling clash between Tadej Pogacar and Mathieu van der Poel. Pogacar's climbing strength and tactical acumen are counterbalanced by Van der Poel's cobblestone mastery and explosive sprint. The weather, team tactics, and the unpredictable nature of the race itself will play crucial roles in determining the victor. Don't miss this incredible spectacle of cycling; tune in to witness the ultimate showdown at the Tour of Flanders! Follow the race closely to see if Pogacar or Van der Poel will claim victory in this legendary cycling event! Prepare for an unforgettable Tour of Flanders!