The world of cycling is buzzing after an electrifying showdown at Milano-Sanremo, where Mathieu van der Poel once again proved his dominance. The Dutchman fended off relentless attacks from Tadej Pogacar, ultimately sealing victory in a thrilling three-man sprint against Pogacar and Filippo Ganna. However, despite this setback for the reigning world champion, Irish cycling legend Sean Kelly remains steadfast in his belief that Pogacar is still the rider to beat at the upcoming Tour of Flanders. According to Kelly, the gruelling Oude Kwaremont climb will play into Pogacar’s strengths, making him the outright favourite for the prestigious one-day classic.
The Milano-Sanremo Thriller: Van der Poel’s Mental and Physical Edge
Last weekend’s Milano-Sanremo was nothing short of a spectacle. The 294km race, known for its tense, strategic battles, lived up to its billing. Pogacar, ever the aggressive racer, made his decisive move on the Poggio climb, unleashing a barrage of attacks to try and shake his main rivals. Yet, Van der Poel, alongside Ganna, displayed remarkable resilience, covering every surge Pogacar threw at them.
As they descended into Sanremo, the three were locked in an intense tactical battle. The sprint finish saw Van der Poel demonstrate his explosiveness, surging past Pogacar and Ganna to take his second Milano-Sanremo title. The victory reaffirmed the Dutchman’s reputation as one of the most formidable one-day racers of his generation.
Yet, while Van der Poel may have triumphed on the Italian roads, the Tour of Flanders presents an entirely different challenge—a challenge that Sean Kelly believes still favors Pogacar.
Oude Kwaremont: Pogacar’s Secret Weapon?
The Tour of Flanders, one of the five Monuments of cycling, is known for its brutal cobbled climbs and relentless undulations. Among these ascents, the Oude Kwaremont stands out as a key battleground where races are often won or lost. Its length (2.2km), gradient (averaging 4%, but peaking at 11%), and cobbled surface make it a true test of endurance and power.
Speaking on Eurosport’s cycling podcast, Kelly highlighted how Pogacar’s climbing prowess gives him a decisive edge on such terrain. “Milano-Sanremo is a very different race from the Tour of Flanders,” Kelly noted. “At Flanders, on a climb like the Oude Kwaremont, Pogacar has the ability to make a real difference. It’s not about sharp attacks, but about sustained power. That’s where he can drop riders like Van der Poel.”
Last year, Pogacar’s performance at Flanders was nothing short of spectacular. He launched a devastating attack on the Kwaremont, leaving all but Van der Poel struggling to match his pace. However, the Slovenian misjudged the tactical finish, allowing Van der Poel to edge him out in the sprint. This year, he will be keen to rectify that mistake.
The Van der Poel Factor: Can He Counter Pogacar Again?
While Pogacar has the advantage on the climbs, Van der Poel is a master of racecraft and tactics. The Dutchman has proven time and again that he can withstand Pogacar’s relentless attacks. His ability to manage his efforts and respond to key moves has made him a formidable opponent.
Sean Kelly acknowledges this but insists Van der Poel must be at his absolute best to challenge Pogacar in Flanders. “Mathieu will have to be incredibly sharp,” Kelly said. “If Pogacar goes full gas on the Kwaremont, it’s going to take everything for Van der Poel to hold on. And even if he does, will he have enough left in the tank for the sprint?”
One factor that could play in Van der Poel’s favor is team support. Alpecin-Deceuninck has been strengthening its classics squad, with riders like Jasper Philipsen and Søren Kragh Andersen capable of playing crucial roles. UAE Team Emirates, meanwhile, will be banking on Pogacar’s sheer individual brilliance, but they may struggle to control the race as effectively as Alpecin-Deceuninck.
A Psychological Battle in the Making
Beyond the physical aspects of the race, there is also a psychological element at play. Pogacar is known for his fearless approach, often launching long-range attacks that few can follow. Yet, Van der Poel’s recent victory at Milano-Sanremo may have given him a psychological boost heading into Flanders.
Kelly, however, downplays the idea that Pogacar’s confidence will be shaken. “Tadej is not the kind of rider to dwell on losses. If anything, this will only make him more motivated. He knows he has the legs, he knows he made a mistake last year, and he will want to make amends.”
The Role of Filippo Ganna and Other Contenders
While much of the focus will be on the Pogacar-Van der Poel duel, other contenders could also influence the outcome. Filippo Ganna’s recent performances suggest he is becoming a serious threat in one-day races. The Italian’s immense power and ability to sustain high wattage over cobbled climbs make him a dangerous wildcard.
Similarly, riders like Wout van Aert, Tom Pidcock, and Stefan Küng cannot be discounted. Van Aert, in particular, will be desperate to claim his first Tour of Flanders victory. The Belgian has had an inconsistent start to the season but is always a factor in the cobbled classics.
A Monumental Showdown Awaits
As the Tour of Flanders looms, anticipation is at an all-time high. Will Pogacar’s relentless climbing power on the Oude Kwaremont prove decisive, or will Van der Poel’s racecraft and finishing speed give him the edge once again?
Sean Kelly’s prediction that Pogacar remains the favourite is rooted in logic—his climbing ability, tactical awareness, and sheer determination make him a formidable contender. However, as Milano-Sanremo showed, Van der Poel thrives in high-pressure moments and is more than capable of rising to the occasion.
One thing is certain: cycling fans are in for a spectacle on April 7, as the world’s best one-day racers go head-to-head in one of the sport’s most iconic events. With the stakes higher than ever, only the strongest and smartest rider will emerge victorious on the cobbles of Flanders.
