Cycling: Mathieu van der Poel lived up to his role as a favourite. The Dutchman won the Tour of Flanders for the second time. In the sprint he beat compatriot Dylan van Baarle, Valentin Madouas and Tadej Pogacar.
Van der Poel vs Pogacar
He started as a favorite and crossed the finish line as the winner. Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin – Fenix) withstood the pressure and can celebrate his second Ronde victory after 2020. On the 272,5 kilometer course from Antwerp to Oudenaarde, 18 short climbs – so-called slipways – had to be mastered. Since these were only due in the second half of the race, a breakaway group was initially let go before the favorites took matters into their own hands. It was none other than Tadej pogacar (UAE) who went on the offensive first with more than 50 kilometers to go. When the two-time tour winner did this a second and third time, he got his desired selection. The only one he couldn't get rid of was Mathieu van der Poel.
Van Baarle was almost allowed to dust off
On the last kilometer both watched each other so much that they almost stopped and a duo was able to catch up from behind. Dylan van baarle (Ineos Grenadiers) was even able to sprint to second place and Valentin Madouas (Groupama – FDJ) completed the podium. Against Mathieu van der Poel but neither the Dutchman nor the Frenchman had a chance. Tadej pogacar will be annoyed that he even gambled away the podium place due to the standing attempts.
Asgreen has no chance after a defect
unlucky Kasper Asgreen (Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl). Last year's Danish winner suffered a defect at what was probably the decisive moment. Among other things, the Tour of Flanders was not there at all wout van aert (Jumbo – Visma) and Soren Kragh Andersen (DSM). The Germans, on the other hand, presented themselves well Max Kanter (Movistar) and the Swiss Tom Bohli (Cofidis). Both were part of the breakaway group of nine, which was able to lead the race for long stretches. However, the teams UAE, Alpecin – Fenix and Jumbo – Visma made sure that the gap was limited and the gap was eventually closed. A tempo increase of Matteo Trentin (UAE) finally led the preliminary decision and the attacks of Tadej pogacar .
Beklijvende finish! Van der Poel sprints opposite to winst in the Round of Vlaanderen #RVV22 pic.twitter.com/2B5qvmXdWv
— Sporza (@sporza_koers) April 3, 2022