Cycling: Tadej Pogacar has won the Ronde van Vlaanderen. After 273,4 kilometers in Oudenaarde, the Slovenian was able to assert himself against Mathieu van der Poel and the entire classic elite. This is only the third time a tour winner has won this monument. The 107th Tour of Flanders started in Bruges and was marked by numerous falls.
Pogacar drives to solo victory in Oudenaarde
It almost sounds like a joke: if a Pogacar comes to Flanders and wins. But it has become reality. Probably the best mountaineer in the world is now crowned king of the slipways and king of the cobblestones at the Ronde van Vlaanderen. Tadej pogacar (UAE) himself was the one who launched the first attack in the group of favorites at the Kwaremont with 55 kilometers to go. Together with Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin – Deceuninck) he advanced to the breakaway group, only to force the final decision again at the Kwaremont. As a soloist, the two-time winner of the Tour de France drove towards his big victory. He wins another monument after the Lombardy Tour.
The grand battle begins at the Kwaremont
opened 55 kilometers from the finish Tadej pogacar (UAE) the big fight of the favorites. The Slovenian launched his attack in the Oude Kwaremont and nobody could follow him. After that, the two-time tour winner waited for his pursuers, because the way to the finish line would have been far too far for a solo ride. Together with Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin – Deceuninck) and wout van aert (Jumbo – Visma) at his side, the decisive phase of the Ronde van Vlaanderen began. This culminated in another preliminary decision in the Kruisberg when Van der Poel launched an attack and Van Aert was no longer able to follow. In this way, Van der Poel and Pogacar managed to catch up with the breakaway group that was still in front. Mads pedersen (Trek – Segafredo) was already in the lead as a soloist at this point and drove towards the Kwaremont for the last time.
Explosive attack from Pogacar on Oude Kwaremont! #RVVmen #RVV23 pic.twitter.com/Ncd2cZRCDL
— Ronde van Vlaanderen (@RondeVlaanderen) April 2, 2023
Dangerous start for van der Poel & Pogacar
Already at the beginning of the race, some well-known drivers had to survive dangerous situations. When there were still over 200 kilometers to go, the field was divided into several groups. Among other things Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin – Deceuninck) and Tadej pogacar (UAE) falling behind due to wind edges and falls. After a long chase, however, everything came together again. Only then did the eight-man lead group form around the German Jonas slip (EF Education – EasyPost), Dan Hoole (Trek - Segafredo), Tim Merlier (Soudal – Quick Step), Elmar Reinders (Jayco – AlUla), Hugo Houle (Israel – Premier Tech), Philip Columbus (Q36.5) and Guillaume van Keirsbulck (Bingoal WB).
Standing tests by DSM
A questionable action led to a curiosity about 120 kilometers from the finish up the Eikenberg. There, Team DSM formed up at the head of the peloton, only to slow down enormously. Some riders behind them even had to get off their bikes because they came to a standstill due to the traffic jam. The DSM team then accelerated over the crest, which of course led to an accordion effect. As a result, the peloton tore into a few pieces again – and it was again Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin – Deceuninck) not attentive. A few kilometers later, a strong chasing group formed. Eleven men, including the Swiss Stefan Kung (Groupama – FDJ), Mads pedersen (Trek – Segafredo) and Kasper Asgreen (Soudal – Quick-Step) managed to catch up to the top. Nils Politt (Bora – hansgrohe) missed the decisive attack. The German later tried to follow as a soloist, but he didn't succeed.
— Cycling out of context (@OutOfCycling) April 2, 2023
Many falls and a disqualification
All those drivers who couldn't finish the race were hit badly today. Had to get off the bike early on Danny van Poppel (Bora – hansgrohe), Valentin Madouas (Groupama – FDJ), Tim Wellens (UAE) and Oier Lazkano (Movistar) some co-favourites. The Pole Filip Macieyuk (Bahrain - Victorious) was disqualified even during the race for causing a mass crash. Around 150 kilometers before the finish, he left the asphalt on the left-hand side of the road to overtake some professionals. However, he skidded on the grass and caused some drivers to fall.
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El 'Principe' esloveno nos regala una exhibition para el recuerdo y conquista su primer Tour de Flandes
#RVV23 | #LaCasadelCiclismo pic.twitter.com/afUDjxI34I
- Eurosport.es (@Eurosport_ES) April 2, 2023