Ronde van Vlaanderen Race Preview: The Tour of Flanders is the perfect one-day race within the World, okay, I stated it. Paris-Roubaix is phenomenal, nevertheless it’s flat. Vlaanderens Mooiste (Flanders’ Most Stunning) has cobbles, but in addition has murderously brief, steep climbs. It additionally has the loopy, Flemish bike followers. De Ronde by no means disappoints. Right here is the PEZ 2025 Flanders Preview:
2024 Tour of Flanders
2024 Tour of Flanders
Final yr Mathieu van der Poel was anticipated to win the 2024 Tour of Flanders, however the Alpecin-Deceuninck rider took an epic Ronde with solo effort within the Flemish rain, going solo from the Koppenberg. Surprisingly, Luca Mozzato (Arkéa-B&B Accommodations) was second and Michael Matthews was third, however the Australian was declassed in favour of Nils Politt (UAE Group Emirates). After 20 kilometres a bunch of eight made their escape: Bert Van Lerberghe (Soudal Fast-Step), Luke Durbridge & Elmar Reinders (Jayco AlUla), Damien Touzé (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale), Lionel Taminiaux (Lotto Dstny), Stanislaw Aniolkowski (Cofidis), David Dekker (Arkéa-B&B Accommodations) and Jelle Vermoote (Bingoal WB). At first they have been chased, nevertheless it suited the staff’s of the favourites and so their lead was allowed to extend. Alpecin-Deceuninck and Lidl-Trek took management of the peloton for Mathieu van der Poel and Mads Pedersen and so the break quickly had a lead of 4:20, however that was their most. There was a variety of followers on the roadside, this brought about at the least three crashes one seemed notably unhealthy for a girl spectator. Surprisingly, the primary counter-attack got here from Alpecin-Deceuninck, however Visma | Lease a Bike chased down Axel Laurence after which, with 110 kilometres to go, Matteo Jorgenson saved going. Pedersen additionally made a transfer, however every thing calmed down once more. On the Molenberg, 100 kilometres from the end, there was extra fireworks.
Mads Pedersen managed to trip up the Koppenberg
As soon as once more it was Pedersen, this time with Jorgenson and Van der Poel on his wheel. A really sturdy group broke away from them, which was a harmful state of affairs for the World champion. A bunch of Pedersen, Dylan van Baarle, Tiesj Benoot, Nils Politt and Oliver Naesen had a spot. The Alpecin-Deceuninck males didn’t enable the hole to get too huge after which Van der Poel closed the hole on the Valkenberg with a robust effort. Pedersen wasn’t completed and went once more, however he had Gianni Vermeersch on his wheel, MvdP’s teammate. Pedersen and Vermeersch stayed off the entrance and climbed Berg Ten Houte with none issues. Within the peloton, Alpecin-Deceuninck have been in management and saved the hole small. Stefan Küng, who crashed with spectators, was in a position to return. The rain and moist roads made the race very nervous within the run-up to the second passage of the Oude Kwaremont. Oier Lazkano put the stress on, on the Kwaremont, however Van der Poel closed the hole to Pedersen and Vermeersch. On the high, solely Pedersen, Lazkano, Dylan Teuns, Laurence Pithie and Tim Wellens have been nonetheless on the wheel of the World champion, after which a bunch together with Jorgenson and Matej Mohorič was in a position to be a part of them. The primary time over the Paterberg the race was cut up, however the gaps have been nonetheless small. Within the run-up to the Koppenberg the teams of favourites got here again collectively. Iván García jumped away and began the cobbles climb of the Koppenberg with a slight lead, however he had a mechanical drawback and needed to cease. Mathieu van der Poel got here storming previous with Matteo Jorgenson and Mads Pedersen behind him. The others weren’t so fortunate and needed to run up the climb.
Mathieu van der Poel solo after the Koppenberg
The tempo that Van der Poel set on the Koppenberg was the decisive transfer of the day. Jorgenson had the World champion in sight excessive, however Van der Poel now had the bit between his tooth and took time on everybody. By the Traaiberg the lead was already 50 seconds on the American, who needed to drop again to a bunch with Bettiol, Teuns, García, Wellens, Pedersen and Laurenz Rex. The cooperation was not good and so Van der Poel over one and a half minutes with 30 kilometres to go. He nonetheless had the Oude Kruisberg/Hotond, Oude Kwaremont and the Paterberg to sort out. Behind Van der Poel, the battle for the opposite podium locations was on. On the Hotond, Teuns and Bettiol broke away, however they have been almost 2 minutes behind Van der Poel. The World champion needed to endure booing and a beer bathe the final time on Kwaremont. No issues on the Paterberg earlier than the 13 flat kilometre to Oudenaarde. Van der Poel took his third victory within the Tour of Flanders, after his victories in 2020 and 2022. Greater than 1 minute behind Van der Poel, Bettiol and Teuns have been racing for the rostrum, however there was a big group arising from behind. Within the ending straight, Teuns and Bettiol began to play a recreation of poker, permitting the chasing group to catch them within the final 200 metres. Surprisingly second place went to Luca Mozzato (Arkéa-B&B Accommodations), who had an enormous battle with Michael Matthews (Jayco AlUla). After the end the race jury declassed the Australian for his ‘swap’ to 1 facet. Nils Politt (UAE Group Emirates) was awarded third place.
Van der Poel’s third Ronde win in 2024
2024 Ronde van Vlaanderen Consequence:
1. Mathieu van der Poel (Ned) Alpecin-Deceuninck in 6:05:17
2. Luca Mozzato (Ita) Arkéa-B&B Accommodations at 1:02
3. Nils Politt (Ger) UAE Group Emirates
4. Mikkel Bjerg (Den) UAE Group Emirates
5. António Morgado (Por) UAE Group Emirates
6. Magnus Sheffield (USA) INEOS Grenadiers
7. Oliver Naesen (Bel) Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale
8. Dylan Teuns (Bel) Israel-Premier Tech
9. Alberto Bettiol (Ita) EF Schooling-EasyPost
10. Toms Skujiņš (Lat) Lidl-Trek.
Tom Boonen on three De Ronde wins
Achiel Buysse, Fiorenzo Magni, Eric Leman, Johan Museeuw, Tom Boonen, Fabian Cancellara and Mathieu van der Poel are all on three wins, can the Dutchman take the report?
The final 10 Winners of De Ronde:
2024: Mathieu van der Poel (Ned)
2023: Tadej Pogačar (Slo)
2022: Mathieu van der Poel (Ned)
2021: Kasper Asgreen (Den)
2020: Mathieu van der Poel (Ned)
2019: Alberto Bettiol (Ita)
2018: Niki Terpstra (Ned)
2017: Philippe Gilbert (Bel)
2016: Peter Sagan (Slov)
2015: Alexander Kristoff (Nor).
Johan Museeuw additionally on three wins
Route:
The Tour of Flanders began in Antwerp final yr, so this yr it’s the flip of Brugge and the peloton will depart from the Markt at 10am. There are a number of small adjustments to earlier years: The run-up to the finale has been adjusted barely, however the finale itself is unchanged.
2025 De Ronde van Vlaanderen map
Within the first hundred kilometres of the race, the riders will cross by Beernem, Aalter and Zulte, and different cities/villages. After 109 kilometres, the riders will hit the primary impediment, the cobblestones of Doorn, then there may be the primary of three climbs of the Oude Kwaremont. The second climb is the Eikenberg, which was not a part of the route in 2024, when the beginning was in Antwerp. There’s additionally a change in comparison with 2023, the final time the Tour of Flanders began in Bruges. After the Eikenberg, Wolvenberg and Holleweg, the Karel Martelstraat replaces the cobbles of Kerkgate. So there are a number of adjustments, however the finale of the Tour of Flanders stays the identical. Beginning with the cobbles of Jagerij, the climb of the Molenberg, the Paddestraat, the Berendries and at last the Valkenberg, all inside thirty kilometres.
Mads Pedersen on the Koppenberg
The summit of the Valkenberg is slightly below 90 kilometres from the end, after 180 kilometres. An assault on the Berg Ten Houte or the Hotond, the subsequent hills on the course is feasible, however very early. After the Hotond, the route goes to the Oude Kwaremont for the second time after which the Paterberg. The primary passage of the Paterberg at all times offers motion, because the Koppenberg is arising. The very robust Koppenberg is the place the favourites will present their hand. The Steenbeekdries and Taaienberg come very quickly. Then the Hotond, which it’s about ten kilometres earlier than the final passage of the Oude Kwaremont.
2025 De Ronde van Vlaanderen profile
That final passage of the Oude Kwaremont comes 16.7 kilometres from the end. That is the place a number one group of high males will put the stress on for the penultimate time. 13.2 kilometres from the end the Paterberg comes once more, it’s lower than 400 metres lengthy, however made for the puncheurs. After the highest of the Paterberg, there are 13 flat kilometres to Oudenaarde. A solo isn’t unattainable, however the wind might be an element as it may be fairly sturdy. If a big group continues to be collectively, then techniques might be vital. The end is on the huge Minderbroedersstraat in Oudenaarde. Good for a bunch dash or a solo victor.
When will Mathieu van der Poel make his transfer
Climbs
1. Oude Kwaremont (2,200 metres at 4%)
2. Eikenberg (1,200 metres at 5.1%)
3. Wolvenberg (645 metres at 7.9%)
4. Molenberg (463 metres at 7%)
5. Berendries (940 metres at 7%)
6. Valkenberg (540 metres at 8.1%)
7. Berg Ten Houte (1,100 metres at 6%)
8. Hotond/Nieuwe Kruisberg (2,500 metres at 5%)
9. Oude Kwaremont (2,200 metres at 4%)
10. Paterberg (360 metres at 12.9%)
11. Koppenberg (600 metres at 11.6%)
12. Steenbeekdries (700 metres at 5.3%)
13. Taaienberg (530 metres at 6.6%)
14. Hotond/Nieuwe Kruisberg (2,500 metres at 5%)
15. Oude Kwaremont (2,200 metres at 4%)
16. Paterberg (360 metres at 12.9%).
Cobbles
1. Doorn (1,650 metres)
2. Holleweg (900 metres)
3. Karel Martelstraat (1,300 metres)
4. Jagerij (800 metres)
5. Paddestraat (2,500 metres)
6. Mariaborrestraat (2,400 metres)
7. Stationsberg (600 metres).
These Flemish cobbles
The Favourites
The 2 high males of the second, Mathieu van der Poel and Tadej Pogačar, will meet up once more within the Tour of Flanders for a repeat (we hope) of their battle in Milan-Sanremo. Pogačar attacked in La Primavera, however Van der Poel was in a position to reply simply earlier than the summit of the Poggio after which dash to victory on the Through Roma. There’s a good probability that we are going to see a duel once more in Flanders on Sunday.
One other duel on Sunday
If we take a look at the current end result, Van der Poel has a slight benefit. The Dutchman’s ‘worst’ end result was a fourth place on his first look in 2019. His different outcomes are 1st in 2020, 2nd in 2021, 1st in 2022, 2nd in 2023 and 1st in 2024. If he takes his fourth victory this yr, he’ll turn into the report holder. For the time being, he’s on three wins with Johan Museeuw, Fabian Cancellara, Tom Boonen, Eric Leman, Fiorenzo Magni and Achiel Buysse. Van der Poel has received 50% of his participations, however the identical goes for Pogačar. The Slovenian began in 2022 and 2023. In his first participation he completed 4th, however a yr later, Pogačar dropped everybody, together with Van der Poel, on the Oude Kwaremont after which soloed to victory in Oudenaarde. Pogačar could make a distinction ahead of in Milan-Sanremo. The climbs come one after the opposite in fast succession within the finale and the Koppenberg and Paterberg are comparatively brief, however rather a lot steeper than the Cipressa and Poggio. There’s additionally the Oude Kwaremont, the place he can attempt once more. Pogačar must eliminate the Dutchman (and everybody else), as a result of if it involves a dash between the 2, he’ll greater than doubtless end second. Van der Poel confirmed his dash in Milan-Sanremo, he’s a sooner and smarter sprinter than Pogačar.
There are extra locations for Pogačar to assault in De Ronde
There are different contenders: Wout van Aert is at all times a most important challenger, however the Belgian just isn’t at his finest (Don’t point out Wednesday’s Dwars Door Vlaanderen). He was disappointing within the ‘Opening Weekend’ and within the E3 Saxo Basic, after his altitude coaching camp in Tenerife, he was additionally unable to impress. The Visma | Lease a Bike Belgian rode an invisible race and end in fifteenth place. However we are able to’t write Van Aert off. Riders typically want a while after an altitude coaching camp to search out their finest type and the subsequent two weekends is when he desires to peak. The Tour of Flanders can also be a special race from all of the earlier races of the season, particularly for a Belgian, a Flemish one at that. Van Aert appeared to have hassle positioning himself within the E3 Basic, however the additional kilometres in Flanders will slim down the peloton earlier than the ultimate, making positioning simpler. There was a variety of dialogue on Van Aert having an issue and criticism, particularly within the Belgian press, of his preparation and race schedule, so Van Aert can have the stress on his shoulders to point out his actual value and he doesn’t maintain again from a combat.
Don’t write Van Aert off
Then there may be the opposite man on type in the intervening time, Mads Pedersen. After a powerful remaining weekend in Paris-Good, the Dane was not so good in Milan-Sanremo, however he had been unwell the week earlier than ‘La Primavera’. Within the E3 Saxo Basic, Pedersen was again to full health. The Lidl-Trek rider attacked on the Taaienberg and was the strongest rider within the race… behind Van der Poel. He misplaced greater than a minute to the Dutchman, however he additionally put a minute into Filippo Ganna. Then you definitely’re in good condition. Two days later, Pedersen was the favorite to win Gent-Wevelgem and he didn’t disappoint. With a powerful solo of 56 kilometre, he took the win. This was his third Gent-Wevelgem win, however to do the identical in De Ronde is a special proposition. Pedersen rode his finest Flanders in 2018, his Ronde debut, he completed second, behind Niki Terpstra. He has ridden the Tour of Flanders six extra occasions, ending within the high ten twice. Eighth in 2022, third in 2023. He have to be one of many ‘better of the remainder’.
Mads Pedersen has the shape, however…
Filippo Ganna ought to end larger than he has earlier than in De Ronde. The Italian didn’t end in 2018 and was 98th in 2019. It has been six years since he has ridden the Tour of Flanders, so we are able to’t actually draw any conclusions from his previous outcomes, however in current weeks, Ganna has been in storming type. In Tirreno-Adriatico he completed second general after profitable the primary stage and holding the lead for 5 days. He then took second place in Milan-Sanremo behind Van der Poel and forward of Pogačar, and a 3rd place within the E3 Saxo Basic. In Sanremo he was the one one who may go together with the ‘Massive Two’ within the finale. Within the E3 he took his first podium place in a Flemish basic. In each races Ganna seemed good, however he was at all times following. Additionally on the brief climbs he’s on the heavy facet to have the wanted explosiveness for the Tour of Flanders. Within the E3 Saxo Basic he suffered on the brief, steep Flemish climbs.
Third once more for Ganna? If he’s fortunate
Visma | Lease a Bike doesn’t solely have Wout van Aert. The most important contender within the Dutch staff may very well be Matteo Jorgenson. The winner of Paris-Good can also be a budding Classics-man and he has seemed extra alert within the one-day races than Van Aert. The American takes initiative and is filled with self-confidence. Jorgenson was within the early first peloton of the E3 Saxo Basic, though he needed to go ‘full fuel’ to get in that group and burnt too lots of his matches. “I felt good, nevertheless it wasn’t a superb race,” the 25-year-old rider instructed WielerFlits after the race. If the winner of final yr’s Dwars door Vlaanderen can trip a extra wise race within the Tour of Flanders, he ought to have a superb end result.
Matteo Jorgenson – Visma’s No.1?
Jorgenson was in the identical E3 Saxo Basic group with Jasper Stuyven and Stefan Küng. That should have been a lift for Stuyven, as a result of he had a tough crash within the remaining stage of Tirreno-Adriatico. He has apparently recovered sufficient to do nicely within the Tour of Flanders. Along with Pedersen, he can type a harmful duo for Lidl-Trek. Küng was sixth in Harelbeke for one more high lead to a cobbled Basic. The flat roads of Paris-Roubaix are most likely higher fitted to the Swiss rider, however he also can trip nicely in Flanders. He completed fifth in 2022 and sixth in 2023. Successful might be rather a lot more durable for Küng, however a solo with others taking a look at one another behind, is a risk.
Stefan Küng may shock?
Biniam Girmay might be hoping for a bunch end in Oudenaarde. The Intermarché-Wanty chief hasn’t had the perfect preparations for the Spring Classics attributable to his spouse giving start to their second daughter. However he did trip nicely in Milan-San Remo, the place he was fourteenth and Gent-Wevelgem, taking seventh. Milan-Sanremo was his first race in virtually a month, so he ought to have the ‘race rhythm’ again in his legs for Sunday.
Biniam Girmay must be again in type
Tim Wellens rode a robust Milan-Sanremo. The Belgian might be Pogačar’s domestique, but when he’s in a lead group with the World champion, they will play an attacking recreation. On this state of affairs, Wellens may very well be a winner. He’s actually on type in the intervening time, as he confirmed on the Cipressa, he completed eighth within the E3 Saxo Basic and third in Strade Bianche.
Tim Wellens – UAE’s second man?
The Outsiders: Valentin Madouas (Groupama-FDJ), Toms Skujiņš (Lidl-Trek), Oliver Naesen (Decathlon AG2R), Tim van Dijke (Purple Bull-BORA-hansgrohe), Magnus Sheffield (INEOS Grenadiers), Michael Matthews (Jayco AlUla), Dylan Teuns (Cofidis), Luca Mozzato (Arkéa-B&B Accommodations), Tiesj Benoot & Dylan van Baarle (Visma | Lease a Bike), Florian Vermeersch & Jhonatan Narvàez (UAE Emirates XRG), Søren Wærenskjold & Alexander Kristoff (Uno-X Mobility), Matteo Trentin & Rick Pluimers (Tudor).
If Pogačar can’t eliminate Van der Poel earlier than the end, it’s laborious to see the Dutchman lose
Who’re the highest favourites?
Prime Favourites: Mathieu van der Poel and Tadej Pogačar
Subsequent Finest: Mads Pedersen
Possible: Wout van Aert, Filippo Ganna and Matteo Jorgenson
Attainable: Stefan Küng, Jasper Stuyven, Biniam Girmay and Tim Wellens.
* The beginning line-up would possibly change earlier than Sunday. *
# Keep PEZ for the race report on Saturday and all of the information from Flanders in EUROTRASH Monday. #
Go simple on the beer – It’s an extended day!
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