Cobbles will be key to Tour of Flanders win for Pogacar / Photo: Anne-Christine POUJOULAT - AFP/File
-
Pope Leo begins three-country South American tour in Uruguay
-
Britain considers 2027 state visit for Ukraine’s Zelensky
-
Khawaja says entire Australia camp knew of 2018 ball-tampering plan
-
Anna Miltina Confronted with Racism Allegations on ProSieben Show
-
November Foraging Guide: Edible Mushrooms and Critical Safety Protocols
-
German Auto Giants Face Existential Crisis as China Sales Plummet
-
Microsoft Updates Xbox PC App with 60% Faster Startup and Redesigned Interface
-
Cause of Death Revealed for 'Ellen' Producer Matthew Wright
-
Early Polar Vortex Disruption Creates Uncertain Winter Outlook for Pennsylvania
-
How to Enjoy Luxury Experiences on a Budget
-
Edmund Richardson Wins Baillie Gifford Prize for 'Alexander' Biography
-
Pakistan Demands Grant-Based Climate Finance at COP31 to Avoid Debt Trap
Cobbles will be key to Tour of Flanders win for Pogacar
Tadej Pogacar said Friday he felt strong enough to win the Tour of Flanders but would have to choose the right moment to make his winning move.
The 24-year-old two-time Tour de France winner is carving out a reputation as a classics rider, which is relatively rare for a top Tour star.
Having twice won the Tour of Lombardy and also Liege-Bastogne-Liege, the Slovenian narrowly missed out on the 2022 Tour of Flanders title when he was edged out on the home straight by eventual winner Mathieu van der Poel before finishing fourth.
"To win I'll have to be strongest on the climbs," Pogacar said of the 19 cobbled climbs awaiting the riders on the 274km race Sunday.
"But I'm flexible, there's more than one plan. So much can happen in six hours on a route like that."
Sunday's race has been billed as a three-way struggle between Pogacar and the two great classics riders, Van der Poel and Wout Van Aert.
"It would be a mistake to focus on those two," cautioned Pogacar.
"I feel strong and I can win this race if I have a good day."
If he does win he'll join Eddy Merckx and Louison Bobet as a Tour de France and Tour of Flanders winner.
"That is a motivation," said Pogacar. "I love this race, its atmosphere, the astonishing crowds and its extraordinary route."
O.Johnson--AMWN
