CYCLING – TEAM Bahrain Victorious will today line up at the 110th edition of the Tour of Flanders – one of the most prestigious and iconic races in cycling, known locally in Belgium as ‘Vlaanderens Mooiste’.
Few races capture the spirit of cycling like this Monument. From the extraordinary passion of the fans to the legendary cobbled climbs of the Flemish hills, the Tour of Flanders is defined by its unique atmosphere and relentless difficulty.
This year’s edition will start in Antwerp, alternating once again with Bruges. From the Grote Markt, where the team presentation takes place, to the start at Ernest Van Dijckkaai, riders will be welcomed by thousands of fans lining the roads, creating an unforgettable atmosphere from the very first kilometres.
The route features 16 climbs, with a minor change replacing Steenbeekdries with Marlboroughstraat, while retaining all the race’s defining features.
The opening 100km wind through the Flemish countryside, with Herzele named as this year’s ‘Village of the Tour’. The first real challenges begin after around 110km with the cobbled sectors, followed by the first ascent of the iconic Oude Kwaremont, coming 136km from the finish.
From there, the race intensifies with a relentless sequence of climbs and cobbled sections. Legendary hills such as the Paterberg and Koppenberg are expected to play a decisive role, where the favourites will begin to make their moves. As in recent years, the crucial point of the race is likely to be the Oude Kwaremont-Paterberg combination, with the final ascent of the Paterberg cresting just 13km from the finish in Oudenaarde, after 278km, setting up the decisive run-in.
“We have a strong squad that performed well in last week’s Classics,” Bahrain Victorious sports director Nikolas Maes said. “We remain realistic: a top 10 would already be a solid result for us, especially considering the level at the start, with riders like Remco Evenepoel, Tadej Pogacar and Mathieu van der Poel.
“It’s not necessarily a complicated race tactically, but it will be extremely hard. I expect a very aggressive race, possibly opened early by strong teams.
“If we can get riders like Alessandro Borgo or Matevz Govekar into a good position or even in front early on, that would be very valuable. Around them, Kamil Gradek, Zak Erzen, and Pau Miquel will play key supporting roles.
“Once the race really opens up, we will focus on Alec Segaert and Matej Mohoric. Anticipation has become more difficult in recent years, but if we can place one of them well around the second passage of the Oude Kwaremont, it could be a key moment for us.
“We stay realistic with a top 10 as our goal, but in a race like the Tour of Flanders, you never know how things will unfold. Alec and Matej both have the engine to come into their own after 200km and we hope for the best for the Flanders’ ‘nicest’ race.”
Mohoric added: “With all the big favourites at the start, I expect one of the fastest editions of the Tour of Flanders. I’m feeling better with every race, but in these races, good legs alone are not enough, especially against such a strong field.
“I believe that if we keep racing as a team and take our opportunities, everything can come together. We will give our best and aim for a big result.”
Segaert commented: “I’m starting my second Tour of Flanders with a lot of motivation after some good Classics. Matej has also shown he’s ready for the big battles ahead.
“It’s always a special day in Flanders, where this race is almost sacred. Everyone is watching, and the crowds on the climbs are incredible.
“Last year was my first experience, and riding up the Oude Kwaremont through that wall of noise is something I’ll never forget. I hope to fight for a strong result and enjoy this amazing day again.”
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