The 2025 Tour of Flanders proved to be a monumental edition with a thrilling finale in Oudenaarde, where Slovenian cyclist Tadej Pogačar emerged victorious. Covering a demanding 269 kilometers, Pogačar finished one minute ahead of his chasers, Mads Pedersen, Mathieu van der Poel, and Wout van Aert, who finished second, third, and fourth.
The peloton departed from Antwerp, embarking on a route that included 16 cobbled climbs and seven flat cobbled sections. The course was designed to challenge riders’ endurance and tactical prowess, featuring renowned ascents such as the Oude Kwaremont, Koppenberg, and Paterberg. As the race progressed, the intensity heightened, leading to a decisive split in the field.
A breakaway group formed early in the race, gaining a maximum advantage of approximately four and a half minutes. However, teams like UAE Team Emirates and Alpecin-Deceuninck took charge of the chase, gradually reducing the gap.
Approximately 127 kilometers from the finish, a significant crash occurred in the peloton, involving prominent riders such as Mathieu van der Poel, Tim Wellens, and John Degenkolb. While Degenkolb was forced to retire due to multiple fractures, van der Poel managed to rejoin the main field after a brief chase.
On the Taaienberg climb, Pogačar launched a decisive attack, distancing himself from the main group. He was joined by van der Poel and Mads Pedersen, forming a trio that worked collaboratively to build a lead.
As the race neared its final stages, the trio faced challenges. On the Oude Kruisberg, Pedersen was dropped, while van der Poel and Pogačar continued to press forward. A chase group comprising Wout van Aert, Pedersen, and Jasper Stuyven formed behind, maintaining a consistent gap but failing to close it completely.
The duo tackled the Oude Kwaremont and Paterberg climbs twice in the final circuit. Pogačar’s relentless pace on these ascents proved too much for van der Poel, who began to fade. Pogačar crested the Paterberg with a significant lead, setting his sights on the finish line.
Pogačar crossed the finish line solo in Oudenaarde, stopping the clock at 5 hours, 58 minutes, and 41 seconds. His performance solidified his status as one of cycling’s elite riders, showcasing exceptional strength and strategy.
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