2024-03-31 14:47:45
Published on March 31, 2024 at 4:47 p.m. – updated on March 31, 2024 at 5:15 p.m.
Author of a sensational number, Mathieu Van der Poel won the 108th Tour of Flanders. Second last year, the Dutchman won this Monument for the third time in his career.
Currently a rider is splashing the world of cycling with his talent. The world champion Mathieu Van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck) produced another breathtaking performance this Sunday. Announced as the big favorite of the 108th Tour of Flanders, the wearer of the rainbow tunic assumed his status, taking his responsibilities relatively far from the finish line. Precisely 45 kilometers from the goal. His first attempt a few kilometers earlier did not pay off. This did not discourage him in any way and his second coat left his rivals speechless in the hellish climb of Koppenberg. A steep, cobbled and extremely slippery portion forcing competitors to dismount.
Along with Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek), Mathieu Van der Poel is the only cyclist able to climb this climb while remaining firmly attached to his saddle. Nevertheless, theThe Dane left too much strength in the previous breakaway. A fatal riot of energy because he was unable to follow Raymond Poulidor’s grandson. The one who had dominated “MDVP” last week during Ghent-Wevelgem then formed a group of pursuers with serious clients such as Alberto Bettiol (EF Education-EasyPost), Dylan Teuns (Israel-Premoer Tech), Tim Wellens ( UAE Team Emirates), Ivan Garcia Cortina (Movistar), Matteo Jorgenson (Visma-Lease a Bike) and Laurenz Rex (Intermarché-Wanty). However, the leader’s lead continued to grow.
Van der Poel, true king of the Tour of Flanders
Almost two minutes ahead of the pack chasing him, Mathieu Van der Poel covered the last 45 kilometers alone. A comfortable mattress giving him the luxury of lowering his foot in the final stretches. He crossed the finish line a little over a minute ahead of his runner-up, the Italian Luca Mozzato (Arkea-B&B Hotels) then a trio from UAE Team Emirates: Nils Politt, Mikkel Bjerg and Antonio Morgado. The Belgian Dylan Teuns finished at the same time (+1:02) in 8th position just ahead of the Italian Alberto Bettiol. The first Frenchman, Valentin Madouas (Groupama-FDJ), crossed the line in Oudenaarde in 16th place (+2:02).
Mathieu Van der Poel further expands his impressive track record. He won this Monument for the third time in his career (2022 and 2020). For the last five years he has finished second when not crowned. Last year he was beaten by Tadej Pogacar. In the pantheon of this Classic, he joins legends such as Tom Boonen and Johan Museeuw who have in the past registered their name three times on the “Ronde” prize list.
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