thecyclingdane

The 2026 Tour of Flanders delivered a brutal sense of déjà vu… and once again, it was Tadej Pogačar who stood above everyone else.
In this episode, we break down a relentless edition of De Ronde where Pogačar didn’t just win — he dispatched Mathieu van der Poel and Remco Evenepoel with a performance that felt eerily similar to 2025. Same climbs, same pressure points, same outcome. But was it really the same race?
We dive deep into the key moments that decided everything — from the early positioning battles to the decisive accelerations on the Oude Kwaremont and Paterberg — and analyse exactly how Pogačar cracked two of the strongest classics riders in the world.
Was van der Poel caught on the limit too early? Did Evenepoel play his cards wrong… or was he simply outmatched? And what does this mean for the balance of power in the Spring Classics going forward?
This isn’t just a recap — it’s a full tactical breakdown of how one rider continues to redefine what’s possible in the biggest one-day races.

Itzulia Basque Country is back, and as always, it’s one of the most explosive and unpredictable stage races of the season. Running from April 6th–11th, this year’s edition opens with a punchy time trial in Bilbao before six relentless days of climbing, technical racing, and uphill finishes that will constantly pressure the GC.
In this episode, we break down the full route and where the race will be won — from the steep opening TT that could already create gaps, to the brutal Stage 5 with nearly 4,000 metres of climbing, and a final day into Bergara that almost guarantees late drama. With the addition of Red Bull KM time bonuses, expect aggressive racing and constant GC movement throughout the week.
Then we dive deep into the favourites.
Isaac del Toro comes in as the man to beat after a sensational start to 2026, already proving he can win big stage races and handle repeated climbing efforts. Primož Roglič arrives with a point to prove after a quieter Tirreno-Adriatico and will likely race aggressively, especially on the punchy uphill finishes that suit him perfectly.
Juan Ayuso is one of the biggest question marks — if he’s recovered from his crash, he has the all-around ability to win this race, but any weakness will be exposed quickly on this terrain. Meanwhile, Paul Seixas continues his rapid rise and could be on the verge of a true breakout moment at WorldTour level.
Beyond the headliners, this is where Itzulia always gets dangerous. Antonio Tiberi has already shown strong stage race form this season, Tobias Halland Johannessen thrives in chaotic, climbing-heavy races, while Mikel Landa and Pello Bilbao will be hugely motivated on home roads and know exactly how to race this terrain.
This race rarely follows the script — so who survives the chaos, and where does it all explode?

What started as an April Fool’s rumour has turned into one of the most fascinating storylines of the 2026 spring classics—Remco Evenepoel is making his long-awaited Tour of Flanders debut.
In this episode, we dive into why this isn’t just a publicity move. Evenepoel arrives with real pedigree in one-day racing, experience on tough terrain, and—crucially—a powerful Red Bull–BORA–hansgrohe team built to support him deep into the race. From his past Monument success to his performances on demanding, technical courses like the Rwanda World Championships, the pieces are there for something special.
The big question: can he actually challenge the two dominant forces of modern cobbled racing—Mathieu van der Poel and Tadej Pogačar?
We break down how his engine, race instincts, and team strength could allow him to disrupt the expected script, and why—if he makes it into the final—this debut could quickly turn into a genuine fight for victory.
Because this isn’t just about showing up.
It’s about whether Remco Evenepoel can take on the two best riders in the world… on their terrain.

Defending champion Tadej Pogačar returns in 2026, chasing a place among the all-time greats. His rivalry with Mathieu van der Poel has already delivered unforgettable battles — splitting victories in 2022 and 2023, before Pogačar’s dominant move in 2025. But this year, the challengers are lining up: Wout van Aert and Mads Pedersen are ready to disrupt the script.
The 2026 route returns to Bruges, stretching over 268.9km with 16 climbs. The race builds slowly before erupting into chaos in the Flemish Ardennes. The Oude Kwaremont — long, grinding, and relentless — and the brutally steep Paterberg will once again decide everything. Add in the savage Koppenberg with 45km to go, and you have a race designed to destroy all but the strongest.

Dwars door Vlaanderen returns in 2026, and this year’s edition feels like it carries more weight than most. Not just because it sits on the doorstep of Flanders, but because of what happened here 12 months ago.
In 2025, we witnessed one of the most shocking and, frankly, embarrassing collapses from Visma | Lease a Bike. A race that looked completely under control unravelled in spectacular fashion, as Neilson Powless stunned them with a perfectly timed move that left the favourites scrambling and exposed. It wasn’t just a defeat — it was a tactical meltdown that still lingers heading into this year.
Now, the story resets… but the pressure doesn’t.
Wout van Aert returns. After a season disrupted by injury and recovery, he lines up not just to compete, but to remind everyone who he is on these roads. Dwars door Vlaanderen has unfinished business for him, and you can be sure he hasn’t forgotten.
But he’s not alone in that mindset.
Mads Pedersen also arrives with something to prove. After battling his way back from setbacks, the Dane is chasing that cobblestone moment — the kind that defines a spring. He’s been close before, but this feels like a pivotal opportunity to turn resilience into victory.
This preview episode breaks down everything you need to know: the key contenders, the tactical dynamics, the critical sectors, and whether Visma can avoid another nightmare — or if the ghosts of 2025 will resurface.
Because in a race like Dwars door Vlaanderen, control is an illusion… and history has a way of repeating itself.