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The 2025 Tour of Flanders is shaping up to be a legendary clash of titans, promising one of the most thrilling editions in recent memory. With cobbled climbs, tactical mind games, and raw power all defining elements of the Ronde, this year’s race is elevated by the return of two of cycling’s most electrifying figures: reigning champion Mathieu van der Poel and 2023 winner Tadej Pogačar. These two icons represent contrasting styles, backgrounds, and racing philosophies, making their face-off a centerpiece of the spring classics.
Mathieu van der Poel, the Dutch superstar and defending champion, has made the Tour of Flanders his personal playground. A master of the punchy climbs and chaotic cobbled sectors, Van der Poel’s aggressive racing style and explosive accelerations have earned him victories and the adoration of fans around the globe. His 2024 win showcased not just brute strength, but a maturing tactical brain. With his Alpecin-Deceuninck team built around supporting his classics campaign, Van der Poel arrives in Oudenaarde as the man to beat.
However, standing in his way is the Slovenian sensation Tadej Pogačar. The 2023 winner stunned the classics world by claiming the Ronde in only his second attempt, conquering the cobbles with the same climbing prowess and fearless racing that have brought him two Tour de France titles. Pogačar’s ability to animate a race from far out, combined with a climbing pedigree rarely seen in a race dominated by classics specialists, makes him a unique and unpredictable threat. His UAE Team Emirates squad has grown in depth and cohesion, better equipped than ever to support his ambitions on Belgian soil.
What makes this showdown even more compelling is the contrast between the two riders. Van der Poel, with his deep cyclocross roots and relentless attacking style, thrives in short, sharp efforts and chaotic terrain. Pogačar, on the other hand, is a master of endurance, often breaking his rivals with long-range moves that seem more fitting for a Grand Tour mountain stage than a one-day classic. Their differing approaches make every encounter a fascinating tactical battle.
Beyond the head-to-head, the 2025 Ronde is packed with intrigue. Riders like Wout van Aert, Mads Pedersen, and Jasper Stuyven are all capable of disrupting the Van der Poel-Pogačar narrative. The iconic climbs of the Oude Kwaremont and Paterberg will once again be the likely battlegrounds, with fans lining every inch of roadside, hoping to witness history.
In a race steeped in tradition and drama, the 2025 Tour of Flanders promises a modern epic. Whether it’s Van der Poel’s raw explosiveness or Pogačar’s relentless ambition that wins the day, one thing is certain: cycling fans are in for a spectacle.