Pogačar Equals Historic Record With Third Tour of Flanders Triumph
Tadej Pogačar has cemented his status as a generational talent, capturing a record-equalling third Tour of Flanders victory this Sunday. The world champion delivered a dominant performance, securing his second Monument win of the season after already claiming victory at Milan-San Remo last month.
The race, spanning 278km and lasting over six hours, saw Pogačar distance himself from the world’s elite in a display of raw power and tactical precision. By crossing the finish line first, the 27-year-old Slovenian now holds 12 Monument victories, placing him second on the all-time list behind only the legendary Eddy Merckx, who holds 19.
The Masterclass at Oude Kwaremont
The defining moment of the race occurred at the Oude Kwaremont. While Wout van Aert was positioned perfectly on Pogačar’s back wheel, the Slovenian accelerated with a devastating intensity that ripped the race apart.
Pogačar’s surge eventually dropped his main rival, Mathieu van der Poel, with 18km remaining. Van der Poel, who had been aiming for a record fourth victory, was unable to close the gap, ultimately settling for second place. Pogačar’s ability to sustain high power on the punchy climbs and cobbled sections of Flanders proved insurmountable.
“It was a really crazy race today, I don’t know what to say: super-hard from I don’t know which kilometre,” Pogačar told Belgian TV. “So far everything went perfect for me, so I can be more than happy.”
Belgian Heartbreak and the Battle for the Podium
For the Belgian contingent, the day was a mixture of resilience and disappointment. Remco Evenepoel, representing Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, fought hard to secure third place, maintaining his position on the podium after a grueling ride.
Wout van Aert, the Visma-Lease a Bike leader, faced a more tricky afternoon. After being dropped by Pogačar, Evenepoel, and Van der Poel on the false flats, Van Aert was forced into a chase. He eventually dropped Mads Pedersen of Lidl-Trek to claim fourth place, but a podium finish remained out of reach.
The result marks a significant dent in Van Aert’s role as the premier Belgian hope for the cobbled Classics, despite his previous third-place finish at Milan-San Remo and strong showings at In Flanders Fields and Dwars door Vlaanderen.
2026 Tour of Flanders Top Results
- 1st Place: Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)
- 2nd Place: Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech)
- 3rd Place: Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe)
- 4th Place: Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike)
- 9th Place: Christophe Laporte (Visma-Lease a Bike)
Eyes on Paris-Roubaix
Pogačar enters next weekend’s Paris-Roubaix with immense momentum, having won all three races he has entered this year. Having finished second to Van der Poel on his Roubaix debut last year, Pogačar is now highly motivated to conquer the “Hell of the North.”
“Coming next week to Roubaix, I can travel motivated, but I try to enjoy the cobbles,” Pogačar stated, signaling his intent to chase history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2026 Tour of Flanders?
Tadej Pogačar won the race, securing his third victory in the event.
How many Monument victories does Tadej Pogačar have?
Pogačar now has 12 Monument victories, placing him second all-time behind Eddy Merckx.
Where did Wout van Aert finish?
Wout van Aert finished in fourth place after dropping Mads Pedersen.
What is the significance of Paris-Roubaix for Pogačar?
If Pogačar wins Paris-Roubaix, he will develop into only the fourth man in history to win all five Monuments.
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