Pogačar wins Tour of Flanders for record-equalling third time

Tadej Pogačar won the Tour of Flanders for a third time on Sunday, cementing his place among cycling’s all-time greats with another dominant performance.

The Slovenian rider launched a decisive attack on the final ascent of the Oude Kwaremont, dropping his main rival Mathieu van der Poel before riding solo to the finish in Oudenaarde.

Van der Poel finished second, around half a minute behind, while Belgium’s Remco Evenepoel took third place on his debut in the race.

Pogačar’s victory sees him equal the record of three wins at the Flemish Monument, joining an elite group of riders to have achieved the feat.

The race, one of cycling’s five “Monuments”, is known for its punishing cobbled climbs and long-distance endurance test, with this year’s edition again decided on the iconic Kwaremont climb.

The win continues an impressive start to the season for the UAE Team Emirates XRG rider, who has already claimed victories in other major one-day races this year.

Attention now turns to Paris-Roubaix, where Pogačar will look to continue his strong run of form in the spring classics.