Tour of Flanders Men Live – Pogačar and Van der Poel resume rivalry

6 April 2025 - 1:30 pm

Tour of Flanders 2025: Pogačar and Van der Poel Resume Their Riveting Rivalry

The Tour of Flanders (also known as Ronde van Vlaanderen) is set to captivate cycling fans once again, as two of the sport’s biggest stars, Tadej Pogačar and Mathieu van der Poel, resume their thrilling rivalry in one of the most prestigious one-day races on the calendar.

A Battle Between Titans

The 2025 Tour of Flanders, set to take place on April 6, 2025, promises to deliver another unforgettable spectacle as Pogačar and Van der Poel go head-to-head. These two riders have become synonymous with dominance in the cycling world, each claiming multiple Monument titles and establishing themselves as the top contenders for every major race.

  • Tadej Pogačar: The 26-year-old Slovenian has proven his versatility and power in one-day races. His victories in events such as Strade Bianche and Liège-Bastogne-Liège demonstrate his ability to tackle both challenging climbs and punishing distances. Pogačar’s aggressive style, particularly his penchant for launching daring attacks, has made him a formidable rival for Van der Poel.
  • Mathieu van der Poel: At 30 years old, the Dutchman is known for his all-rounder capabilities, excelling in both classic races and sprints. Van der Poel has an impressive record, including multiple Monument victories, and his strength on cobbled climbs makes him one of the most feared riders in Flanders. His tactical nous and ability to dominate on the flat or uphill have cemented his status as a top contender.

The Importance of the 2025 Edition

The Tour of Flanders is renowned for its cobbled climbs and relentless pace, with iconic sections like the Koppenberg, Paterberg, and Taaienberg providing crucial moments for riders to either launch an attack or defend their positions. With its challenging terrain and unpredictable weather conditions, the race often becomes a test of both physical endurance and mental resilience.

In the 2025 edition, both Pogačar and Van der Poel have been in excellent form throughout the season, but the Tour of Flanders presents a unique challenge. For Pogačar, the key to victory will likely lie in his ability to strike early and force Van der Poel into difficult decisions. As he’s shown in previous races, Pogačar is not afraid to make the first move, setting a pace that forces his rivals to follow.

For Van der Poel, however, patience will be his strength. Known for his explosive finishing power, he might prefer to hold back and conserve energy until the final moments, ensuring he has the strength to contest the sprint finish or make a decisive move in the closing kilometers.

Viewing Information

Fans around the world will be eager to watch this exciting battle unfold. The 2025 Tour of Flanders will be available for live viewing through various broadcast platforms:

  • Australia: SBS On Demand
  • France: L’Equipe
  • Belgium: Sporza
  • USA and Canada: FloBikes
  • UK: Discovery+ and TNT Sports

For fans in regions where the race isn’t traditionally broadcasted, using a VPN service such as NordVPN can help access the live stream from different countries.

Historical Rivalry and Its Impact

The rivalry between Pogačar and Van der Poel has been one of the defining stories of modern cycling. Their encounters have produced some of the most exciting finishes in recent history, and the Tour of Flanders offers another stage for them to showcase their strategic brilliance and physical superiority. Their duel at Milan-San Remo 2024 and the Paris-Roubaix 2024 was a precursor to the incredible potential of this rivalry, and cycling fans are eagerly anticipating the next chapter in their competitive relationship.

Both riders have proven their mettle in different ways. While Pogačar has displayed exceptional climbing prowess, particularly in mountainous races, Van der Poel’s strength lies in his ability to take on diverse terrains, from cobbled classics to sprint finishes.

Race Strategy: What to Expect

The Tour of Flanders course is one of the most physically demanding, with over 16 climbs and 7 cobbled sections that push riders to their limits. The race usually favors strong, tactical riders capable of handling both the climbing challenges and the technical aspects of the cobbled roads. In addition to Pogačar and Van der Poel, other riders to keep an eye on include Wout van Aert, who could play a pivotal role in influencing the race dynamics.

Given the nature of the course and the rivalry at stake, expect early attacks, key breakaways, and thrilling late-race drama. Both Pogačar and Van der Poel are capable of launching surprise moves, and it’s likely that the race will come down to the final stretch—especially as the riders navigate the steepest sections of the course in the last 50 kilometers.

Conclusion

The 2025 Tour of Flanders is shaping up to be one of the most exciting editions in recent years. With Tadej Pogačar and Mathieu van der Poel as the central figures, the race promises to be a captivating spectacle of strength, strategy, and cycling brilliance. Who will emerge victorious in this legendary Monument? Fans can’t wait to find out.