Pogacar Wins Third Tour of Flanders in Stunning Solo Ride
Slovenian cycling champion Tadej Pogacar matched a historic record with his third Tour of Flanders victory, dropping his rival 18 kilometers from the finish line. At just 27, he's now second only to legend Eddy Merckx in Monument race wins.
Tadej Pogacar rode into cycling history Sunday with a commanding solo victory at the Tour of Flanders, matching the record of three wins held by only six other riders in the prestigious Belgian race.
The 27-year-old world champion broke away from rival Mathieu van der Poel with 18 kilometers remaining in the grueling 278-kilometer course. Pogacar crested the final climb with a six-second lead and never looked back, crossing the finish line 34 seconds ahead.
The win adds to Pogacar's perfect 2025 season. He's won all three races he's entered this year, including Milan-San Remo in March, giving him both Monument victories so far this season.
Monuments are cycling's five most prestigious one-day races, and Pogacar now has 12 wins across all of them. That places him second in the all-time rankings behind only Belgian legend Eddy Merckx, who has 19.
The race showcased the sport's biggest stars battling over punishing cobblestones and steep climbs. With 57 kilometers left, Pogacar, Van der Poel, and Belgian Olympic champion Remco Evenepoel dropped the rest of the field on the Oude Kwaremont climb.
Evenepoel couldn't maintain the pace and eventually finished third, with compatriot Wout van Aert taking fourth. But the real drama played out between Pogacar and Van der Poel, who have dominated this race for years.
The Ripple Effect
Pogacar's achievement represents more than individual glory. His performance is inspiring a new generation of cyclists and bringing fresh excitement to the sport's classic races.
Next weekend, Pogacar heads to Paris-Roubaix with a chance to make even more history. If he wins, he'll become just the fourth person ever to win all five Monuments, joining an exclusive club of Belgian legends.
Van der Poel, who has won the last three Paris-Roubaix races, will provide fierce competition. "Coming next week to Roubaix, I can go motivated," Pogacar said after his win.
Meanwhile, Dutch rider Demi Vollering matched Pogacar's tactical brilliance in the women's race, breaking away on the same Oude Kwaremont climb to win her third Monument with a commanding 45-second victory.
Two champions, one legendary hill, and cycling fans worldwide celebrating excellence in their sport.
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Based on reporting by BBC Sport
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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