Ronde van Vlaanderen 2025, one day monument, April 6 (men's)

[Berniece]

Poggenheimer will strike again. He is on another level.

Just like he was going to strike in MSR

 

[Krzysztof_O]

Just like he was going to strike in MSR

I don't think most people expected Pogi to smash MSR. I knew MVP would be a problem. The carnage he and UAE did was actually more than it was expected IMO. One man was strong enough to hold wheel though, no shame in that.

 

[Berniece]

I don't think most people expected Pogi to smash MSR. I knew MVP would be a problem. The carnage he and UAE did was actually more than it was expected IMO. One man was strong enough to hold wheel though.

Most people don't but if you go to the Pogacar thread, a lot of them did.

 

[Krzysztof_O]

Most people don't but if you go to the Pogacar thread, a lot of them did.

IMO Pogacar was stronger during this year's MSR (in absolute terms but also relative to MVP) than in the previous two years. Obviously drafting means a lot on those shallow climbs and MVP is just too good. Flandres bergs are less about drafting though plus more elevation gain in total. That's why Pog has better chances there (as MVP said he was at his best in 2023 and still lost to a better rider).

 

[Berniece]

IMO Pogacar was stronger during this year's MSR (in absolute terms but also relative to MVP) than in the previous two years. Obviously drafting means a lot on those shallow climbs and MVP is just too good. Flandres bergs are less about drafting though plus more elevation gain in total. That's why Pog has better chances there (as MVP said he was at his best in 2023 and still lost to a better rider).

I agree that Flanders is much easier to win for Pogacar than MSR. I don't think it's a certainty that he would win though. And saying "Pogacar is on another level", clearly didn't see MVDP ride the past week. He showed it last year, and this year again, that he's better than in 2023.

 

[Krzysztof_O]

I agree that Flanders is much easier to win for Pogacar than MSR. I don't think it's a certainty that he would win though. And saying "Pogacar is on another level", clearly didn't see MVDP ride the past week. He showed it last year, and this year again, that he's better than in 2023.

No certainty OFC. I just give Pog more % than MVP. Obviously MVP winning Flandres would be no surprise, those are two big favourites.

 

[limak_]

Agree.

I think Pog has the edge again. His positioning will be perfect, the bergs and murs won't trouble him, and even if he gets away with MvdP he just has to attack on every climb.

On the contrary, I think MvdP has to be 110% fit, plus tactically aware and not race on "intuition" like he does in races like E3. Be smart, stay alert and glued to Pog's wheel.

What intuition for MvdP can be for this race other than trying to follow Pogi's wheel?

Pogi hast to attack, MvdP needs to try to follow and hope for the sprint. Just like in MSR.

 

[KenFiamingo]

As much I like another MVDP-Pogacar battle, I do hope some of the other teams (Trek, Visma, Ineos) are able to set up a tactical play that puts real pressure on the 2.

 

[Krzysztof_O]

As much I like another MVDP-Pogacar battle, I do hope some of the other teams (Trek, Visma, Ineos) are able to set up a tactical play that puts real pressure on the 2.

I think they will try to send strong riders into a breakaway forcing the big2 and their teams to react. It will make the finale even harder and more intense (aka 2023 Flandres).

 

[Lequack]

Is Wout now the underdog and will they let him in the break?

 

[KenFiamingo]

I think they will try to send strong riders into a breakaway forcing the big2 and their teams to react. It will make the finale even harder and more intense (aka 2023 Flandres).

They need to do this VERY early in the race; once they reach the 2nd lap it'll be too late.

 

[Berniece]

Is Wout now the underdog and will they let him in the break?

Doubt he'll want to go in an early break himself. We'll get a better view of his level in Dwars Door Vlaanderen.

 

[Salvarani]

I don't think most people expected Pogi to smash MSR. I knew MVP would be a problem. The carnage he and UAE did was actually more than it was expected IMO. One man was strong enough to hold wheel though, no shame in that.

Correct. Most people didnt expect it, it is false to say people did. Agree with the rest as well.

 

[Ilmaestro99]

Can the belgian horse tim merlier win the tour of Flanders in a sprint???

 

[Samu Cuenca]

Is Wout now the underdog and will they let him in the break?

With his current streak of luck in mind, he will probably hit a dog and break something

 

[Rechtschreibfehler]

Can the belgian horse tim merlier win the tour of Flanders in a sprint???

If Zombie-Coppi comes from under RedHeadDanes Sofa and bites Pogacar and van der Poel and many others, yes he can.
I say that's pretty realistic.

 

[Red Rick]

Anyone remember the wind direction in 2023? Was it NW?

 

[danielovichdk2]

WvA finally gets his system opened up after being in the heights.

 

[Krzysztof_O]

Anyone remember the wind direction in 2023? Was it NW?

Around 15 kph from N or NNE. Any kind of northern or so wind is good for Kwaremont attack.

 

[Lequack]

2023

2024:

 

[Netserk]

That's not from 2023.

 

[Lequack]

That's not from 2023.

Sorry, my bad! I think this is it

 

[MJR]

Gonna be tough to see this as anything other than a two horse race.

Others (Pedersen, Ganna, etc...) will be there and strong, but when Pogi goes full gas it's gonna end some hopes. I hope I'm wrong, as it would make for a more interesting race, but Pogi and vdP are both on another planet right now.

 

[Lequack]

Pedersen should attack from 80km to go.

 

[Peyroteo94]

2023

2024:

The first time he dropped MVP and WVA but Laporte saved the day (until Kwatemont)