Tadej Pogačar Equals Record with Dominant Solo Victory at Tour of Flanders
Slovenia’s Tadej Pogačar cemented his status as a cycling legend on Sunday, April 5, 2026, securing a historic achievement by winning the Tour of Flanders for a record-equaling third time. The world champion delivered a solo victory after a decisive attack that left the world’s best riders in his wake.
The clash between Van der Poel and Pogačar reached its boiling point with approximately 18 kilometers remaining. After riding together at the front of the pack, Pogačar launched a blistering attack on the final ascent of the Oude Kwaremont, dropping his primary rival, Mathieu van der Poel. Pogačar maintained his lead to the finish line in Oudenaarde, Belgium, while Van der Poel claimed second place. Debutant Remco Evenepoel fought to take third, with fellow Belgian Wout van Aert finishing fourth after a grueling 278-kilometer race that lasted over six hours.
The results and winner of this Belgian Monument were shaped by early drama and a strange incident on the course. Following the start in Antwerp, a 13-rider breakaway formed after 30 kilometers. This lead group included Silvan Dillier, Julius van den Berg, Hartthijs de Vries, Dries De Pooter, Frederik Frison, Victor Vercouillie, Luca Van Boven, Kamil Gradek, Luke Lamperti, Connor Swift, Edoardo Zamperini, Eric Antonio Fagúndez and Jambaljamts Sainbayar—the first Mongolian rider to ever compete in the Tour of Flanders.
Controversy struck the peloton when the group encountered a railroad crossing. As the barriers lowered, the field was split; while some riders continued, many were forced to stop. The race jury subsequently signaled the lead group, which included Pogačar, to slow their pace to allow the second group, containing Van der Poel, to catch up.
This historic exhibition marks Pogačar’s second Monument victory of the season, following his win at Milan-San Remo last month. The 27-year-old now holds 12 career Monument victories, placing him second on the all-time list behind only Eddy Merckx, who has 19. Pogačar has won all three races he has entered this year.
“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. “I don’t race too much, so when I race there is pressure to win. So far everything went perfect for me, so I can be more than happy. Coming next week to Roubaix, I can move motivated, but I try to enjoy the cobbles.”
Pogačar now turns his attention to Paris-Roubaix next weekend. A victory there would make him only the fourth man in history—joining Merckx, Rik van Looy, and Roger De Vlaeminck—to win all five Monuments.
