Pogacar Faces Possible Fine After Tour of Flanders Victory
Defending champion Tadej Pogacar secured a record-equalling third Tour of Flanders win, moving ahead in the total Monument wins tally by surpassing Roger de Vlaeminck, who won 11 Monuments between 1970 and 1979. However, Pogacar could face disciplinary action after being among up to 20 riders who crossed a red light at a railway crossing during the race.
The East Flanders public prosecutor confirmed to that an investigation is underway regarding the incident, which occurred with more than 200km (124 miles) remaining in the race. The peloton was instructed to stop at a level crossing as the lights turned red, but a leading group including Pogacar and Remco Evenepoel proceeded across the tracks in pursuit of early leaders.
Slovenian Pogacar commented that the riders had insufficient warning to reduce speed.
"Suddenly three guys jump on the middle of the road and start waving to stop," he said.
"How can you stop in one second? I think they could prevent this by stopping us before, no? Not 10 metres before the crossing.
"I was thinking, maybe it's like some protesters or something crazy is going on."
Belgian media report that riders involved could face fines ranging from 320 euros (£280) to 4,000 euros (£3,500), along with driving bans of up to eight days.
At 27 years old, Pogacar has now won both Monument races this season, having previously triumphed at Milan-San Remo in March. His victory on Sunday ties him with Mathieu Van der Poel and six other cyclists with three wins each at the Belgian event, including his 2023 win.
With this win, Pogacar has accumulated 12 Monument victories—the five most prestigious one-day events in men's road cycling—placing him second on the all-time list behind Eddy Merckx, who has 19 wins.
Reflecting on the race, Pogacar told Belgian television:
"It was a really crazy race today. I don't know what to say - super-hard from I don't know which kilometre,"
"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 go motivated, but I try to enjoy the cobbles."
Race Dynamics and Podium Finishers
In his Flanders debut, double Olympic champion Remco Evenepoel secured third place, holding off fellow Belgian Wout van Aert in the 278km race, which featured challenging climbs and multiple cobbled sections.
With 57km remaining, Pogacar, Van der Poel, and Evenepoel broke away from the peloton by accelerating on the second ascent of the Oude Kwaremont. Evenepoel was dropped on the following climb, the Paterberg, gradually losing contact with the leading duo, who have collectively won six of the last seven editions of this event.
Pogacar and Van der Poel rode together for nearly 40km before Pogacar launched a decisive attack on the final climb of the Oude Kwaremont. He crested the climb with a six-second lead and extended his advantage to deny Van der Poel a record fourth win at the race.
Pogacar has now won all three races he has contested this season. Should he win Paris-Roubaix next weekend, he will become only the fourth cyclist to win all five Monuments, joining Belgian legends Eddy Merckx, Rik van Looy, and Roger de Vlaeminck.
He finished second in his Paris-Roubaix debut last year and will face strong competition from Van der Poel, who has won the last three editions of that race.
Vollering Triumphs in Women's Tour of Flanders
European champion Demi Vollering claimed her third Monument victory by winning the Women's Tour of Flanders. The 29-year-old Dutch rider executed a move similar to Pogacar’s, breaking away from her rivals and cresting the Oude Kwaremont with a 19-second lead over Pauline Ferrand-Prevot and Puck Pieterse.
Vollering completed the 164km race with a 45-second margin over Ferrand-Prevot, who comfortably won the sprint for second place against Pieterse. Record three-time winner Lotte Kopecky finished fourth.
Men's Tour of Flanders Results
Mathieu van der Poel (NED) +0:34
