2026 Ronde van Vlaanderen Preview

Antwerpen > Oudenaarde 279km

In my opinion, the best race of the year. I know a lot of people can’t see past Paris-Roubaix, but the mix of climbs and cobbles makes this my number 1. Over the years I’ve seen some incredible battles on these roads, and some terrible bits of luck. I firmly believe Oli Naesen would have won in 2017 if it hadn’t been for a spectator’s jacket, and I think a motorbike stopped Alaphilippe from winning in 2020. The race was always seen as too difficult for the GC riders, but Tadej Pogačar changed all that. The results show he was 4^th in 2022, but that does him a disservice, he was much better than 4^th. Tadej went away and found the solution, he’s since won the race in 2023 and 2025, showing that GC riders can compete against the classics riders. Pogačar is back to defend his title, and after winning Sanremo, he’s trying to complete the incredible, winning all 5 monuments in one season. Looking to stop him will be his old foe, Mathieu van der Poel, the Dutchman is trying to win this race for the 4^th time which would make him the most successful rider in this race of all time. There’s also the surprise debut of Remco Evenepoel to consider, it’s great to see another top GC rider looking to test themselves on the punishing roads of Flanders. Enough chat, time for the preview. If you haven’t yet subscribed for the year, you’ll get previews of just about all the men’s and women’s races, I’m at 175 for the year so far. The preview covers all the usually stuff you’d expect, but also a detailed tactics section, plus some betting advice if you’re interested in that type of thing.