The time has finally come again. The cobblestone monuments in spring are just around the corner - a festival for cycling fans. In Belgium in particular, thousands of spectators make the pilgrimage to the route and turn it into a huge party mile. But the supposedly most important one-day races of the year are also coming up from a purely sporting perspective. It all starts with the Tour of Flanders.
But who has shown strong form so far this season and who needs to step up their game to have a real chance of winning the prestigious race? We have taken a look at the favourites and take a closer look at their current form.
The favourites in the form check
Tadej Pogačar - the absolute top favourite
The fact that Pogačar has already won Flanders in 2025 is the greatest proof of concept of all: he knows the finale, the battles for position and the brutal repetitions of Kwaremont/Paterberg - and he knows how to make the difference there. Added to this are the victories at Strade Bianche (the secret sixth Monument) and Milan-Sanremo. The result: two one-day races ridden and both won. His form seems even better than last year, perhaps also thanks to more specific preparation for the classics.
Mathieu van der Poel - the toughest opponent
Van der Poel comes with perhaps the clearest "Flanders form package": Omloop victory plus E3 victory. However, he was unable to win Milan-Sanremo, a course that actually suits him much better. However, he was also slowed down there by a hand injury. In the E3 Saxo Race, the Dutchman showed his old strength again. With a new personal watt record, he left his pursuers behind and rode solo to Harelbeke. For "MvdP", it's all about keeping up on the Kwaremont and Paterberg! He must be able to keep Pogačar's rear wheel there, otherwise the latter will be up and away.
Wout van Aert - close, but dependent on the right finale
With his ankle fracture at the start of the year in cyclocross, his tenth place at Strade Bianche and a mediocre Tirreno-Adriatico, the Belgian's early season has not gone as planned. Van Aert's podium at Sanremo, however, shows: The engine is there, as is the top speed. In Flanders, however, he needs the right scenario: either he can follow the decisive attacks and counterattack himself - or his team must shape the race situation in such a way that not every attack turns into a full-throttle one-on-one battle.
Mads Pedersen - back sooner than expected
After his crash on the first stage of the Tour of Valencia, the Classics season was in jeopardy for the Dane. However, Mads Pedersen made a surprising comeback at Milan-Sanremo and slipped into his team's squad. He could hardly have expected fourth place himself, a strong performance after a quick recovery. Ninth place in the E3 was also a sign of things to come. Anything seems possible for Pedersen at the Tour of Flanders, especially if the whole world focuses on the two top favourites Pogačar and Van der Poel.
Matthew Brennan - suddenly his own weapon instead of a helper
The name that can no longer be dismissed as just a talent this year: Matthew Brennan. His victory at Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne shows that he is not only fast, but also keeps his nerve in a real Belgian classic under stress. It cannot be ruled out that Team Visma | Lease a Bike will start the race with Brennan as their second captain. Should Van Aert have a bad day, the Briton could be among the front runners if the race goes well.
Leon Weidner
Working student
