Tadej Pogačar sets sights on third Ronde van Vlaanderen title

• UAE Team Emirates-XRG look to continue to make their mark on the spring classics season
• World Champion returns to racing after historic Milano-Sanremo win

News | Team –2nd April 2026

Tadej Pogačar returns to lead UAE Team Emirates-XRG into the second monument of the 2026 season, Ronde van Vlaanderen. The Emirati squad arrives on the back of a historic showing at Milano-Sanremo, as well as a standout display at the E3 Saxo Classic, and now full focus turns back to monument racing. With a powerful line-up assembled, the team heads to Belgium determined to defend their Tour of Flanders crown.

Known as De Ronde, the Tour of Flanders is one of the most demanding and captivating races on the calendar. At 278km, it is a relentless test, defined by razor-sharp cobblestones and steep, punishing climbs. Year after year, the race delivers drama deep into the finale, with enthusiastic Belgian crowds lining the roads to create an atmosphere unlike any other. In 2026, that spectacle is set to continue.

For Pogačar, De Ronde has been a race of memorable success in recent seasons. He claimed his first title in 2023 following a scintillating duel with Mathieu Van der Poel, dropping the Dutchman with 17km remaining. In 2025, he struck again with a decisive move on the final ascent of the Oude Kawremont, riding clear to secure his second victory. Now, in 2026, the World Champion returns with the clear objective of defending his title once more.

A world-class line-up has been announced in pursuit of Pogačar’s third victory. Classics specialist Florian Vermeersch lines up alongside Pogačar on home soil after an eye-catching podium performance at the E3 Saxo Classic. The Belgian is set to play a key supporting role, helping to lift the pace on the crucial cobbled sectors to prepare the ground for Pogačar’s knock-out strike. Mikkel Bjerg and Nils Politt bring the engine to the squad, tasked with controlling the race pace and keeping breakways in check, while Rui Oliveira and Antonio Morgado provide versatility, covering moves, maintaining positioning, and driving the tempo when required. Rune Herregodts and Julius Johansen complete the line-up, both vital in the early phases to manage the chaos and ensure no major contenders gain an advantage before the race ignites.

Tadej Pogačar: "I'm very pleased to be going back to Flanders to defend the title. The way the whole team rode in Milan-Sanremo was so impressive and if we can carry that into the next few weeks, I think we can achieve some great results.

Flanders is one of the biggest heartlands of cycling and the energy around this race is something special and a pleasure to be a part of. Since my last race I've been training while also keeping an eye on the racing and cheering on the teammates from home, so I'm excited to be getting stuck into the action again."

Standing in the way of UAE Team Emirates-XRG is another elite field of contenders. Once again, Mathieu Van der Poel leads the charge, a former World Champion who knows exactly what it takes to win in Flanders, having already claimed the race three times.

Belgian star Wout van Aert returned to the start line, showing signs of a return to top form after assertive performances at Milano-Sanremo and the E3 Saxo Classic. Still chasing a maiden Flanders victory, the Visma Lease-a-Bike leader will be a major factor. Meanwhile, Danish powerhouse Mads Pederson continues his pursuit of a first monument triumph. Renowned for his finishing strength, he could prove dangerous should the race come down to a reduced sprint.

The 2026 edition of the Tour of Flanders will begin in Bruges before heading towards Oudenaarde. The opening kilometres are typically controlled chaos as the breakaway forms before the race intensifies across the cobbled climbs. With 54km remaining, the peloton will tackle the iconic duo of Oude Kwaremont and Paterberg for the first time. These climbs return again inside the final 20km, where race-winning moves are expected to shape the outcome. From there, the race concludes with a flat run-in to Oudenaarde, where the 2026 King of Flanders will be crowned.

UAE Team Emirates-XRG expect to be at the centre of the action when it matters most, with a clear plan to split the race on the pivotal ascents and launch Pogačar at the perfect moment. After a perfect start to monument racing in 2026, the Slovenian will be aiming to secure a record-equalling third De Ronde title and further cement his one-day racing legacy.