Tadej Pogacar will be aiming for a third title at the fabled Tour of Flanders and continue his strong start to the 2026 season.
The UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider returns for the second monument race of the season. The team will be buoyed by a historic showing at Milano-San Remo and a commendable display at the E3 Saxo Classic.
Now, the focus is on monument racing as the team heads to Belgium to defend the crown.
The Tour of Flanders, locally known as Ronde van Vlaanderen, is one of the most demanding races on the calendar. At 278km, it is a relentless test which includes steep climbs on cobblestones.
For Pogacar, Flanders has provided many memorable moments. He claimed his first title in 2023 following a thrilling duel with Mathieu Van der Poel, dropping the Dutchman with 17km remaining. Last year, he struck again with a decisive move on the final ascent of the Oude Kwaremont, riding clear to secure his second victory.
This year, the world champion will be aiming for a three-peat.
Classics specialist Florian Vermeersch lines up alongside Pogacar on home soil after an eye-catching podium performance at the E3 Saxo Classic.
The Belgian is set to play a key supporting role at UAE Team Emirates. Mikkel Bjerg and Nils Politt will act as the engine of the squad, tasked with controlling the race pace and keeping breakaways in check. Rui Oliveira, Antonio Morgado, Rune Herregodts and Julius Johansen complete the line-up.
UAE Team Emirates star rider Pogacar, who won the Milan–San Remo race for the first time last month following a dramatic battle, said he was glad to be back at one of his favourite races.
"I'm very pleased to be going back to Flanders to defend the title. The way the whole team rode in Milan-San Remo was so impressive and if we can carry that into the next few weeks, I think we can achieve some great results," the Slovenian said.
"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. Former world champion Van der Poel leads the charge, having already claimed the race three times.
Belgian star Wout van Aert is still chasing a maiden Flanders victory, but the Visma Lease-a-Bike leader can't be taken lightly.
The Tour of Flanders will begin in Bruges on Sunday before heading towards Oudenaarde.
