"Emirates Cycling" He is preparing to defend his Tour of Flanders title, led by Slovenian Pogacar
Abu Dhabi, 3 April / WAM / The Emirates Cycling Team is preparing to compete in the second Monument race of the 2026 season, the Tour of Flanders, led by Slovenian Tadej Pogacar, after a distinguished participation in the Milan-San Remo race, and a strong performance in the E3 Saxo Classic, with great ambitions to defend the title that the team achieved in the last edition.
The Tour of Flanders, known as “De Ronde”, is one of the most difficult and exciting races on the world cycling calendar, as it extends over a distance of 278 km and includes gravel sections and steep climbs that constitute a harsh test for the competitors, amid the presence of a large Belgian crowd that gives the race an exceptional atmosphere.
Pogacar has a distinguished record in this race, having won his first title in 2023 after a strong struggle with Dutchman Matthew van der Poel, before returning in 2025 and achieving his second victory with a decisive attack on the climb of Oud Quarmont, then returning in the 2026 edition with the aim of defending his title and achieving a third victory.
The Emirates Cycling Team announced a strong lineup to support Pogacar, which includes Florian Vermeersch, a specialist in classic races, along with Mikkel Berg and Nils Bullitt, while Rui Oliveira and Antonio Morgado provide multiple tactical options, and Ron Herigodts and Julius Johansen complete the lineup to support the team in the early stages of the race.
Tadej Pogacar said: “I am very happy to return to Flanders to defend the title. The way the team raced in Milan-San Remo was impressive, and if we can maintain this level in the coming weeks, I think we can achieve great results. Flanders is one of the most important strongholds of cycling and the energy surrounding this race is very special.”
The Emirates Cycling Team faces strong competition, led by Dutchman Matthew van der Poel, who won the race three times, along with Belgian Wout van Aart, who is seeking to achieve his first victory, and Danish Mads Pedersen, who is searching for the first Monument title in his career.
The 2026 edition of the Tour of Flanders starts from the city of Bruges all the way to Oudenaarde, where the first kilometers begin with an escape formation, before the battle intensifies on the paved climbs, especially the duo of Oude Quarmont and Paterberg, who play a decisive role in determining the champion of the race before the flat finish in Oudenaarde.
The Emirates Cycling Team is looking forward to being at the forefront of the race during the decisive moments, with a plan aimed at breaking up the group on the main climbs and launching Pogačar at the appropriate time, in an effort to achieve his third title in “De Ronde” and enhance his presence in one-day races during the 2026 season.
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