Throughout the rich history of professional cycling, no rider has claimed victory at the Tour of Flanders more than three times. In 2025, Mathieu van der Poel aims to make history by securing a record-breaking fourth win. Fellow three-time champion Johan Museeuw believes the Alpecin-Deceuninck leader is the clear pre-race favorite.
Van der Poel is part of an exclusive group of riders who have won the race three times, alongside Museeuw, Fabian Cancellara, Tom Boonen, Eric Leman, Achiel Buysse, and Fiorenzo Magni. However, as the only active competitor among them, the Dutchman has a prime opportunity to set himself apart with a fourth victory. At just 30 years old, he still has time to achieve this milestone, but his current form suggests 2025 might be his best chance yet. Reflecting on Van der Poel’s dominant winter performances, Museeuw, now 59, told *Wieler Revue*, “Mathieu is absolutely the top favorite. It’s not guaranteed, but the chances are high that he will surpass my shared record. The World Cyclocross Championship isn’t a road race, but it clearly demonstrates his exceptional form.”
Museeuw himself came close to a fourth victory, finishing second three times in addition to his three wins. Similarly, Van der Poel has placed runner-up twice in the past four years, but Museeuw is confident he can finally secure that elusive fourth title. “I would have loved to win Flanders four times, but I fell short. I’ve also been second three times, and I’ll be the first to congratulate Mathieu if he breaks the record,” he said.
Van der Poel’s biggest rival this year is Tadej Pogačar, the 2023 champion, but Museeuw remains firm in his belief that the Dutchman is the ultimate classics rider. However, he admits he wouldn’t mind if Wout van Aert denied Van der Poel the record. “If he finishes alongside Van Aert, I’ll be rooting for Wout. Not just because he’s Flemish, but also because it would keep Mathieu at three wins,” he said with a touch of honesty.
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