Pogacar, van der Poel and Van Aert announced where the classics’ ‘big 3’ battle this spring will start.
The 2025 spring cycling season is set to feature an exhilarating showdown among three of the sport’s most formidable talents: Tadej Pogačar, Mathieu van der Poel, and Wout van Aert. Each rider has outlined a spring calendar that positions them as key contenders in the upcoming classics, promising intense competition across various terrains.
Tadej Pogačar’s Spring Campaign**
Tadej Pogačar, the Slovenian sensation, will commence his season at the UAE Tour, starting on February 17, 2025. This stage race in the Middle East serves as a warm-up before he transitions to the European classics. Pogačar’s spring schedule includes:
– Strade Bianche (March 8): A one-day race renowned for its challenging gravel sectors in Tuscany, Italy.
– Milano-Sanremo (March 22):Often dubbed the “Spring Classic,” this Italian race is celebrated for its long distance and the iconic climbs of the Cipressa and Poggio.
– E3 Saxo Bank Classic (March 29): A Belgian race that serves as a precursor to the Tour of Flanders, featuring cobbled sections and short, sharp climbs.
– Gent-Wevelgem (March 31): Known for its mix of flat stretches and challenging climbs, including the Kemmelberg.
– Tour of Flanders (April 7): One of the five Monuments of cycling, this Belgian classic is famed for its cobbled climbs and passionate fan base.
– Paris-Roubaix (April 14): The “Hell of the North,” a grueling race over cobblestones, is a highlight of the spring classics.
– Amstel Gold Race (April 21): A Dutch classic featuring a series of short, steep climbs in the Limburg region.
– La Flèche Wallonne (April 24): A Belgian race known for the Mur de Huy, a steep climb that often decides the winner.
– Liège-Bastogne-Liège (April 28): The oldest of the Monuments, this Belgian race is characterized by its rolling hills and challenging climbs.
Pogačar’s participation in these races positions him as a formidable contender, especially in the Ardennes classics, where his climbing prowess is expected to shine.
Mathieu van der Poel’s Spring Schedule
Mathieu van der Poel, the Dutch powerhouse, has confirmed his focus on the cobbled classics. His spring calendar includes:
– Paris-Nice (March 10-17): A stage race in France that serves as a preparation for the classics.
– E3 Saxo Bank Classic (March 29): A key race in Belgium that often features a strong field of classics specialists.
– Gent-Wevelgem (March 31): A Belgian classic known for its mix of flat stretches and challenging climbs.
– Tour of Flanders (April 7): One of the five Monuments of cycling, this Belgian classic is famed for its cobbled climbs and passionate fan base.
– Paris-Roubaix (April 14): The “Hell of the North,” a grueling race over cobblestones, is a highlight of the spring classics.
Van der Poel’s participation in these races underscores his commitment to the cobbled classics, where his explosive power and tactical acumen make him a formidable opponent.
Wout van Aert’s Spring Calendar
Wout van Aert, the Belgian versatile rider, has outlined a spring schedule that includes:
– Paris-Nice (March 10-17): A stage race in France that serves as a preparation for the classics.
– E3 Saxo Bank Classic (March 29): A key race in Belgium that often features a strong field of classics specialists.
– Gent-Wevelgem (March 31): A Belgian classic known for its mix of flat stretches and challenging climbs.
– Tour of Flanders (April 7):One of the five Monuments of cycling, this Belgian classic is famed for its cobbled climbs and passionate fan base.
– Paris-Roubaix (April 14): The “Hell of the North,” a grueling race over cobblestones, is a highlight of the spring classics.
Van Aert’s schedule positions him as a strong contender in the cobbled classics, where his versatility and sprinting ability are expected to be key assets.
Anticipated Clashes and Rivalries
The spring classics of 2025 are poised to feature thrilling battles among these three riders:
– Paris-Nice: While not a traditional classic, this stage race will serve as a warm-up, allowing the riders to test their form ahead of the major classics.
– E3 Saxo Bank Classic and Gent-Wevelgem:Both races are expected to feature intense competition, with Van der Poel and Van Aert likely to be key protagonists.
– Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix: These Monuments are anticipated to be the stage for the most significant clashes, with Pogačar, Van der Poel, and Van Aert all vying for supremacy.
The outcomes of these races will be influenced by each rider’s preparation, team support, and tactical decisions on the day.
Conclusion
The 2025 spring classics promise to be a spectacle of elite cycling, with Tadej Pogačar, Mathieu van der Poel, and Wout van Aert each bringing their unique strengths to the fore. Cycling enthusiasts can look forward to a season of intense competition
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