Mathieu van der Poel won Flanders around Sunday. Photo: Fredrik Hagen / NTB
By NTB | 31.03.2024 16:33:02
Sport: Earlier this week, the Uno-X cyclist finished second in Dwars door Vlaanderen. With just over eleven miles to go in Sunday’s race, the 28-year-old thundered on and tried to make a move.
– Now we have a new, Norwegian cycling star in the making. It’s a bit crazy if he goes alone now, but who knows what will happen, said Discovery commentator Theiss Magelsen.
The Norwegian was quickly driven in, but impressively kept up with the field when the speed was increased. Towards the end, however, it became too tough for Abrahamsen, who with about six miles to go completely let go of the lead.
Best of all was the Dutch Van der Poel, who took his third victory in the one-day classic on Sunday.
Shortly after Abrahamsen’s attempt, more guns stepped in, and the pace increased considerably under the auspices of strong Visma Lease a Bike. That put classics cannon Van der Poel in a difficult position, but the Dutchman closed the gap.
– It is not always so easy to describe what Mads Pedersen is thinking, but he sometimes does the wildest things on a bicycle, said Magelsen.
About 55 kilometers before the finish, Pedersen was driven in, and the big guns positioned themselves at the front of the field. With just over four miles to go, Van der Poel bolted up Koppenberg, and the Dutchman never looked back.
“Several of the world‘s best cobblestone riders must wheel their bikes here,” said Magelssen.
For Tour of Flanders specialist Alexander Kristoff, his chances of victory ended when he was involved in a rollover with nine miles to go. The 36-year-old won the race in 2015.
– He falls over at a bad time. Not a good position for the old champion here, Magelssen stated.
– It is a sad message to receive. He tried his hand at the breakout game, but didn’t make it. Sad to lose Edvald already here, said Discovery commentator Theiss Magelsen.
Boasson Hagen signed for Decathlon-AG2R La Mondiale in mid-January. In addition to the 36-year-old from Rudsbygd, another ten Norwegians lined up for the start in Antwerp on Sunday morning.
However, the high pace in the field did not prevent Mads Pedersen from attempting an almost impossible attack.
Veteran Edvald Boasson Hagen did not make it to the finish line on Sunday. The 36-year-old was active at the start of the race and tried to join the breakaways. However, it was not successful for the Norwegian, and when the field broke loose at Oude Kwaremont, the organizer stated that Boasson Hagen had broken.
(©NTB)