Belgian analysts regret Evenepoel’s absence from Milan-San Remo: "Pogacar and van der Poel wouldn’t have dropped him"

"All the riders were lacking explosiveness. Except for one man," Karl Vannieuwkerke begins his story on the Sporza website. "They did try to make it a difficult race. But in the end, they are so wary of each other that they wait until the Wall. And then there is one man who stands out," adds José De Cauwer.

Not only is the Flèche Wallonne a tough race, but the weather conditions often make it even more brutal – and this year, the weather played a decisive role again. "Remco Evenepoel was in a good position until they reached the Wall, but the difference was huge in the end. But the same was true for Pidcock and Healy. No one thought momentarily: I have to go with Pogacar."

Jan Bakelants also thinks that the weather was decisive in the battle for victory. "Everyone always says that Remco isn't explosive, but he's one of the most explosive climbers I know. Remco is super explosive – it didn't come out yesterday in the Flèche Wallonne. Maybe he suffered from the cold. We don't know the circumstances," said the Belgian former rider in Wielerclub Wattage.

Sunday is the final spring classic, and Pogacar will again be the top favorite. "A very motivated Pogacar will be at the start. Some people thought after the Amstel Gold Race that something was wrong with Pogacar, but the positive signs are still there," according to De Cauwer. Vannieuwkerke agrees: "If there was even the slightest doubt, it has been completely eliminated today."

Despite Evenepoel not having his best day yesterday, expectations remain high. "In the Tour of Flanders, he would immediately be among the favorites. It will happen someday. If Remco gets through a year without any major crashes and has a good winter, why wouldn't he try to compete in those races?" says Tom Boonen.

Bakelants said the Belgian rider could compete for victory in the Tour of Flanders and Milan-Sanremo. "He must have watched Milan-Sanremo with tears in his eyes. Pogacar and Van der Poel would never have been able to drop him on the Cipressa. The battle on the Poggio would have been even more interesting."