Is Pogacar capable of overestimating himself after all? "The last 15 kilometers were really tough"

That Pogacar still sprinted to the silver medal was extremely impressive. After a more than 30-kilometer solo ride, the UAE Team Emirates - XRG leader had hardly any energy left. He was exhausted when he spoke to the NOS after the race. "I'm tired and a little bit disappointed,” he said. “But I gave it my all; I tried my best. In the end, second place isn't so bad."

The decision seemed to be made on the Kruisberg after he followed the extremely eager Alaphilippe on the Gulperberg. ”I followed Alaphilippe there. I don't know if he thought the finish line was at the top of that climb, but he went up like a rocket,” Pogacar laughs. ‘Then I went alone, but it remained super close. The pursuers were strong, so I had to push hard. In the end, it was just too far for me.’

Evenepoel and Skjelmose were getting closer and closer in the final stretch. Shortly after the Bemelerberg, the world champion had to admit defeat. "Those last 15 kilometers were tough, especially with the headwind. Even with the slight downhill section, I knew the two behind me would catch me. I lost some energy, so I decided to wait. Ultimately, Skjelmose was just a little faster in the final sprint."

In that sprint, it looked for a moment as if the winner of the Tour of Flanders would take the victory. After his strenuous efforts, he still had confidence in his explosiveness. "I hoped we would sprint. It was very fast, and I hoped to be in second position in the last kilometer. I tried to launch my sprint in the last 200 meters. It was perfect for me when Remco went, but I didn't have the legs to finish it off." Pogacar says he didn't win, but he did have fun. "I enjoyed the vibe, especially on the final climb here, on the Cauberg. It was awesome, and I have to say I thought it was cool."