Van Vleuten expects fireworks between former teammates Kopecky and Vollering in spring classics

It’s almost time! Just a few more days until the spring classics kick off. While cycling fans have been able to warm up with races in Australia, Saudi Arabia, and Southern Europe over the past two months, the action is finally returning to Flanders. For NOS, this was the perfect moment to preview the upcoming classics with Nikki Terpstra and Annemiek van Vleuten.

"For me, Lotte Kopecky is without a doubt the top favorite for the Flemish spring classics," begins Van Vleuten, who won De Ronde twice herself. "She’s incredibly fast and such a complete rider. On top of that, she has an incredibly strong team that will fully support her in the most important races. Lotte is definitely the one to watch for the big races."

Van Vleuten sees Vollering as Kopecky's biggest competitor

But who will be her biggest challenger? The former Dutch pro believes it will be Vollering. "Her new team is fully backing Demi as their absolute leader. I think that gives her a huge boost of confidence, knowing that the team has a clear plan centered around her. In previous years, things were different, but I believe this setup will really benefit Demi, even though it also comes with added pressure."

When considering other potential contenders in the classics, Van Vleuten quickly mentions Anna van der Breggen. "Anna is incredibly talented. She started training early, and that has certainly helped her. She’s already at an impressive level, but whether she can truly compete for the win yet, I’m not sure. Still, I believe she can definitely play a role in the race."

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Kopecky in Paris-Roubaix

Van der Poel and Pogacar will dominate according to Terpstra

And in the men’s races? Terpstra expects a head-to-head battle between Mathieu van der Poel and Tadej Pogacar. "I really think it will come down to Van der Poel and Pogacar. Of course, there are other riders who can make it difficult for these two titans. Of course, I’m thinking of Wout van Aert. Behind these three, I also expect a lot from Arnaud De Lie and Jasper Philipsen."

"Then you have a group of about ten more riders behind them, but Van der Poel and Pogacar are really on another level," continues the former Paris-Roubaix winner. "I expect fewer solo victories this year, but a lot of early attacks. However, in the end, it will probably be the two best riders breaking away together and dominating the race."

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Pogacar previously won the Tour of Flanders

"Pogacar is a real gem for the sport"

Even though Pogacar’s main goal is in July, he is still racing an incredibly full spring schedule—something both he and the fans enjoy. "Pogacar is truly a gem for the sport. He doesn’t follow all the tactical plans and just does what he feels like, which is amazing to watch. The way he attacked 90 (!) kilometers from the finish at the World Championships in Zurich was just insane."

But Terpstra is also hugely impressed by Van der Poel, who is chasing his fourth victory in the Tour of Flanders. "It’s truly incredible that Van der Poel has already won Flanders Finest three times at his age. It’s an extremely tough race with a long history, and the fact that no one has ever won it four times just says it all."

And for Van Aert—does he still have hope? Terpstra thinks so. "Every year, he starts with the mindset of: 'This has to be the year.' He continues to show how incredibly strong he is, and most winners of the Tour of Flanders are between 30 and 35 years old, so it’s definitely still possible for him."

Read also

How can Van der Poel and Van Aert beat Pogacar in the Tour of Flanders? "Attacking before Pogacar is impossible"

Van der Poel (with a stuffy nose) happy his team ignores criticism of him: "If they took that away from me..."

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