Ronde van Vlaanderen (Belgium) - Press Release: Just like in 2020 and 2021, the Tour of Flanders ended in a nerve-racking sprint. And just like the past two years, Van der Poel was one of the main protagonists. The Dutchman took his second victory in the Minderbroedersstraat, ahead of Van Baarle and Madouas.

The start of the 106th Tour of Flanders in Antwerp takes place at 10am. The fans are there to cheer on their favourites. After 15km we know the escapees of the day who will write the first hours of the race story. There are 9 of them: Dewulf (AG2R Citroën Team), Grignard (Lotto Soudal), Boaro (Astana Qazaqstan Team), Kanter (Movistar Team), Cofidis (Bohli), Paasschens (Bingoal Pauwels Sauces WB), De Vylder (Sport Vlaanderen-Baloise), Mozzato (B&B Hotels - KTM) and Van der Hoorn (Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert Matériaux).

At the last time on the Oude Kwaremont, Pogacar sets the pace again. The only one who can follow is Van der Poel. The duo pull together to the final climb of the Paterberg. On the final climb it's Van der Poel who gets in trouble in the gutter, but Pogacar doesn't get away. The two of them ride to the finish in the Minderbroedersstraat in Oudenaarde. There the leaders play poker and it is almost suprlace to the finish. Van Baarle and Madouas join their slipstream at 250m from the finish, just when Van der Poel starts his sprint. Van der Poel takes his second victory, ahead of Van Baarle and Madouas. Pogacar gets blocked in the sprint and finishes in fourth place.

Photo: Photonews.