Alberto Bettiol warns Pogacar, van Aert and van der Poel ahead of Tour of Flanders - "A surprise could also happen at the end"

Tour of Flanders is one of the five monuments, and achieving victory in this race is a distinguished achievement. Alberto Bettiol, who tasted success in 2019, is familiar with the sensation of standing at the top of the podium. Although he won't be competing this time, he's enthusiastic about watching Mathieu van der Poel, Wout van Aert, and Tadej Pogacar put on a brilliant display.

Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Bettiol offers insights into what he believes will happen during the race. “We won't have to make the race, though. The three phenomena, they will write the script of Flanders. Each team will try to come up with a strategy in case something goes wrong with Van Aert, van der Poel and Pogacar. That is also the only hope they can have. We all know we have to anticipate, but a surprise could also happen at the end. After all, the wind is against them in the last eight kilometres and if they look at each other too much, the chasers might come back.”

Bettiol believes that the trio possess a particular set of skills that make them stand out from their competitors. “Pogacar has his talent, while Van Aert does well anywhere and everywhere. Van der Poel, in turn, has incredible acceleration. What I respect most is that they stay at the top without any problems. It is not easy to be them, with this popularity and media exposure. They manage that very well, they are not easily influenced.”

According to Bettiol, Pogacar would benefit from going all out on the Oude Kwaremont. “Otherwise I don't know where he can ride them loose. With Van Aert, then again, I don't know how much he wants to sprint against Van der Poel, because he already lost that sprint in 2020,” concluded Bettiol.