"He announced it on 1 April, so maybe it was a joke" - Tadej Pogacar's tells initial reaction to Remco Evenepoel's Flanders reveal

Tadej Pogacar has landed on Belgian soil, ready to take on one of the season’s biggest challenges: the Tour of Flanders, this Sunday, fifth of April. Beforehand, he has discussed several topics, including the inclusion of Remco Evenepoel.

The Slovenian phenomenon arrives aiming for a third win at the “Ronde”, which would put him alongside race legends Achiel Buysse, Fiorenzo Magni, Eric Leman, Johan Museeuw, Tom Boonen, Fabian Cancellara and Mathieu van der Poel. He also weighed in on Remco Evenepoel’s presence at the race.

In an interview with Sporza’s Vive le Vélo he explained how he feels just days out: “I can’t wait to start on Sunday. I already felt the fans’ excitement at the airport. People were waiting for autographs and photos. Suddenly you feel you’re back in the country of the race.” The emotion and bond with the Belgian public seem to have recharged him, a reminder that he is at one of the sport’s most iconic appointments.

Recalling his first experiences at the Flemish Monument, Pogacar underlined the atmosphere’s intensity: “It was truly incredible how much atmosphere there was on the route and how many people go to all those climbs.” The passion of the spectators and the demands of the terrain spur him on, knowing every kilometre in Flanders requires focus, strength, and strategy. Those memories have also deepened his connection with fans and reinforced his status as one of his generation’s greats.

As for preparation, Pogacar sounded calm and assured: “I think and hope I’m ready. I’ve had good training and after Sanremo I took some time off. My crash there? It was a heavy one, but I didn’t have deep wounds. So they didn’t affect me for long.” He makes it clear the recovery was swift and his condition will allow him to handle Flanders’ exacting roads. His discipline and control in preparation reflect experience and a winning mindset.

Beyond himself, Pogacar keeps an eye on his team and those around him. Speaking about his loyal lieutenant Florian Vermeersch, who was by his side during the show, he said: “They were very interesting races. Florian did great. I always made sure to get back from training early enough to watch, or I rewound the race to see it later.” Their bond is evident, with jokes that strengthen the relationship: “What did I message him? ‘Why don’t you win?’, I told my teammate, joking.”

Pogacar adds that Vermeersch always replies with positivity: “No, he always congratulates me and sends positive comments. For now he’s a great teammate.” That kind of camaraderie is crucial in long, tactically complex races, where mutual support can be decisive.

On the competition, Pogacar admits that riders like Remco Evenepoel add extra motivation and jeopardy: “I was a bit surprised by Evenepoel’s participation, but at the same time not. I’d heard rumours a while ago. He announced it on 1 April, so maybe it was a joke. No, it’s good to see him on the start line on Sunday.” Rivalry with other big names sharpens his desire to shine and underscores that every win in Flanders carries special weight.

Pogacar closes by reflecting on motivation and future goals: “For now I’m enjoying the moment. And there are still objectives I want to achieve. But I know motivation will decline in the coming years. So somehow we’ll have to find a way to stay motivated.” For now, his enthusiasm is intact, and his arrival in Belgium sets the stage for a Sunday of high drama and a showcase of talent across Flanders’ cobbles and climbs.