"I sure didn't want Remco back..." - Tadej Pogacar takes second Monument of 2026 to keep historic clean sweep bid alive with Tour of Flanders win

Tadej Pogacar’s victory at the 2026 Tour of Flanders was not just another Monument added to his palmares, but another step towards a potentially unprecedented season.

Fresh from his maiden Milano-Sanremo triumph earlier in the spring, the Slovenian has now made it two from two in Monument races this year, keeping alive the prospect of a clean sweep across all five of cycling’s biggest one-day races.

In Oudenaarde, however, it was far from straightforward. The race unfolded as a long and unpredictable battle before exploding on the decisive climbs, where Pogacar once again proved untouchable.

“It was a really crazy race today,” Pogacar said after the finish. “It was super hard from… I don’t know which kilometre, and it was a waiting game.”

That sense of control and patience defined his ride. While the race fractured across the cobbles and climbs of Flanders, Pogacar remained composed, waiting for the moment to turn pressure into separation.

When the decisive group formed with Mathieu van der Poel and Remco Evenepoel, cooperation was brief but significant. “It was an effort putting on the pedals when the group formed, but I was happy that we kind of cooperated,” he explained.

The presence of Evenepoel in that front group was not something Pogacar was willing to tolerate for long. “I sure didn’t want Remco back in the group because I know how strong of an endurance rider he is,” Pogacar said. “He can always overcome in the end.”

That awareness shaped the next phase of the race. Rather than waiting for a sprint or allowing the group to stabilise, Pogacar committed fully to forcing a gap. “I really tried to make a gap.”

That move ultimately proved decisive. On the final ascent of the Oude Kwaremont, Pogacar’s acceleration broke the race apart, distancing Evenepoel and then Van der Poel before he powered clear alone towards Oudenaarde.

Despite his dominance, Pogacar was clear about the expectations that come with his limited but targeted racing programme. “I don’t race too much, so when I race there’s pressure to win,” he admitted.

So far in 2026, that pressure has only translated into results. Two Monuments raced, two victories secured, and a growing sense that something historic could be within reach. “So far, everything has gone perfectly for me, and I can be more than happy.”

With Paris-Roubaix next on the calendar, Pogacar’s campaign now moves into very different terrain, but the ambition remains unchanged. “Next week in Roubaix, I will be motivated, but will try to enjoy the cobbles.”

For now, though, Flanders belongs to Pogacar once again, and the dream of a complete Monument clean sweep remains firmly alive.