"Really a dream come true" - Tadej Pogacar's Flandrien trip becomes once-in-a-lifetime ride for two young Belgian fans
Cycling
Tadej Pogacar is a sensation like no other in the current peloton and everywhere he goes there is a spotlight and fans looking to follow him on the bike. It was no exception when he made the trip to Flanders this past Saturday to recon the Ronde, as a small group of young Belgian riders followed him and came out with a dream story.
Young cyclist Maurits Baart and his friend happened to come across with none other than the rainbow jersey himself whilst out training in their area. "I was in Kluisbergen with my training buddy Melvin Maddelein, when I immediately recognized Tadej by his bike', the young rider told Het Laatste Nieuws.
Pogacar's appearance in the streets of northern France may have gathered the most attention, but to fans it almost completely escaped their eye. In Flanders however, the two fans managed to share some training time with them and even a picture.
"Really a dream come true. Of all the riders you hope to meet on such a training, Pogacar is of course the ultimate man. The best rider in the peloton," Baart stated. In Spain, spotting the World Champion and his UAE Team Emirates - XRG teammates was also a big deal for many, the videos and pictures that came out of it kept fans entertained in the dark months of road cycling.
"Tim Wellens rode next to him and together with Melvin we quickly nestled in their rear wheel. I then asked him, laughing, whether he shouldn't be in Spain, to which he replied 'almost'. It was clear that he was in a good mood," he details. "He certainly didn't find it annoying at all that we were following him. I think they were a bit out of control, for us it was 'cleaning our toes' to follow of course. At one point we reached a speed of 47.6 km/h".
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"Tadej Pogacar training on Arenberg" https://t.co/830T4l6o88 pic.twitter.com/PifuXW9YxQ
— Intermarché-Wanty (@IntermarcheW) February 11, 2025
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