Slovenian experts dismiss claims that Tadej Pogacar makes cycling boring: "Look at how many people are on the roadside"

Tadej Pogacar delivered another masterclass at the 2026 Tour of Flanders. Even more importantly, the clear takeaway from this victory is that his form opens the door to think big looking ahead to Paris-Roubaix - the last Monument missing in Pogacar's palmares. That was the general consensus reached by several experts on a Slovenian Tour 202 podcast.

The UAE Team Emirates - XRG leader’s third win reinforces a trend that is starting to feel inevitable. "I don’t know what can still surprise you when someone takes the 111th victory of his career. We all know, even the riders, what is going to happen, but no one can stop it. That’s what’s left and I want it to last as long as possible," explained journalist Luka Dolar.

In the same vein, his colleague and fellow Slovenian cycling expert Igor Tominec stressed the result was within expectations: "In Flanders we all knew Tadej was the big favourite, and if nothing really bad happened, he was going to win."

One of the most striking aspects was Pogacar’s power outside his usual terrain. "He was also stronger than Van der Poel on the flat, so I’m optimistic and think he’ll fight him for the win at the next Monument, Paris-Roubaix," added Tominec.

The analysis was rounded out by former professional Jure Zrimsek, who broke down the decisive moment.

"When they were alone, Remco was just behind, five to ten seconds. Mathieu had to work if he wanted to secure second place. He dropped behind Tadej even before the finish, so I think he knew a few kilometres earlier he wouldn’t be able to hold his pace. He collaborated with him so Evenepoel wouldn’t catch him. It was clear that Tadej began to ramp it up quickly on the Oude Kwaremont and that he was also very fast on the flat."

Remco Evenepoel’s role also featured in the discussion. Zrimsek pointed to how the outcome might have shifted: "Then Tadej wouldn’t have been so far back. Everything would have reset. Everyone would know their place and race accordingly."

He also sketched a possible scenario for the next big appointment - the Paris-Roubaix: "Next weekend, if UAE Emirates - XRG start attacking early, Tadej will have a great chance. The weather looks good, so we’ll need to go on the offensive quickly to wear down our rivals."

Despite criticism about the predictability of his wins, the Slovenian’s pull with the public seems indisputable. "We often see comments saying Tadej Pogacar makes the race less interesting. Those who say this don’t look at how many people are on the roadside," noted Tominec. "From what I’ve heard, there may even have been the largest number of fans in the route’s history; even when the Belgians were winning, there weren’t that many."

The early chaos at the level crossing also came under debate. Zrimsek offered a cautious explanation: "I think the riders at the front saw the flashing lights, while those a bit further back were perhaps talking to someone and not paying much attention. If all those in front had stopped, there could have been a crash."

The analysts agreed to downplay rider responsibility and dismiss any major sanctions.

With Flanders in the rear-view mirror, all eyes turn to the Hell of the North. And if one thing is clear after this analysis, it’s that Pogacar doesn’t just dominate on the climbs: he now commands respect on the flat too, a detail that could prove decisive in Roubaix.