"We had a super good race" - Nils Politt upgraded to podium as UAE Team Emirates finish 3rd, 4th, 5th at 2024 Tour of Flanders

Although Nils Politt was unable to cross the line in the top 3 at Tour of Flanders 2024, a post-race relegation for Michael Matthews has seen the German boosted onto the final podium.

Although Tadej Pogacar was absent, Politt's performance was one of many impressive showings by UAE Team Emirates as they claimed 3rd, 4th and 5th on the day through Politt, Mikkel Bjerg and Antonio Morgado. "We had a super good race," reflects Politt afterwards. "We were always up there at the front and in the end we had four guys up there."

Speaking before the news of Matthews' relegation had reached him, Politt admitted sprinting to 4th was a bitter disappointment. "Just miss out on the podium," he says with a wry smile. "But eh, what else can you do?"

In the sprint for the line, Matthews cut across Politt, forcing the German into the barriers. He was however, full of praise for the clear winner on the day, Mathieu van der Poel. "He's the world champion and he showed why today!"