Van Aert And Philipsen Face Off In The Last Rehearsal Before The Tour Of Flanders

The Belgian Duel: Van Aert and Philipsen Face Off in the Last Test Before the Tour of Flanders

Roeselare and Waregem will be the scene of an epic battle between two of the most outstanding cyclists in the peloton, just days before the classic “De Ronde”.

This Wednesday, the 80th edition of the flamenco classic Through Flanders promises to be one of the most anticipated competitions of the season, with the Belgians Wout Van Aert and Jasper Philipsen as the main favorites. The route, 185 kilometers between Roeselare and Waregem, will serve as the last big test before the emblematic Tour of Flandersscheduled for next Sunday.

Despite the absence of big names such as Tadej Pogacar and Mathieu Van der Poelwho have decided to reserve their strength for “De Ronde”, the event will not lack emotion. A large group of runners emerge as the main contenders, guaranteeing a day full of spectacle until the last meter.

Van Aert and his strength in the prelude to the Tour

The name of Wout Van Aert It is one of the most anticipated in this edition. After his recent third place in the Milan-San Remo and an outstanding performance in the Ghent-Wevelgemalthough without winning the gold, the Belgian presents himself as a clear favorite. Van Aert has shown impressive physical shape, making him one of the strongest riders heading into the next Tour of Flanders. This Wednesday, he will seek to continue fine-tuning his form with the aim of winning one of the most important competitions of the season.

Inside the team Vismathe Belgian will share the spotlight with the Frenchman Christophe Laportewho already knows what it is to taste triumph in Waregem, after his victory in the 2023 edition. Together, they will fight for victory against other great contenders, among which the sprinter stands out Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin), who has just won the Fields of Flanders and is one of the favorites if the race is decided in a sprint.

Furthermore, the fight for victory will not only be between these two great cyclists. Mads Pedersen (Lidl Trek), who has overcome a recent illness, is also among the favorites. The Dane will compete alongside the Italian giant Jonathan Milanwhile other names like Paul Magnier (Soudal), Filippo Ganna (Ineos) or Arnaud De Lie (Lotto) also emerge as possible surprises of the day.

The team Movistar It is presented with a group of cyclists willing to give their best. Iván García Cortina, Carlos Canal, Jon Barrenetxea, Lorenzo Milesi, Orluis Aular, Gonzalo Serrano and Albert Torres will be in charge of representing the Spanish team in this classic. On the other hand, Burgos Burpellet BH will also be at the start with the hope of making a breakaway and adding points for their classification.

The Course: Walls and Pavé Will Challenge Runners

The layout of this edition of Through Flanders It won't be easy at all. With 184.6 kilometers of route, cyclists will have to face a series of obstacles that will test their resistance and their ability to adapt to the most demanding terrain of Flanders.

The start of the race, until kilometer 50, will be relatively flat, but from that point onwards the cyclists will enter the most difficult parts of the route. The first climbs will begin with the Hellestraat (km 47.5), a 1.3 kilometer elevation with an average slope of 3.7%. From there, cyclists will face a circuit full of difficulties, with climbs such as Berg Ten Houte (1 km at 5.8%), Knokteberg–Trieu (1.1 km at 7.7%) and Hotond (1.2 km at 3.3%). In addition, the cobbled sections, such as Mariaborrestraat, will be repeated twice, which will add difficulty to the already complicated route.

Upon reaching the halfway point, runners will have to tackle the Onderbossenaarstraat (1.4 km at 4.9%) and a slope of the Taaienberg, before going through the climbs to the Eikenberg, Doorn and Huisepontweg. The final circuit will be decisive, with two passes through the Nokereberg (0.4 km at 2.8%) and the cobbled stretch of Herlegemstraat, just before the finish, just 9.5 kilometers from the finish line.

Latest Winners: Who Will Reign in This Edition?

The 2025 edition of this flamenco classic will be remembered for a surprising outcome. The American Neilson Powless won a tight sprint, achieving victory against three cyclists from the Visma: Van Aert, Benoot and Jorgenson. The podium made it clear that anything can happen in this classic, so a new surprise is not ruled out this year.

The last winners of Through Flanders are:

• 2025: Neilson Powless (USA)
• 2024: Matteo Jorgenson (USA)
• 2023: Christophe Laporte (FRA)
• 2022: Mathieu Van der Poel (PSB)
• 2021: Dylan Van Baarle (PSB)

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is “Across Flanders”?

It is a cycling classic that takes place in the region of Flanders, Belgium. It takes place in the days before the Tour of Flanders and is considered an important test for the cyclists who will participate in the latter.

2. What is the route of this edition like?

The 184.6 kilometer route has a varied profile, with a combination of climbs and cobbled sections. The most difficult part begins after kilometer 50, with various elevations and paves that challenge the runners.

3. Who are the main favorites?

The favorites to win the race are Wout Van Aert and Jasper Philipsenalthough cyclists like Mads Pedersen and Christophe Laporte They also have a chance to win.

4. What other teams will participate in the classic?

In addition to the aforementioned equipment, the sets of Movistar and Burgos Burpellet BHamong others.

5. What obstacles must the cyclists overcome in the race?

Riders will face 11 walls and 6 paved sections, including climbs such as Hellestraat, Nokereberg and Herlegemstraat, which will test their endurance and technical skills.

6. What impact does this race have on the Tour of Flanders?

It is an important test for the cyclists who will compete in the Tour of Flanders, as it allows them to adjust their physical and tactical shape before the big event.

7. What was the most surprising outcome in previous editions?

In 2025, Neilson Powless He surprised everyone by winning the sprint against three cyclists from the team Vismaincluding Van Aert.

8. What factors can decide victory?

The route, with its climbs and pavé sections, as well as