Pogačar puts in brave display in cobbles debut

Tadej Pogačar showed his capabilities on the Belgian cobblestones to take 10th place at Dwars Door Vlaanderen.

The winning move went clear inside -60km to go with Mathieu Van Der Poel (Alpecin-Fenix) taking the sprint in a two-up gallop with Tiesj Benoot (Jumbo-Visma).

Pogačar pursued the 6 man move aggressively but was forced to chase from a group behind and would not see the front of the race.

 
Tadej Pogačar: “It was a really good experience. At a key moment there was a crash and I got caught behind. I missed the front group and tried to come back with an effort but they were too strong. I tried many times and in the end to get back to the front but that’s racing.

It was a good race. I should have been closer to the front when the move went but I feel for sure I’ve learned a lot. In the first hour there were big fights for the original breakaway so I got the feeling of how hectic these races can be on the narrow roads. I’m excited for Sunday.”

Mikkel Bjerg was involved in a crash during the race suffering a sprained ankle and was later taken to hospital as a precaution.

 
Dwars Door Vlaanderen results

1.Mathieu Van Der Poel (Alpecin-Fenix) 4:05:39
2.Tiesj Benoot (Jumbo Visma) +1’’
3.Tom Pidcock (Ineos-Grenadiers) +5’’
10.Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) 2’08’’