Tadej Pogacar Wins Second Flèche Wallonne

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Tadej pogačar Conquers Flèche Wallonne again: Is This the Start of a New Era?

Did you hear the roar echoing from the Huy Wall on April 23,2025? Tadej Pogačar,the Slovenian cycling phenom,just etched his name deeper into cycling lore,claiming his second Flèche Wallonne victory. [[1]] But this isn’t just another win; it’s a statement. A statement that Pogačar’s dominance is far from over, and the cycling world needs to brace itself for what’s to come.

The Huy Wall: Pogačar’s Playground

The Flèche Wallonne,a grueling one-day classic in Belgium,is notorious for its punishing final climb up the Mur de Huy,or the Huy Wall. This isn’t your average hill; it’s a wall, with gradients reaching a leg-burning 26%. It’s a climb that separates the contenders from the pretenders, and on Wednesday, Pogačar proved once again he’s in a league of his own.

Pogačar launched his attack with 400 meters to go, a move that left his rivals gasping for air. France’s Kevin Vauquelin and Britain’s Tom Pidcock fought valiantly,but they couldn’t match Pogačar’s explosive power. The world champion, wearing the rainbow jersey with pride, crossed the finish line victorious, adding another prestigious title to his already remarkable resume. [[2]]

Quick fact: The Mur de huy is approximately 1.3 kilometers long with an average gradient of 9.6%, but sections reach a staggering 26%. It’s a true test of strength and endurance.

The Ardennes Classics: A New King?

Flèche wallonne is the second of the three Ardennes Classics, a series of challenging one-day races held in the hilly Ardennes region of Belgium and the Netherlands. With his Flèche Wallonne win, the question now is: can Pogačar complete the Ardennes triple? Winning Amstel Gold Race, Flèche Wallonne, and Liège-Bastogne-Liège in the same year is a rare feat, a true testament to a rider’s versatility and strength.

Liège-Bastogne-Liège: The final Hurdle

Liège-Bastogne-Liège, nicknamed “La Doyenne” (the Old Lady), is the oldest of the Classics and arguably the most prestigious. Its length and relentless climbs make it a true war of attrition. Pogačar has already conquered Liège-Bastogne-Liège before [[2]], but winning it as world champion, after already claiming Flèche Wallonne, would cement his status as a cycling legend.

The American cycling community will be watching closely. While the Ardennes Classics aren’t as widely followed in the US as the Tour de France, the rise of streaming services and cycling-specific channels has increased their visibility.American riders frequently enough participate, and a strong performance by an American could further boost interest in these races.

Expert Tip: Pay attention to team tactics in Liège-Bastogne-Liège. The long distance and challenging terrain often require strong teamwork to position the leader for the final climbs.

The World Champion’s Curse? Not for pogačar

There’s a saying in cycling: the rainbow jersey is cursed. The rider who wears the world champion’s jersey frequently enough struggles to perform at their best, burdened by the pressure and expectations. But Pogačar seems immune to this curse. His Flèche Wallonne victory is a clear indication that he’s not just wearing the jersey; he’s honoring it with his performances.

He becomes only the seventh rider to win Flèche Wallonne while wearing the world champion’s jersey, following in the footsteps of cycling greats like julian Alaphilippe, who achieved the feat in 2021.This puts Pogačar in elite company, further solidifying his place among the sport’s all-time greats.

The Challengers: Who Can Stop Pogačar?

While Pogačar’s dominance is undeniable, he’s not invincible. Several riders are capable of challenging him, and the coming races promise to be exciting battles. remco Evenepoel, the young Belgian prodigy, is always a threat, especially on challenging courses. While he finished ninth in Flèche Wallonne, expect him to be a major contender in Liège-bastogne-Liège.

The French contingent,led by lenny Martinez and Romain Grégoire,also showed their strength in Flèche Wallonne,finishing fourth and seventh,respectively. These young riders are hungry for success and could surprise Pogačar if he’s not at his best.

American Underdogs: Could We See a Surprise?

While not considered favorites for the Ardennes Classics, several American riders are competing in these races. Keep an eye out for riders like neilson powless, who has shown promise in hilly classics. A strong performance by an American rider would be a major boost for cycling in the United States, possibly inspiring a new generation of cyclists.

Did you know? Greg LeMond was the last American to win the World road Race Championships, back in 1983. An american victory in a major classic would be a significant milestone.

Beyond the Ardennes: Pogačar’s Grand Tour Ambitions

While the Ardennes Classics are significant, Pogačar’s ultimate goal is likely to win more Grand Tours. He’s already a two-time Tour de France champion [[2]], and he’s made it clear that he wants to add more titles to his name. His performance in the Ardennes Classics will be a key indicator of his form heading into the Grand Tour season.

His recent Giro d’Italia and Tour de France victory [[3]] demonstrates his astonishing progress and mental fortitude. He’s not just a talented rider; he’s a smart racer who knows how to win.

The American Perspective: Will We See Pogačar Race in the US?

While Pogačar primarily races in Europe, there’s always the possibility that he could compete in races in the United States.The Tour of California,while currently defunct,could be revived,and Pogačar’s participation would undoubtedly draw huge crowds and boost the profile of the race. The growing popularity of gravel racing in the US could also attract Pogačar, as he’s shown an interest in different cycling disciplines.

The Future of cycling: Pogačar’s Influence

Tadej Pogačar is more than just a cyclist

Time.news Asks: Is Tadej Pogačar Redefining Cycling Dominance? – An Interview with Cycling Expert, Dr. Anya Sharma

Keywords: tadej Pogačar, Flèche Wallonne, Ardennes Classics, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, cycling, professional cycling, World Champion, Mur de huy, cycling news, Tour de France, cycling dominance, american cycling

Time.news: Dr. Sharma, thanks for joining us. Tadej Pogačar’s recent victory at Flèche Wallonne has the cycling world buzzing. Is this just another race win, or are we witnessing something truly special?

dr. Anya Sharma: Thanks for having me. I think it’s more than “just another win.” Pogačar isn’t just winning; he’s demonstrating an exceptional level of dominance on extremely challenging courses.Flèche Wallonne, with its brutal Mur de Huy, is a prime example. His ability to conquer that final climb speaks volumes about his current form and mental fortitude.

Time.news: The Mur de Huy is certainly a formidable climb.Can you explain to our readers why it’s such a meaningful factor in the Flèche Wallonne?

Dr. Anya Sharma: Absolutely. The Mur de Huy, or the Huy Wall, is only about 1.3 kilometers long, but the gradient averages almost 10%, with sections reaching a staggering 26%. It’s not just about power; it’s about pacing, positioning, and mental toughness. Riders need to conserve energy throughout the race and then unleash everything they have in those final, incredibly steep meters.It’s a true test of a cyclist’s all-around ability.

Time.news: Pogačar is now aiming for the Ardennes triple – winning Amstel Gold Race, Flèche Wallonne, and Liège-Bastogne-Liège.How difficult is that achievement, and what are his chances?

Dr. Anya sharma: Winning all three Ardennes Classics in a single year is incredibly rare. It requires a unique combination of strength, endurance, and tactical awareness. Liège-Bastogne-Liège, or “La Doyenne,” will be the biggest challenge.It’s a longer race with relentless climbs. Pogačar has won it before, which obviously helps his confidence and he has demonstrated a superior ability to recover within a multi-day stage race, but he’ll need to be at his absolute best from the beginning, including at the Amstel Gold race, and the team strategy will be crucial in Liege.

Time.news: There’s the frequently enough-cited “World Champion’s Curse” in cycling. Yet, Pogačar seems unaffected. Why is he managing to perform so well in the rainbow jersey?

Dr.Anya Sharma: It’s psychological, that’s for sure. The curse often stems from the heightened pressure and expectation associated with wearing the World Champion’s jersey. Pogačar, however, appears to thrive under pressure.He uses the rainbow jersey as motivation, a symbol of his achievement rather than a burden. also, he is smart enough to surround himself from people who are not contributing to this pressure, who know how to keep him shielded from the noise and focused on what matters.

Time.news: Who do you see as Pogačar’s main rivals in the upcoming races,especially in liège-Bastogne-Liège?

Dr. Anya Sharma: Remco Evenepoel is always a threat. He’s strong in these kinds of challenging races. The French riders, Lenny Martinez and Romain Grégoire definitely demonstrated strong skills in the Huy wall and other smaller races, respectively, showcasing they can become serious threats for Pogačar. It will be engaging to see how they evolve in Liege. Keep an eye on team tactics in Liège-Bastogne-Liège. The long distance and challenging terrain often require strong teamwork to position the leader for the final climbs.

Time.news: What advice would you give to aspiring cyclists who are inspired by Pogačar’s performance?

Dr. Anya Sharma: Focus on building a strong foundation of endurance and strength. Don’t neglect the mental aspect of cycling. Learn to push through discomfort and stay focused on your goals. also, remember that cycling is a team sport. Learn to work with others and support your teammates. And enjoy the ride! Cycling is a stunning sport, and it’s important to appreciate the journey. Also, incorporate interval training into your routine to build explosive power for climbs like the Mur de Huy.

Time.news: Shifting gears slightly, how would a Pogačar presence impact the emerging cycling landscape in the United States?

Dr. Anya Sharma: It would be huge! While cycling awareness is not super popular in the region, his personality might bring a new crowd that might or else be left out.If the Tour of California were to be revived, his participation would undoubtedly draw massive crowds.even his competing in gravel races here would generate incredible excitement and boost the profile of the sport.

Time.news: Dr. Sharma, any final thoughts on Pogačar’s impact on the future of cycling?

Dr. Anya Sharma: Tadej Pogačar is not just a dominant cyclist; he’s a role model and an inspiration. His dedication, his sportsmanship, and his love for the sport are infectious. He has been making great progress,both mentally and physically. He’s raising the bar and inspiring a new generation of cyclists.He will no doubt continue to shape professional riding for years to come.And he is doing it while encouraging people to have a clean and honest engagement with the sport, which is the best way to raise the impact of sport activities in society.

Time.news: Dr. Sharma, thank you for your insights. It’s been a pleasure.