Tour of Flanders 2022 - Fifteen days after comeback, Mathieu van der Poel proves he is a ‘level above everyone’

Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Fenix) illustrated he is a “level above everyone” in his Tour of Flanders triumph, according to Discovery Cycling expert Dan Lloyd. In the absence of rival Wout van Aert (Jumbo-Visma), the second Monument of 2022 came down to a head-to-head showdown between the Dutchman and Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) – or so we first thought.

Ad/> Van der Poel, who had found himself in two-up finales in the past two seasons in Flanders – boasting one win and one loss – opted for different tactics this time and elected to slow himself and Pogacar to a near-standstill. Ronde van VlaanderenOpinion: Pogacar's podium implosion was unavoidably glorious2 HOURS AGO It was only when Dylan van Baarle (Ineos Grenadiers) and Valentin Madouas (Groupama-FDJ) arrived on the scene that Van der Poel exploded to the line, his gamble paying dividends as he took victory and Pogacar somehow finished off the podium.

It capped a remarkable comeback for Van der Poel, who only made his first competitive appearance of the season at Milan-San Remo a fortnight ago after a longstanding back complaint. He came third at the Italian Monument before triumphing at Dwars door Vlaanderen and Flanders.

Opinion: Pogacar's podium implosion was unavoidably glorious Pogacar’s 'anger' over blunder only further proves his quality – Wiggins “We were all incredibly surprised he was even on the start line for San Remo,” said Lloyd on The Breakaway. “It’s not a surprise because he is that talented but every time he does it you’re still thinking ‘my goodness’.

That’s just a level above everyone.” Van der Poel won the race ahead of Van Baarle and Madouas after Pogacar inexplicably decided not to drive on the pace in the closing stages. “He’s started