Another race around Flanders, another three Visma-Lease a Bike riders at the front. And yes another race they didn’t win – the Dutch team’s wait for a victory in a big Classic this season goes on. But the Tour of Flanders was a whole lot different to Dwars door Vlaanderen. Instead of losing a three vs one sprint, they lost to Tadej Pogačar; rather than succumbing to the pressure and criticism that has been bestowed on them after their midweek embarrassment, they acted decisively by animating the race; and most importantly, while doubts previously persisted over Wout van Aert’s form, the Belgian demonstrated once again that he’s still right in the mix, attacking late on and finishing fourth in Oudenaarde.

The win eluded them yet again but there’s still time – and hope – for Visma to salvage their Classics season. Apart from securing the Flanders win, Visma did just about everything right at De Ronde; team sports director Grischa Niermann said as much: “I don’t think we made many mistakes today,” he said. In all honesty, they didn’t. When Pogačar set the race alight with 55km to go on the Kwaremont, three Visma riders were within sight: Van Aert, Matteo Jorgenson and up ahead courtesy of infiltrating an earlier break, Tiesj Benoot. Wednesday’s Humiliated Three back in action.

This article was published by Rouleur during the 2025 Tour of Flanders. You can read the full article here.