THEMOVE Are Van der Poel & Van Aert Ready for Pogačar at Flanders? | Gent-Wevelgem & Catalunya Breakdown | THEMOVE
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Mar 30, 2026 
George Hincapie, former pro classics specialist, offers on-the-ground race analysis. Johan Bruyneel, ex-director and tactician, provides strategic and historical perspective. They dissect Van Aert vs Van der Poel moves, why long attacks succeed or fail, smarter pelotons reeling breakaways, Philipsen’s sprint win, and Vingegaard’s control at Catalunya.
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Peloton Learning Ends Long Solo Dominance
- Gent-Wevelgem showed the peloton is getting smarter at organized chases, neutralizing long solo moves by top riders like Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert.
- Jasper Philipsen and Alpecin timed a perfect response with Philipsen sitting in wheels and attacking the sprint when the catch came.
Van Der Poel Uses Tests Not Just Attacks
- Van der Poel repeatedly launches long tests on climbs even when risk of being caught is high because he needs to discover who can follow him before Flanders.
- His Camelberg attack looked like a selective test rather than an all-in solo, explaining why he was 'feathering' at times.
Wait For The Third Rider To Secure The Finish
- If you were in the team car for a two-up move, advise riders to wait for a slightly dropped third like Florian Vermeersch to join and use three riders' engines to the finish.
- Johan recommended steady pacing after the Camelberg to maintain a three-man advantage rather than risking being caught solo.